A Sick Hospital (Press, 25 October 1969)
This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.
Summary: A Sick Hospital (Press, 25 October 1969)
"Listen to the Silence" by David W. Elliott Macdonald tells the story of Timmy, a 14-year-old boy who, after a turbulent childhood spent in various foster homes, is deemed severely disturbed and sent to a psychiatric hospital in America. The narrative centres around Timmy's experiences in a facility populated by adult patients suffering from different degrees of mental illness. Throughout the book, Timmy articulates his feelings and the chaotic environment surrounding him, showcasing his sensitivity and command of language. Macdonald's writing is notably poetic, vividly portraying the contrasting perceptions of the hospital's environment. Timmy recalls memories of nature and comfort, while the stark reality of the hospital is filled with the harsh smells of disinfectants and the sounds of distress. The author uses vivid imagery to contrast Timmy's inner world with the bleakness of his surroundings: “Green smells, butterflies, kind voices” versus the screams and sterile whiteness of the institution. The hospital serves approximately 1,500 patients with only 18 doctors to provide care, and this ratio speaks to the casual and underwhelming supervision from staff, particularly male nurses. Timmy suffers from bullying, sadism, and sexual assaults, reflecting the disturbing dynamics within the hospital. The treatment methods depicted are described as primitive, with one doctor leading a group therapy session with authoritarian techniques reminiscent of oppressive labour camps rather than an environment intended for healing. While the book offers a heartfelt insight into the confused thoughts and feelings of an adolescent boy overwhelmed by his circumstances and societal neglect, it also prompts critical reflection on the portrayal of psychiatric institutions. The review expresses concern that Macdonald's representation might lead to a generalised and negative perception of all mental health facilities, suggesting that readers could adopt a skewed attitude towards the treatment of the mentally ill. Although some such hospitals exist, especially in the United States, the reviewer argues that the sensationalism often attached to these narratives overshadows the many mental health facilities that operate effectively and humanely. Overall, "Listen to the Silence" serves as an eye-opening account that critiques not only the conditions faced by patients like Timmy but also challenges societal views on psychiatric institutions. The book grapples with serious themes of neglect, suffering, and the complex nature of mental illness, marking it as a poignant yet troubling reflection of its time.
Important Information
The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact
The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand