Don and Mimi Galvin married near the end of World War II, soon after he joined the Navy. He later resigned his commission, signed up with the Air Force and moved his family to Hidden Valley Road in Colorado Springs. They went on to have twelve children (ten boys and two girls), the picture of the ideal American family, or so it seemed to those looking in from the outside. But inside they were living a nightmare. Six of their boys were ultimately diagnosed as schizophrenic. The turmoil and violence inside their home belied the idyllic image they fought hard to uphold. In the meantime, the procession of doctors, psychologists and therapists did little to provide respite as so little was known about the condition.
This was such a heartbreaking story. Don and Mimi had such high hopes and dreams for their family. Don was the dreamer and visionary, Mimi the taskmaster and disciplinarian that made everything work. And she was the one left to manage what was happening to her children. I found their phenomena both fascinating and frustrating, especially since the early diagnoses turned the blame on the mother. Equally frustrating was how little investment was devoted to research by institutions to schizophrenia even when there were so many afflicted and not a lot of progress has been made over the decades.
This story explores not only the Galvin children but Don and Mimi’s family history. It was insightful as it provided context for the speculation that the affliction was somehow as a result of nurture. The scientific analyses were highly interesting and you don’t need a psychology background to follow it. I appreciate how it was described in mostly laymen terms and I was able to keep up. To have so many children in the same family present with schizophrenia was a research opportunity and failure because this appeared to be a unique factor. Told in alternating timelines and through the lens of many of the family members and researchers, this story doesn’t offer neat solutions or endings but does provide a powerful view of how mental illness can affect so many lives in a family. I think it was incredibly brave of this family to allow access into what can only be described as a painful life in the hope that it will tear down the walls of secrecy surrounding mental illness. I’m glad I chose to listen to the story as the narrator eliminated the drama and told a difficult story in a way that made it easier to digest. He was excellent.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 7, 2020
- Narrator: Sean Pratt
- Audio Length: 13 hours, 9 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
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(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
“Told in alternating timelines and through the lens of many of the family members and researchers, this story doesn’t offer neat solutions or endings but does provide a powerful view of how mental illness can affect so many lives in a family. I think it was incredibly brave of this family to allow access into what can only be described as a painful life in the hope that it will tear down the walls of secrecy surrounding mental illness.” Perfectly said. What an excellent review! I remember chatting with you about this one and was so curious to hear your thoughts on it. I’m glad you enjoyed it, tough as the subject matter of it is. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful, insightful look at it.
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Thank you, Ren💜 I have you to thank for me adding this book to my shelf. It was everything you promised and I recall giving it a pass until I read your post. You’ll also be pleased to know that I recommended it to my face-to-face book club (these days by Zoom) and we are discussing it today!
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Oh I’m so glad I could convince you then!! Hope the book club discussion was a good one – this was a great choice for it!
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It was incredible! One of our members has an afflicted relative and it was eerily similar to this story.
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Oh wow! I can imagine it took an entirely different tone for you considering that close perspective!
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This book is one that will stay with you for a very long time. Your review sums it up beautifully, Jo! Can’t wait to talk about this book later.
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I’m so glad you’re leading the discussion and can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts. This will be a robust one. I’ve got to remember to share Jean Marie’s comments, too.
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Great review, Jonetta!! This book was just incredible.
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Thank you, Julie💜 Yes, it was.
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Wonderful review Jo sounds like a tough book to listen to.
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Thank you, Nicki💜 It was a heartbreaking story.
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Wonderful review! xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜
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I’m glad you enjoyed this but it sounds too heartbreaking for me right now.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, more like I’m glad I read it because it gave me insight.
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This sounds like a very difficult book to read or listen to. I read another review a bit ago and I felt the same then. Excellent review and thought Jo.
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Thank you, Carla💜 Yes, it was a heartbreaking read but I learned so much.
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