There is also 'The Bell Jar' which, while not directly centered on lobotomy, touches on the mental health issues and the extreme treatments that were sometimes considered in that era, which could potentially include lobotomy in the broader context of mental health treatments.
Another one might be 'Girl, Interrupted'. It explores the experiences of women in a mental institution and the various treatments they endured. Although lobotomy may not be the main focus, it was one of the treatments that were part of the historical context of treating mental illness in such institutions.
One common theme is the exploration of power and control. In many such books, lobotomy is used as a tool by those in power (like in institutions) to subdue patients. For example, in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', Nurse Ratched uses the threat of lobotomy as a means of controlling the patients.
One well - known successful lobotomy story was that of Rosemary Kennedy. After the lobotomy, her violent mood swings were reduced. However, it also had some negative impacts on her cognitive abilities.
A few lobotomy success stories involved patients who had intractable epilepsy along with severe behavioral problems. In some instances, the lobotomy reduced the frequency of seizures and also had a calming effect on their behavior. But we must remember that at that time, the understanding of the brain was very limited. What was considered success might just have been a masking of symptoms rather than a true cure. And as we have advanced in neuroscience, we now know that there were much better alternatives that could have been explored without resorting to such a drastic and irreversible procedure.
One horror story is about patients who had lobotomies and completely lost their personalities. They became like zombies, with no emotions or the ability to think complexly. Their families were devastated as they watched their loved ones transform into mere shells of their former selves.
There was also a patient in a mental institution who underwent a lobotomy. After the procedure, his personality completely changed. He went from being a somewhat shy but normal man to being completely apathetic. He would sit for hours without any emotion, staring blankly. The idea that a surgical procedure could so drastically alter a person's essence is truly terrifying.
Another good Fiction 2021 book is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It's an exciting science - fiction adventure about a lone astronaut on a desperate mission. The story is full of scientific details and thrilling plot twists.
One of the notable 2014 fiction books is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. It's a post - apocalyptic novel that jumps between different timelines. It shows how the remnants of humanity struggle to preserve art and culture in a world that has been devastated by a flu pandemic.
'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel is the final part of her Cromwell trilogy. If you've read the previous books, this one is a must. It delves deeper into the life and times of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court, with Mantel's signature detailed and engaging writing.
Sure. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen is a great fictional book. It tells a love story full of misunderstandings and social commentary.
There are quite a few. 'Beautiful World, Where Are You' by Sally Rooney is a notable 2021 fiction. It explores modern relationships and the state of the world. Also, 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff is a fascinating read. It's a reimagining of the life of a 12th - century nun, filled with rich historical and emotional elements.