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A review by lena_loves_reading
The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
» Unfortunately, today we are still undoing the damage created by the idea that diversity should be punished rather than celebrated. «
What a well researched, important novel. The main characters were amazing. The book is less than 300 pages long and fast-paced but all of them got their own backstory and development. There was a romance full of yearning as a side plot, just how I like it.
The excellent writing and detailed situations make it easy to imagine what these girls are going through. I felt so many emotions while reading; from fury to hope to sadness.
This isn't a book about girls who beat the system and get their happy ever after. This is a realistic, heart-wrenching insight into the lives of the marginalized youth in the beginning of the 20th century. The only criticism I have for this book is that the conclusion came too soon.
I think this is one of the most important YA books out there. A while ago I've watched a documentary about an institution not unlike the setting of the book and I was very disturbed when I leant that the segregation and sterilization of "lesser humans" (disabled, POC, poor) in the US and Europe lasted until the 80s and even longer in some places. I think eugenics should be more talked about; we learn about the big genocides but places like the school in this book are overlooked. I was very thankful for the historical note and the author's note at the end.
What a well researched, important novel. The main characters were amazing. The book is less than 300 pages long and fast-paced but all of them got their own backstory and development. There was a romance full of yearning as a side plot, just how I like it.
The excellent writing and detailed situations make it easy to imagine what these girls are going through. I felt so many emotions while reading; from fury to hope to sadness.
This isn't a book about girls who beat the system and get their happy ever after. This is a realistic, heart-wrenching insight into the lives of the marginalized youth in the beginning of the 20th century. The only criticism I have for this book is that the conclusion came too soon.
I think this is one of the most important YA books out there. A while ago I've watched a documentary about an institution not unlike the setting of the book and I was very disturbed when I leant that the segregation and sterilization of "lesser humans" (disabled, POC, poor) in the US and Europe lasted until the 80s and even longer in some places. I think eugenics should be more talked about; we learn about the big genocides but places like the school in this book are overlooked. I was very thankful for the historical note and the author's note at the end.
Graphic: Ableism and Child abuse