Summary:
The book uncovers the personal stories of patients from the Willard Psychiatric Center in New York through the examination of suitcases found in the hospital's attic after its closure. It reveals the rich, complex lives of these individuals and critiques the institutionalization of mental health patients, offering a poignant look at the history of psychiatric care in the United States.
Key points:
1. Dehumanization in Mental Health: The book discusses the mistreatment of mental health patients in state hospitals during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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