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'A smartly plotted, medical drama with a strong cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended.' The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
Set in the 1970s, this well-written novel from the pen of the talented Michelle Tobin is the perfect novel for readers who enjoy character-focused plots – and plenty of drama! It's the story of Dorothy who is the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum in Lansing, Michigan. There, she works with a number of 'interesting' characters and, in the process, begins to get a grip on the many problems she herself must face.
I must say, there's a lot to enjoy here. Firstly, the author's not shy on taking on difficult subjects – drug/alcohol abuse, mental illness, destructive family dynamics to list just a few. As a result, it can get rather gritty; and I happen to love gritty. Secondly, as Dorothy's a psychologist, there's a lot of, well - psychology in the story! Now I'm no expert in this subject, but it 'felt' as if the author knew her stuff; not only that, but she also did a good job of showing this knowledge through her characters whilst, at the same time, keeping a good pace. There's no info dumps in this book. And thirdly, I loved how Dorothy developed as a character, much of it as a result of her work in the hospital and the characters she meets and attempts to help.
So, if you happen to be on the look out for a top-notch, medical drama, I'm happy to recommend Home for the Bewildered – excellent title, by the way. I think most readers will enjoy getting to all the characters in St. Lawrence Asylum, and they'll be rooting for Dorothy to find a way of battling her own inner demons.

A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk