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The Fading of Lloyd
The Fading of Lloyd embroils the reader in family history as members struggle through historic the end of the American frontier, the dawn of railroad travel that wove Midwest communities together, World War I, and the social mores of the 1920s and 1930s.
The Huttleston family, whose son, Lloyd, is mentally retarded, struggles to cope with the difficulties encountered with his care.
After he is diagnosed schizophrenic and institutionalized, Lloyd dies during shock therapy.
The Fading of Lloyd poses many questions by revealing a family’s journey with mental retardation and the actions of an insane asylum in early 20th century. Armed with today’s knowledge, this journey is filled with tragic realizations and even horror at what were considered “norms” at the time.
The Huttleston family, whose son, Lloyd, is mentally retarded, struggles to cope with the difficulties encountered with his care.
After he is diagnosed schizophrenic and institutionalized, Lloyd dies during shock therapy.
The Fading of Lloyd poses many questions by revealing a family’s journey with mental retardation and the actions of an insane asylum in early 20th century. Armed with today’s knowledge, this journey is filled with tragic realizations and even horror at what were considered “norms” at the time.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 3, 2017
The story of an"imbecile", Lloyd, began as a wonderful piece of literature that led the reader to believe this would be about his journey of mental illness in the 1940s along with the barbaric approaches utilized in a quest for a "cure". 'The Fading of Lloyd' did not completely go down this path which left me disappointed. However, the story was good with great potential overall.
The initial setting is 1940's at an Asylum, Lloyd, a man of 30 is being treated for Schizophrenia via Insulin Shock Therapy. A treatment for which is truly difficult to comprehend why it was utilized. Psychiatrists were using this treatment successfully with low fatalities or so they claimed. It was truly barbaric for Lloyd.
The story also introduces a coup!e off characters, Eddie Fisk, an orderly entrusted and given too much power, a psychopath, and Ms.Kimberly Weatherspoon, a daughter of a very wealthy father and a murderess,who is found not guilty by reason of insanity who finds herself committed to the same asylum as Lloyd. I am hoping that perhaps Ms. Crumpton will consider a second novel or series to explore these characters more thoroughly as I was intrigued by both.
The direction of the novel steps back into the late 1800s and focuses on Lloyd's familial line, his father, Clifford, and his path from a child of 14 to a man with a family whose only son is Lloyd, diagnosed as an imbecile as those were the labels used back in the early 1900s. A working man, who climbs his way up the ladder with the Railroad while his wife, Mabel is left to raise Lloyd along with his significantly younger sisters. His mother raises him with unconditional love however his father is absent, his sisters are embarassed ,town folks are unkind and unsupportive.
I would like to know more about Lloyd from his perspective. The narrative was confusing for any passages where it seemed as if it were from Lloyd's viewpoint don't totally convince me that he was that delayed. True, he is unable to hold down a job but is that because he is delayed, an imbecile, or were his bosses and coworkers harder on him? I feel that it was the latter but that is completely left to the reader's own consideration.
A series of unfortunate events leads to the decision to have Lloyd committed. In those days, it was the only option. The story reconvenes in 1941 just prior to where it left off. It touches on Kimberley, we see the evil that is Eddie Fisk which was foreshadowed early on and then continues toward the end. A now, 1940s version of Clifford and Mabel, along with more mature siblings, finally uncover each of their secrets about the possible origin of Lloyd's "condition" which is what the family calls his delay.
The minds of doctors (psychiatrists) throughout history ought to be examined. Do No Harm is not what occurred in the history of psychiatry; the opposite seemed to be the norm and these doctors/their teachers/researchers/healthcare professionals got a free pass to do a great deal of harm. Was it a cure they were really seeking? One has to wonder due to the evidence that shines a light on sadism in those eras and much further back.
Kit Crumpton does touch on this along with the hideous treatments used on the mentally ill. It was interesting to learn of the genesis of her story. Perhaps my rating was too low but I honestly feel as if the author was hasty with the story, cut some corners but on the other hand the writing is mostly fluid, to the point. I want to know more and I think Ms Crumpton has more of this story to share.
This is a good story which had the potential to be a phenomenal novel. I felt as if pieces were missing or quickly jumped through and past. However, I encourage people to read this in hopes that they will implore Ms. Crumpton to continue writing about these characters, dive deeper into their lives-Lloyd, Kimberly Weatherspoon, Eddie Fisk with the addition of Dr Reed, the psychiatrist.
Dr. Reed early on in his career seemed to approach psychiatry or rather the patient with human kindness, something changed, he was not for insulin shock therapy and then somewhere along the line he changed his approach to use it to treat Lloyd. He seems cold at the end which was not my impression of this character when he was first introduced.
Come on Ms. Crumpton, give us more. Thank you though for giving me the chance to read this (first?) story of yours.
The initial setting is 1940's at an Asylum, Lloyd, a man of 30 is being treated for Schizophrenia via Insulin Shock Therapy. A treatment for which is truly difficult to comprehend why it was utilized. Psychiatrists were using this treatment successfully with low fatalities or so they claimed. It was truly barbaric for Lloyd.
The story also introduces a coup!e off characters, Eddie Fisk, an orderly entrusted and given too much power, a psychopath, and Ms.Kimberly Weatherspoon, a daughter of a very wealthy father and a murderess,who is found not guilty by reason of insanity who finds herself committed to the same asylum as Lloyd. I am hoping that perhaps Ms. Crumpton will consider a second novel or series to explore these characters more thoroughly as I was intrigued by both.
The direction of the novel steps back into the late 1800s and focuses on Lloyd's familial line, his father, Clifford, and his path from a child of 14 to a man with a family whose only son is Lloyd, diagnosed as an imbecile as those were the labels used back in the early 1900s. A working man, who climbs his way up the ladder with the Railroad while his wife, Mabel is left to raise Lloyd along with his significantly younger sisters. His mother raises him with unconditional love however his father is absent, his sisters are embarassed ,town folks are unkind and unsupportive.
I would like to know more about Lloyd from his perspective. The narrative was confusing for any passages where it seemed as if it were from Lloyd's viewpoint don't totally convince me that he was that delayed. True, he is unable to hold down a job but is that because he is delayed, an imbecile, or were his bosses and coworkers harder on him? I feel that it was the latter but that is completely left to the reader's own consideration.
A series of unfortunate events leads to the decision to have Lloyd committed. In those days, it was the only option. The story reconvenes in 1941 just prior to where it left off. It touches on Kimberley, we see the evil that is Eddie Fisk which was foreshadowed early on and then continues toward the end. A now, 1940s version of Clifford and Mabel, along with more mature siblings, finally uncover each of their secrets about the possible origin of Lloyd's "condition" which is what the family calls his delay.
The minds of doctors (psychiatrists) throughout history ought to be examined. Do No Harm is not what occurred in the history of psychiatry; the opposite seemed to be the norm and these doctors/their teachers/researchers/healthcare professionals got a free pass to do a great deal of harm. Was it a cure they were really seeking? One has to wonder due to the evidence that shines a light on sadism in those eras and much further back.
Kit Crumpton does touch on this along with the hideous treatments used on the mentally ill. It was interesting to learn of the genesis of her story. Perhaps my rating was too low but I honestly feel as if the author was hasty with the story, cut some corners but on the other hand the writing is mostly fluid, to the point. I want to know more and I think Ms Crumpton has more of this story to share.
This is a good story which had the potential to be a phenomenal novel. I felt as if pieces were missing or quickly jumped through and past. However, I encourage people to read this in hopes that they will implore Ms. Crumpton to continue writing about these characters, dive deeper into their lives-Lloyd, Kimberly Weatherspoon, Eddie Fisk with the addition of Dr Reed, the psychiatrist.
Dr. Reed early on in his career seemed to approach psychiatry or rather the patient with human kindness, something changed, he was not for insulin shock therapy and then somewhere along the line he changed his approach to use it to treat Lloyd. He seems cold at the end which was not my impression of this character when he was first introduced.
Come on Ms. Crumpton, give us more. Thank you though for giving me the chance to read this (first?) story of yours.
July 28, 2017
A sad but fascinating story based on real people. This book may begin with the end of Lloyd’s life in a mental hospital, but the story goes back much further than that.
