The Lives They Left Behind Audiobook Cover

The Lives They Left Behind

Alex Paul

Embark on a haunting journey through the past with the audiobook, The Lives They Left Behind. Uncover the forgotten stories of individuals who called the Willard Psychiatric Center their home. Skillfully written by Peter Stastny and Darby Penney, this audiobook delves into the personal belongings left behind and creates a moving portrayal of twentieth-century American psychiatric care. With a captivating narration by Audible Studios, every chapter invites you to invest emotionally in the narratives. Reflect on the history of mental health care and gain a deeper understanding of the often-overlooked voices in society. The Lives They Left Behind is a poignant exploration of human stories that deserve to be heard.

USD 0 14.95

Description

Are you ready to embark on a haunting journey through the past? Join us as we explore the remarkable audiobook The Lives They Left Behind. Within these pages, you will discover a poignant collection of stories that sheds light on the often-overlooked world of twentieth-century American psychiatric care.

Unearthing Forgotten Suitcases

Imagine stumbling upon a treasure trove of forgotten relics from the past. More than four hundred suitcases filled with patients' belongings were discovered when the historic Willard Psychiatric Center closed its doors in 1995 after 125 years of operation. These suitcases, which had been abandoned by their owners, paint a vivid picture of the lives that were left behind.

The Lives They Left Behind, masterfully written by Peter Stastny and Darby Penney, delves into the stories behind these suitcases. The authors skillfully examine these personal belongings and compare them to the written records, offering readers a remarkable glimpse into the lives of those who once called Willard Psychiatric Center their home.

An Intimate Group Portrait

Through their meticulous research, Stastny and Penney create an emotionally charged group portrait of twentieth-century American psychiatric care. Each suitcase represents a unique story, capturing the hopes, dreams, and the pain of the individuals who were once confined within the walls of Willard Psychiatric Center.

This audiobook takes you on a profound journey through the past, immersing you in the lives of these forgotten individuals. As each chapter unfolds, you will find yourself becoming deeply invested in the personal narratives and experiencing a range of emotions.

An Engaging Narration

In addition to the captivating storytelling, this audiobook is brought to life through the powerful narration by Audible Studios. Their talented team of narrators skillfully captures the essence of each individual and creates an immersive listening experience that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

The Lives They Left Behind, narrated by Audible Studios, takes full advantage of the audio format, allowing you to truly connect with the stories and to experience the emotions of the characters firsthand.

The Power of Reflection

As you listen to The Lives They Left Behind, you may find yourself reflecting on the state of mental health care throughout history. This audiobook not only provides a glimpse into the past but also prompts important conversations about our current approach to mental health.

The power of this audiobook lies in its ability to illuminate the often-overlooked voices and experiences of those who were institutionalized. Stastny and Penney's work serves as a reminder that behind every abandoned suitcase lies a complex story that deserves to be heard.

Additional Info

Book Name: The Lives They Left Behind
Book Format: AudiobookFormat
Authors: Peter StastnyDarby Penney
Narrators: Alex Paul
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs
Audiobook Length: 8H23M
Publisher: Audible Studios
Language: English
Publish Date: 2014-04-04
Last Price: 14.95 USD

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is the book 'The Lives They Left Behind' about?

The book 'The Lives They Left Behind' is about the discovery of more than four hundred abandoned suitcases filled with patients' belongings when Willard Psychiatric Center closed in 1995 after 125 years of operation.

What did the authors do with the abandoned suitcases?

The authors skillfully examined the abandoned suitcases and compared them to the written record to create a moving and devastating group portrait of twentieth-century American psychiatric care.

Who are the authors of 'The Lives They Left Behind'?

The authors of 'The Lives They Left Behind' are Peter Stastny and Darby Penney.

Who is the publisher of 'The Lives They Left Behind'?

The publisher of 'The Lives They Left Behind' is Audible Studios.

What are some user reviews about the audible book?

Some user reviews about the audible book include comments about the book not being what was expected, but rather a social justice crusade against the past and current mental health system. Another review mentions the excellent voice of the narrator, Alex Paul. There are also reviews discussing the book as being clinical and boring.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story?

The most interesting aspect of the story is the intense need for changes in the mental health care systems and the fact that not enough changes have yet occurred.

Reviews

14 reviews for this audiobook
  • Al
    Alexis 06-Oct-2023

    The Lives They Left Behind is a powerful audiobook that offers a unique perspective on mental illness. The authors, Peter Stastny and Darby Penney, delve into the lives of individuals who were institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital, sharing their personal stories and the belongings they left behind. It is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience that will leave listeners reflecting on the impact of mental illness on individuals and society.

