Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed In the Sanctuary of Outcasts: A Memoir (P.S.) on + 491 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was an interesting memoir written by Neil White, a man convicted of bank fraud who was sent to the Carville Federal Prison in Louisiana, a place that also served a dual purpose as the last surviving leper colony in America.
This book was very easy to read. It was simply written, honest, self-deprecating, humorous, and insightful. As someone who lives in Mississippi, I probably felt a greater sense of connection to the author and his story since I had my own personal knowledge of many of the people, places, and cultural nuances that were referenced in the book.
I do not doubt that this was a life-changing experience for the author, but a small part of me still wonders about his sincerity, even in the end. I passed on reading his book several times until it was recommended by my book club. In all, I am glad that I read it and feel like it can offer a good take-away message for anyone who reads it. At the very least it made me want to learn more about leprosy and the history of the disease both in the United States and abroad.
This is not earth-shattering literature or even a deeply moving memoir, but it was worth the read and worthy of at least a basic recommendation for others to read it as well.
This book was very easy to read. It was simply written, honest, self-deprecating, humorous, and insightful. As someone who lives in Mississippi, I probably felt a greater sense of connection to the author and his story since I had my own personal knowledge of many of the people, places, and cultural nuances that were referenced in the book.
I do not doubt that this was a life-changing experience for the author, but a small part of me still wonders about his sincerity, even in the end. I passed on reading his book several times until it was recommended by my book club. In all, I am glad that I read it and feel like it can offer a good take-away message for anyone who reads it. At the very least it made me want to learn more about leprosy and the history of the disease both in the United States and abroad.
This is not earth-shattering literature or even a deeply moving memoir, but it was worth the read and worthy of at least a basic recommendation for others to read it as well.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed learning more about Hansen's disease & the history of Carville. It was an eye-opener & reminds us that everyone is the same inside, eventhough the outside is different. Everyone needs friends & love to get through life. I am glad the author shared his life-altering experience with us!
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is the memoir of Neil White who was convicted and sent to prison in Carville in 1993 for bank fraud: For more than a century, Carville Louisiana, served as the United State's national leprosarium. Individuals who contracted the disease were forcibly quarantined at its remote location on the Mississippi river. By the 1900s, the number of patients at Carville had dwindled to 130, the very last people in the continental United States confined because of the disease. The facility had hundreds of empty beds, so the Bureau of Prisons transferred federal convicts to Carville. Mr. White's story is deeply moving & at times roll on the floor hilarious. The author does a beautiful job of introducing you to the patients and inmates at Carville. I fell in love with many of them. It became hard to find a stopping point so I finished this book in 2 days. It was enlightening in many aspects and I sure did enjoyed the 2 days I spent reading about Mr. Whites jailhouse redemption. Great book.
I enjoyed this. White mixes a memoir and a self exploratory tome with a discussion of the history and culture of lepers. I learned a lot- I had no idea that leprosy still existed, or that the US had segregated lepers in a colony in LA. The book is at times simplistic, but I enjoyed it immensely.
This story is about a time and place in the history of the U.S. that is such a travesty that was been kept under wraps
even now. The author was motivated to tell this story because of the incredible people he met and how they changed him without even meaning to.
even now. The author was motivated to tell this story because of the incredible people he met and how they changed him without even meaning to.
This was worth reading, but light on the stories of Hansens disease patients.
Totally worth reading. Very good memoir.
