by Robert Kolker
“Hidden Valley Road vividly conveys not only the inner experience of schizophrenia but its effects on the families whose members are afflicted . . . With the skill of a great novelist, Mr. Kolker brings every member of the family to life.”
—Richard J. McNally, Wall Street Journal
“A stunning, riveting chronicle crackling with intelligence and empathy . . . Kolker tackles this extraordinarily complex story so brilliantly and effectively that readers will be swept away. An exceptional, unforgettable, and significant work that must not be missed.”
—Booklist, starred review
“Riveting and disquieting . . . Kolker deftly follows the psychiatric, chemical, and biological theories proposed to explain schizophrenia and the various treatments foisted upon the brothers. Most poignantly, he portrays the impact on the unafflicted children of the brothers’ illness, an oppressive emotional atmosphere, and the family’s festering secrets . . . A family portrait of astounding depth and empathy.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A powerful look at schizophrenia and the quest to understand it . . . A taut and often heartbreaking narrative . . . A haunting and memorable look at the impact of mental illness on multiple generations.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Selected as Top Ten book of the year (2020) by Amazon, The New York Times Book Review, and The Washington Post . One of Time magazine’s 100 must reads for the year and People magazine’s #1 Best Book of the Year.
Thanks to Nancy Gallagher for finding this article in The New York Times about changing the name for the disease.
And thanks to Terrie for sharing these links to interviews with Robert Kolker:
• Conversation with Rebecca Skloot, author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”
• Family Action Network interview by author Andrew Solomon.