We are taken back to the late 1800s, where we are introduced to Lloyd’s grandfather. He is living with his wife and children on a farm in Michigan. This is the first we learn about the usage of asylums for women who may just be experiencing post partem depression. Mothers are rarely ever reunited with their children. We also learn more about Clifford, Lloyd’s father, and the relationship between Clifford and his father.
Clifford leads an adventurous life before finding his bride. Rough waters crash into the couple just as the feelings of wedded bliss come to an end. Women are not allowed to openly make decisions for themselves. Some women find ways around that and secretly taken certain matters into their own hands.
This may or may not have been the cause of Lloyd’s problems. He was a 30-year-old child, sent to a mental hospital in 1940. His parents truly wanted him to be rehabilitated.
Unfortunately, the mental health profession was still in its infancy. Doctors, at the time, were still experimenting various invasive techniques using the brain. Multiple shock therapies were “known” to be best used for different cases.
As explained in the Afterword, many of these events are based on oral family history. Some creative licensing and assumptions were taken by the author to fill in some gaps. The creation of this book is a genealogist’s dream come true.
We are taken back to the late 1800s, where we are introduced to Lloyd’s grandfather. He is living with his wife and children on a farm in Michigan. This is the first we learn about the usage of asylums for women who may just be experiencing post partem depression. Mothers are rarely ever reunited with their children. We also learn more about Clifford, Lloyd’s father, and the relationship between Clifford and his father.
Clifford leads an adventurous life before finding his bride. Rough waters crash into the couple just as the feelings of wedded bliss come to an end. Women are not allowed to openly make decisions for themselves. Some women find ways around that and secretly taken certain matters into their own hands.
This may or may not have been the cause of Lloyd’s problems. He was a 30-year-old child, sent to a mental hospital in 1940. His parents truly wanted him to be rehabilitated.
Unfortunately, the mental health profession was still in its infancy. Doctors, at the time, were still experimenting various invasive techniques using the brain. Multiple shock therapies were “known” to be best used for different cases.
As explained in the Afterword, many of these events are based on oral family history. Some creative licensing and assumptions were taken by the author to fill in some gaps. The creation of this book is a genealogist’s dream come true.
March 4, 2017
**I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion**
I chose to review this book because it was about something close to my heart. Like Mabel in the story, my great-grandmother (also a Mabel) had a son born around the same time as Lloyd. My great -uncle was also labelled an "imbecile" that would never advance past a 7 year old. However, unlike Lloyd, my great-grandmother refused to institutionalize her son.
The Fading of Lloyd doesn't go into great detail about what life was like for him growing up, instead, Kit Crumpton weaves a remarkable story about his family and their guilt when he dies. A mother that has lived with a guilty conscience for over 30 years and because of her secret, blames herself for her son's condition. A father that feels responsible because deep down he felt that he was no better than his own father who never showed him any love or tolerance. Siblings that were embarrassed and ashamed of their brother.
Although the story doesn't head in the direction that you expect, it shows the guilt that parents of special needs children live with, now and then. How medical professionals were allowed to get away with horrific medicalexperiments procedures with no consequences, and how some professionals took advantage of the people they were suppose to be looking after.
To serve as a reminder of how far we've come, I recommend reading this book. Warning - have a box of Kleenex nearby, I bawled my eyes out for the last 20 pages or so.
That being said, I wish this story was longer, there's so much more I'd like to know - was either Mabel or Clifford ever happy? Did Clifford ever reach out to his mom? Mabel's parents? Lloyd's childhood? Did Mabel and Clifford ever find peace? Maybe a part 2?
I chose to review this book because it was about something close to my heart. Like Mabel in the story, my great-grandmother (also a Mabel) had a son born around the same time as Lloyd. My great -uncle was also labelled an "imbecile" that would never advance past a 7 year old. However, unlike Lloyd, my great-grandmother refused to institutionalize her son.
The Fading of Lloyd doesn't go into great detail about what life was like for him growing up, instead, Kit Crumpton weaves a remarkable story about his family and their guilt when he dies. A mother that has lived with a guilty conscience for over 30 years and because of her secret, blames herself for her son's condition. A father that feels responsible because deep down he felt that he was no better than his own father who never showed him any love or tolerance. Siblings that were embarrassed and ashamed of their brother.
