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Yikes. This was a disturbing read on so many levels and so dense. It’s a work of nonfiction. Mimi and Don Galvin decided to have 12 kids. Why???? Six of those children, all male, developed schizophrenia. Yet, the parents were too busy trying to be the Joneses rather than addressing what was going on in the household - beyond the mental illness. Abuse - physical and sexual. With Mimi defending the sick ones at the cost of alienating the healthier children.

The parents did try to get the boys help eventually, but much remained unknown about the disease and the argument for nature vs nurture was pro environment in the 1950’s. We learn about the history and barbaric treatment of schizophrenia in the early years, with softer approaches emerging and nature - genetics - taking a front seat to the origins or expansion of the illness.

Much healing had to happen for those without the illness. Mostly away from the family from which it took place. The resentments, the forgiveness and the hope for a future that will better understand and accept schizophrenia and for those who suffer with it and around it.
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