I was assigned to read this book for a Community Health Sciences class at my university. The class is solely based on people with disabilities (PWD). It has been an excruciating amount of time since I have read a book and was absolutely captivated by it. The way this book is written; so beautifully and personally and intertwined has caused me to finish reading the book far before I was supposed to be done for my class. The way that PWD’s were treated not too long ago is gut wrenching, and this book shines a particular light on women in insane asylums. This book was witty, accurate on information aligned with what I have studied thus far about PWD, and an absolute tear jerker (break out your tissues!) I cannot thank the author enough for her amazing book.

So good

I was so bored by this novel which is a huge disappointment cause I’ve read all of her other books and loved them. I didn’t even finish this cause I just didn’t care

2nd time I’ve read it . Such a great read!

This such a really good book. I used to absolutely hate reading but after reading this book I love reading. GREAT JOB!!!!

This is a very unusual novel that is told in dual storylines; one modern and one from many years ago, both focusing on women who are struggling to find lives of their own when they were dealt a crappy hand in life. The story is beautiful, yet tragic. Given the fact that this story does surround patients in a mental institution it is also sad and heartbreaking. There were times I could picture the suitcases of those who were committed but never had an opportunity to leave. I would have loved to have put the parents in the institution as they were obviously the ones who needed mental adjustments. It’s unbelievable how easy it was to have someone committed to an institution. No doubt the context will disturb some individuals and I cannot say that I was not horrified at times so bear this in mind if you select the book. It’s a really great story though and I loved it. I definitely recommend.

I loved this book!! It's one of the few I couldn't put down and didn't want to end. I have experienced mental illness and it is truly the most misunderstood disease there is, even in today's world. It is a very sad disease and I thank God everyday for the medications that are available to us. It takes a very long time to find the right "formula" but, in my case, I have had 6 very good years. Years ago, I would have been institutionalized, no doubt In my mind. So, I can certainly sympathize with Clara.

Couldn't put this book down, it's been a long time since I've been so wrapped up in a story. Although it had two main characters the others blended in perfectly and we're just as interesting . It was unimaginable what was done to Clare and Bruno at Willard Asylum. Thanks to Izzy who's own life was in turmoil with her Mother in prison ect,and her foster parents who went to the old, depleted Hospital to find items that told of its history ,Izzy finds herself immersed in Clare's life.

I highly recommend it, although not for the beach vacation....

I found this book hard to read but finished it because the story itself was intriguing. Very hard to read an entire book of such horrendous treatment and really mean characters. Page after page of brutal acts and depraved people.