Degenerates

In the tradition of Girl, Interrupted, this novel follows four young women in the early 20th century who are locked up in the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded, where they are treated as morons, imbeciles, and idiots by vicious attendants and bullying older girls. Maxine is determined to protect her sister Rose, Alice is left there when her brother cannot bring himself to support her, and London is dragged there from her best foster situation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

In the realm of historical fiction, this captivating novel emerges as a poignant portrayal of a harsh, chilling reality, while also celebrating the unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit of the individuals who had to endure it. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Girl, Interrupted, this fiery narrative unfolds as it follows the lives of four young women during the early 20th century, whose paths intertwine when they find themselves confined within the walls of the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded. This institution, far from being a place of joy and solace, serves as a haunting reflection of a society that marginalized, stigmatized, and relegated the poor, disabled, and marginalized to a life of captivity and institutionalization.

Within the confines of this institution, the young women who reside there certainly do not harbor any illusions of happiness. Maxine, driven by an unyielding protectiveness towards her younger sister Rose, finds herself navigating a realm where vicious attendants and bullying older girls treat them with disdain, labeling them as morons, imbeciles, and idiots, as determined by the judgments of the doctors who have deemed them such. Alice, too, bears the weight of her circumstances, having been left behind when her brother could not bring himself to provide support for a sister with a club foot. And London, fresh from the best foster situation she has ever known, finds herself forcibly brought to this institution, a consequence of an unexpected and life-altering moment.

Undeterred by the bleakness of their circumstances, each of these young women possesses an unwavering determination to rewrite their destinies, no matter the cost. They form an unbreakable bond, drawing strength from their shared experiences and forming a fierce resistance against the oppressive forces that seek to keep them bound. Through their courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit, they strive to carve out a place for themselves in a world that often deems them less than worthy.

This novel serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's enduring strength and the unwavering determination to overcome adversity. It reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of justice, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. Through the lives of these four young women, we are witness to the transformative power of hope, the resilience of the human mind, and the indomitable spirit that propels us forward, even in the darkest of times.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781534419360
Edition number: Reprint