| Category: | Biographies and Memoirs |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Keating |
| Publisher: | Independently Published |
| Publication Date: | January 4, 2020 |
| Number of Pages: | 345 |
| ISBN-10: | 165189938X |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1651899380 |
A Normal Boy:
Living in an Asylum by Jan
Keating is a poignant exploration of a young boy's harrowing journey through abuse,
abandonment, and the disturbing realities of the Dirty Thirties in Weyburn,
Saskatchewan. It is the story of Donald, an eight-year-old boy, who tragically
loses his father, setting off a chain of events that leads to his placement in
a mental hospital. Donald’s father has been a symbol of hope in his life and
the strength of the family, but after his death, Donald’s mother decides to
marry Frank, the hired hand to save the farm. But Frank orders Donald’s
mother to make the heart-wrenching decision to send her son away. Can Donald survive
life in an asylum?
Keating has crafted
a story that will touch readers deeply. The pathos is strong and the young
protagonist instantly captures the sympathy of readers. The story’s premise is
very strong and the conflict skillfully developed. Losing a father is already a
painful experience for a young boy like Donald but being forced to live in an
asylum without having a mental condition is even more devastating. The first-person
narrative voice makes the story compelling and allows readers insights into the
psyche and the inner turmoil of the young protagonist. The images of the loving
gestures between his late father and his mother provide a contrasting angle to
the horrors that befall him after his father dies. Keating's exploration of the
historical backdrop of the Thirties and World War II adds authenticity to the
narrative. The challenges faced by families during this tumultuous period are
vividly drawn in this mesmerizing tale. The superb handling of the psychological
implications of this tale balances with the social conditions to offer a unique
reading experience. A Normal Boy: Living in an Asylum is a poignant tale
that is inspired by true events and a story that will leave readers reflecting
on the profound consequences of choices made during challenging times. Donald’s
pain is visceral, his trauma is so wonderfully explored and the cruelty he
experiences in the asylum makes him a character that is hard to forget.
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