Michelle E. (leveedog) reviewed on 9/30/2010 + 3 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

A moving portrait of the faces behind mental illness that forces one to consider the life the patient once led before institutionalization.

This book tells the stories of ten patients whose belongings were found still packed in suitcases in the attic of Willard State Hospital in upstate New York. Forgotten for years, the suitcases were saved by a mental health advocate for their stories to be told. Without this book and the accompanying exhibit of the artifacts contained in the suitcases, the lives of the patients would have been forgotten. Beautifully illustrated with black and white photos of some of the belongings and photos of the patients themselves.

Especially poignant is the realization that events leading to the hospitalization of several of the book's subjects could have happened easily to any one of us. A few of the stories will definitely stay with you and you will wonder 'What if. . .'

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details