Set at Greenway Developmental Center for the Mentally Handicapped, this novel explores the life of a twenty-one-year-old resident, Abby, as well as the various staff members of the center and the hijinks of both staff and patients. It also looks at Abby’s horrendous childhood history, foster care, physical and sexual abuse, and her history of mental illness and violence. The book focuses on the unit’s staff: the supervisor, Belle, who hates Abby and tries to get rid of her at all costs; Belle’s assistant and lover, Prudence; the unit nurse, Darcy, who also doesn’t like Abby; Sally, the psychologist, who is Abby’s support person and is blind to Abby’s violence; Dr. Frank, who hates Belle and plays games with Abby’s medicine; Christine, the social worker; and Roger, the accountant. Also included are various aides who are often depicted as neglectful of their duties.

Throughout the story, there is a constant battle over Abby’s treatment as she is too high-functioning for the center and too violent for other treatment centers. She is in constant battles with others, but what can she do? Murder is involved throughout the book, and the ending will come as a surprise to the reader.

This well-written book shows the historical problems of placement of those with a dual diagnosis who don’t fit well within rigid social systems. It is also an interesting story with a fascinating plot and murder at its core, and the ending is well-conceived. The lesbian aspect is rather stereotypical but is also common for the time period. Seeing staff at their worst is both frustrating and entertaining, but there is also the goodness that shows through. This is late historical fiction that will keep the reader wanting to read more, for it is engaging, dynamic, and too often, a realistic read.

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