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My Lobotomy: A Memoir

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"My Lobotomy: A Memoir" by Howard Dully recounts the harrowing experiences of the author, who underwent a lobotomy at the age of 12. The book delves into Howard's troubled childhood, his abusive stepmother's role in the lobotomy, and his struggles with mental health and identity. Written in a simplistic yet captivating style, the memoir provides a raw and emotional account of Howard's journey from trauma and despair to resilience and self-discovery.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is clear and direct, enhancing the emotional weight of the story while presenting Howard's perspective authentically.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Howard Dully's harrowing journey from childhood abuse to the controversial lobotomy he endured and its lasting effects on his life.

Setting:

The setting encompasses Howard's tumultuous family dynamics as well as institutions related to mental health care.

Pacing:

The pacing balances emotional depth and narrative progression, at times prompting readers to pause for reflection.
This much I know for sure: I was born in Peralta Hospital in Oakland, California, on November 30, 1948. My parents were Rodney Lloyd Dully and June Louise Pierce Dully. I was their first child, and th...

Notes:

Howard Dully was lobotomized at the age of 12 due to his stepmother's abuse.
His stepmother, Lou, sought out several doctors to justify her claims about him.
Howard's father allowed the lobotomy to happen, which many argue is inexcusable.
The lobotomy was performed by Dr. Freeman, who believed it could cure various mental issues.
Despite the surgery, Howard remained functional and was able to build a life for himself.
Howard experienced a troubled childhood after the death of his mother when he was five.
He faced years of abuse and neglect from his stepmother.
The book explores the failures of the psychiatric system of the time.
Howard spent time in juvenile detention, halfway houses, and faced homelessness.
He eventually found stability, love, and had a family of his own despite his challenging past.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers and content warnings include themes of abuse, mental illness, and trauma associated with lobotomy.

From The Publisher:

In this heartfelt memoir from one of the youngest recipients of the transorbital lobotamy, Howard Dully shares the story of a painfully dysfunctional childhood, a misspent youth, his struggle to claim the life that was taken from him, and his redemption.

At twelve, Howard Dully was guilty of the same crimes as other boys his age: he was moody and messy, rambunctious with his brothers, contrary just to prove a point, and perpetually at odds with his parents. Yet somehow, this normal boy became one of the youngest people on whom Dr. Walter Freeman performed his barbaric transorbital-or ice pick-lobotomy.

Abandoned by his family within a year of the surgery, Howard spent his teen years in mental institutions, his twenties in jail, and his thirties in a bottle. It wasn't until he was in his forties that Howard began to pull his life together. But even as he began to live the "normal" life he had been denied, Howard struggled with one question: Why?

There were only three people who would know the truth: Freeman, the man who performed the procedure; Lou, his cold and demanding stepmother who brought Howard to the doctor's attention; and his father, Rodney. Of the three, only Rodney, the man who hadn't intervened on his son's behalf, was still living. Time was running out. Stable and happy for the first time in decades, Howard began to search for answers.Through his research, Howard met other lobotomy patients and their families, talked with one of Freeman's sons about his father's controversial life's work, and confronted Rodney about his complicity. And, in the archive where the doctor's files are stored, he finally came face to face with the truth.

Revealing what happened to a child no one-not his father, not the medical community, not the state-was willing to protect, My Lobotomy exposes a shameful chapter in the history of the treatment of mental illness. Yet, ultimately, this is a powerful and moving chronicle of the life of one man.

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About the Author:

HOWARD DULLY is a tour bus driver who lives happily with his wife in San Jose, California. This is his first book.

CHARLES FLEMING is a former Newsweek correspondent and Vanity Fair contributor and the coauthor of a number of bestselling nonfiction books. He lives in Los Angeles.

 
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