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A review by boooksforbreakfast
The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann
4.0
"The Degenerates" tells a powerful and painful story set in the 1920s, focusing on four girls confined to a school for the “feeble-minded.” This institution locked up disabled individuals and others who didn't fit society’s standards, such as queer people and young pregnant girls. Though the story feels dystopian, it is rooted in historical reality.
The narrative is presented from four distinct points of view, and for me, the perspective of Rose, a sweet yet fierce girl with Down Syndrome, stood out the most. Representation of Down Syndrome in Young Adult literature is rare, particularly from the viewpoint of someone with Down Syndrome. The author’s dedication to research is amazing, and the book’s diversity is great featuring LGBTQ+ characters, characters of color, and individuals with various disabilities.
The narrative is presented from four distinct points of view, and for me, the perspective of Rose, a sweet yet fierce girl with Down Syndrome, stood out the most. Representation of Down Syndrome in Young Adult literature is rare, particularly from the viewpoint of someone with Down Syndrome. The author’s dedication to research is amazing, and the book’s diversity is great featuring LGBTQ+ characters, characters of color, and individuals with various disabilities.