  • Em
    Emily 12-Oct-2023

    I was deeply moved by The Lives They Left Behind. This audiobook sheds light on a forgotten part of history, providing an intimate look into the lives of those who were deemed 'mentally ill' and institutionalized. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney skillfully humanize these individuals, making their stories relatable and heartbreaking. I couldn't help but question the societal stigma surrounding mental health after listening to this compelling narrative.

  • Ja
    Jacob 22-Oct-2023

    The Lives They Left Behind is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of mental health care. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney bring these forgotten stories to life, giving voice to those who were silenced. I was struck by the empathy and compassion displayed by the authors, as they delve into the personal experiences of the individuals who were institutionalized. This audiobook is both educational and deeply emotional.

  • Ol
    Olivia 12-Nov-2023

    The Lives They Left Behind is a poignant exploration of the human condition. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney delve into the lives of individuals who were often misunderstood and mistreated due to their mental illness. Through their personal stories and the objects they left behind, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature of mental health. This audiobook is an eye-opening and heartbreaking journey that will resonate with listeners.

  • Li
    Liam 16-Nov-2023

    I was captivated by The Lives They Left Behind from start to finish. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney expertly weave together the personal stories of individuals who were institutionalized, shedding light on the harsh reality of mental illness treatment in the past. The audiobook is informative, emotionally impactful, and serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our society.

  • So
    Sophia 06-Dec-2023

    The Lives They Left Behind is a compelling audiobook that sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of individuals who were institutionalized due to mental illness. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney bring these stories to life with sensitivity and depth, allowing listeners to truly connect with the individuals behind the diagnoses. This thought-provoking narrative challenges the way we view mental health and encourages reflection on compassion and empathy.

  • Et
    Ethan 17-Jan-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is a powerful reminder of the humanity behind mental illness. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney delve into the personal stories of individuals who were institutionalized, giving voice to those who were silenced. Through their personal belongings, we gain insight into the lives that were disrupted and the struggles they faced. This audiobook is a necessary exploration of an often misunderstood aspect of our history.

  • Av
    Ava 21-Feb-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is a deeply moving audiobook that confronts the stigma surrounding mental illness head-on. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney humanize the individuals who were institutionalized, reminding us of their individuality and shared humanity. I was struck by the power of their stories and the emotions they evoked. This is a book that will stay with me long after listening.

  • No
    Noah 29-Feb-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is an eye-opening audiobook that challenges our understanding of mental illness. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney provide a compassionate and insightful examination of the lives of individuals who were institutionalized. Through their personal stories and the objects they left behind, we are confronted with the harsh realities of the past and encouraged to reflect on how we can better support those with mental health challenges in the present.

  • Em
    Emma 23-Apr-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is a haunting and profound audiobook that shines a light on a forgotten aspect of our history. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney take us on a journey through the lives of individuals who were institutionalized, revealing their unique stories and the impact of mental illness on their lives. It is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration that will leave listeners with a renewed perspective on mental health.

  • Ma
    Mason 03-May-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is a compelling audiobook that tackles the complex topic of mental illness with empathy and respect. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney skillfully bring to life the experiences of individuals who were institutionalized, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the voices that were silenced. This powerful narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and support for individuals with mental health struggles.

  • Ma
    Madison 14-May-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind offers a profound and introspective look into the lives of individuals who were tragically affected by mental illness. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney craft a narrative that is both personal and universal, shedding light on the experiences of those who were institutionalized. Through their stories, we are reminded of the resilience and humanity that exists within each individual, regardless of their mental health.

  • Ca
    Carter 01-Jul-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is a thought-provoking audiobook that challenges the way we view and treat mental illness. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney humanize the individuals who were institutionalized, sharing their personal stories and the remnants of their lives. The audiobook is a powerful reminder of the impact of stigma and the need for compassion and understanding in our society.

  • Ab
    Abigail 14-Jul-2024

    The Lives They Left Behind is a profoundly moving audiobook that offers a unique perspective on mental health. Peter Stastny and Darby Penney delve into the lives of individuals who were institutionalized, painting a vivid picture of their experiences and the challenges they faced. Through their personal belongings, we gain a deeper understanding of the individuals behind the diagnosis. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the human stories behind mental illness.

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