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Vignettes from an Insane Asylum
Stories about Zerom's experiences at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, an institute for patients found not criminally responsible for crimes because of a mental disorder.
205 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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August 20, 2013
The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital is an institute for patients found not criminally responsible for crimes due to a mental disorder. Zerom came from war-torn Ethiopia to Canada as a refugee to work on his graduate studies when he became ill and committed a crime. Hospitalized as a result, he shares his experiences as a patient there over a 20 year span before being discharged to the community. He faces stigma and discrimination as a black man. Some of his vignettes are humorous and others very sad, describing the futility of life for those who have no hope of release. Suicide seems not so rare among patients after discharge.
As in his two previous books, Not Guilty but Not Free and Alone in the Crowd, Zerom writes in an insightful, poignant style about painful memories but also with great courage and hope. In the conclusion, he offers a solution for people condemned to such a life.
As in his two previous books, Not Guilty but Not Free and Alone in the Crowd, Zerom writes in an insightful, poignant style about painful memories but also with great courage and hope. In the conclusion, he offers a solution for people condemned to such a life.
Displaying 1 of 1 review