08-10-2015, 07:38 PM
There are many books on the Kennedy family, but this is especially
worth reading in toto for its depth, detail, and insights. The author has
carefully documented all she can, much previously unreported,
about the many efforts Joe and Rose made to find treatment and
education for their daughter, who was born brain-damaged due
to what would now be malpractice. They clearly cared and tried
hard in a time when attitudes and ideas on the subject were backward.
But then came the disastrous lobotomy. It was still experimental,
though not forbidden, but Joe made a terrible mistake. The author
believes Rose had to have known some of the plans, despite
her later denials. Joe Jr.'s pro-Nazi attitudes toward eugenics and other political matters
are among the many dismaying parts of the book.
For a long time,
Rosemary was isolated from most of the family, though Eunice assumed charge of her care and
the family's wealth supported it. JFK visited her quietly in Wisconsin. Later Rosemary was brought
east for some visits. There's much to learn here about the family dynamics, the reasons for the family's habitual secrecy on some issues, and about the way
disabled people were and are treated in this country.
worth reading in toto for its depth, detail, and insights. The author has
carefully documented all she can, much previously unreported,
about the many efforts Joe and Rose made to find treatment and
education for their daughter, who was born brain-damaged due
to what would now be malpractice. They clearly cared and tried
hard in a time when attitudes and ideas on the subject were backward.
But then came the disastrous lobotomy. It was still experimental,
though not forbidden, but Joe made a terrible mistake. The author
believes Rose had to have known some of the plans, despite
her later denials. Joe Jr.'s pro-Nazi attitudes toward eugenics and other political matters
are among the many dismaying parts of the book.
For a long time,
Rosemary was isolated from most of the family, though Eunice assumed charge of her care and
the family's wealth supported it. JFK visited her quietly in Wisconsin. Later Rosemary was brought
east for some visits. There's much to learn here about the family dynamics, the reasons for the family's habitual secrecy on some issues, and about the way
disabled people were and are treated in this country.