For Their Own Good
Sign in to keep track of books you’ve read and want to read.
Bradette Michel's debut novel reveals the murky, often terrifying world of nineteenth century insane asylums. Inspired by true events, For Their Own Good begins in 1857 when New York physician, Adam Fletcher leaves his familiar existence in the east to take the position of medical doctor at the Illinois State Hospital for the Insane. Almost immediately, Adam realizes his observations do not match Superintendent McFarland's arrogant descriptions of the institution's innovative treatment practices.
Read more
"Dr. McFarland told us we were the only ones who could cure the unfortunates under our care. Our benevolent kindness would lead them to sanity. At first I believed him, but it was not long before I learned of unspeakable acts committed on those lost souls."
—For Their Own Good
Adam's loyalty to Dr. McFarland is tested by the plight of four female patients committed to the asylum as a result their families' selfish interests. Mrs. Packard, locked up by her pastor husband for her religious beliefs and isolated from her family by Dr. McFarland, implores Adam to get word of her situation to the outside. Mrs. Jenkins, recovering from a breakdown after the death of her husband, seeks Adam's help to protect Georgia, a child deserted in the asylum and mistreated by the staff. Pearl, a prostitute, begs Adam to bring news of her daughter, who has been abandoned in a local brothel. Adam is most disturbed by the repeated rapes of Angelique, a lesbian. Dr. McFarland condones the assaults as treatment for her sexual inversion.
The heroic actions of Adam and these extraordinary women take place against the backdrop of a society with no room for women who challenge the existing order. For Their Own Good's characters fight against almost insurmountable odds for the lives they deserve.
Liked For Their Own Good? Here’s where I’d start.
These suit anyone who liked For Their Own Good. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.
-
Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror -
I Need You Always Shares google play
-
The Longest August: The Unflinching Rivalry Between India and Pakistan Shares google play, historical fiction -
SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES IN MENTAL HEALTH: DEVELOPING SOCIAL MODELS TO UNDERSTAND AND WORK WITH...; ED. BY JERRY TEW Shares mental disorders, mental health, psychology
