When Mortals Play God: Eugenics and One Family's Story of Tragedy, Loss, and Perseverance

The book "When Mortals Play God" explores the tragic story of an immigrant family affected by eugenics and state-sanctioned hate toward the mentally ill, revealing the importance of life, grit, and determination in relegating evil and injustice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

American history is replete with instances of discrimination in various forms, yet never before has the aftermath of America's infatuation with eugenics and its state-sanctioned policy of hatred towards individuals with mental illnesses been presented in such intimate and personal terms. In this remarkable debut book, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Erickson delves into the haunting questions that have long plagued an immigrant family. Why was a mother in her early twenties incarcerated and subsequently sterilized? What led to her three children being taken away from her and placed in an orphanage that later preyed on children? What drove her oldest son to commit an unspeakable act of violence? And, most importantly, what transpired with her youngest son, who vanished from her life and was never seen by the family again?

This is a tragic tale, yet it possesses a remarkable resilience. As officials believed that immorality and mental illness were genetically intertwined, like eye and hair color, various family members would prove them wrong. Through the lens of When Mortals Play God, readers are invited to witness the immense value of life and the remarkable power of grit and determination to overshadow evil and injustice. The book unfolds in a narrative that elicits a range of emotions, from anger to tears, as it sheds light on the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.

John Erickson's meticulous research and storytelling skills bring this historical narrative to life, providing a deep understanding of the societal and political factors that contributed to the plight of the immigrant family. The book offers a poignant reflection on the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and the misguided belief in eugenics, highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of justice for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In conclusion, When Mortals Play God is a groundbreaking work of non-fiction that offers a powerful exploration of a little-known chapter in American history. Through the lens of one immigrant family, the book sheds light on the devastating impact of eugenics and its state-sanctioned policy of hatred towards the mentally ill. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion and empathy to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. John Erickson's storytelling skills and meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone interested in history, social justice, and the human condition.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538166697