Although the story doesn't head in the direction that you expect, it shows the guilt that parents of special needs children live with, now and then. How medical professionals were allowed to get away with horrific medical
To serve as a reminder of how far we've come, I recommend reading this book. Warning - have a box of Kleenex nearby, I bawled my eyes out for the last 20 pages or so.
That being said, I wish this story was longer, there's so much more I'd like to know - was either Mabel or Clifford ever happy? Did Clifford ever reach out to his mom? Mabel's parents? Lloyd's childhood? Did Mabel and Clifford ever find peace? Maybe a part 2?
July 10, 2017
Loved the writing and character development. The family dynamics were fascinating to read about too.
Definitely recommend.
Definitely recommend.
January 9, 2018
Lloyd Journey struggle with mental illness. After his 30th birthday, his father admitted him into Mental Health Hospital to be treated. During the late 1800s and early 1900s mental illness was new you were labeled imbecile. He passed away from complications of insulin shock therapy. Mental illness came a long way but still is an infancy stage. It was hard to diagnose and treat people back then and understand what they're going through. People with mental illness are being treated badly and some are being taken care of. The things that mental illness, some psychiatrists are learning the development of the human brain and the causes. Some can be hereditary passed down from generation or a life event. Going into the book was amazing. The book start off well and strong but I was confused when I thought the story was going to be about Lloyd. The bulk of the book was about his dad and the history of mental illness. The book is an easy read and will have you suck in all the way.
March 20, 2017
The Fading of Lloyd is Kit Crumpton's second novel, this one is based on her uncle who was mentally ill.
“The year was 1941. The place was Elgin State Hospital, Elgin, Illinois”.
Meet Lloyd Huttleston, the week after his thirtieth birthday, as his father takes him to Elgin Mental Hospital, where he is diagnosed as schizophrenic.
“Will I ever go back home?” He wondered”.
Lots of historical information in this book in regards to the state and practises of mental hospital's in the 1940's. I had not heard of Insulin Shock Therapy before reading this book (there were risks – sometimes people died). Reading the feelings Lloyd would have experiences before he died was upsetting, because you knew mentally he was very child-like and slow, not understanding why people were doing this to him.
The book also delves into the past of the family, in particular Lloyd's father Clifford. We see how Clifford has been beaten by his own father Franklin, which in turn happens to Lloyd via Clifford. We see a lot of the past through Clifford and his own struggles. We also see how the family copes after the death of Lloyd, and the guilt that they feel as a result.
A very eye opening book into how mental illness was treated, and how some heinous treatments were treated as “the norm” in the past. Thank goodness we have moved on from these times! But upsetting for family memories who have witnessed their own families go through this treatment, knowing that modern knowledge shows such advancement in this area.
Thank you to Booktasters for the opportunity to review this book and to Kit Crumpton for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“The year was 1941. The place was Elgin State Hospital, Elgin, Illinois”.
Meet Lloyd Huttleston, the week after his thirtieth birthday, as his father takes him to Elgin Mental Hospital, where he is diagnosed as schizophrenic.
“Will I ever go back home?” He wondered”.
Lots of historical information in this book in regards to the state and practises of mental hospital's in the 1940's. I had not heard of Insulin Shock Therapy before reading this book (there were risks – sometimes people died). Reading the feelings Lloyd would have experiences before he died was upsetting, because you knew mentally he was very child-like and slow, not understanding why people were doing this to him.
The book also delves into the past of the family, in particular Lloyd's father Clifford. We see how Clifford has been beaten by his own father Franklin, which in turn happens to Lloyd via Clifford. We see a lot of the past through Clifford and his own struggles. We also see how the family copes after the death of Lloyd, and the guilt that they feel as a result.
A very eye opening book into how mental illness was treated, and how some heinous treatments were treated as “the norm” in the past. Thank goodness we have moved on from these times! But upsetting for family memories who have witnessed their own families go through this treatment, knowing that modern knowledge shows such advancement in this area.
Thank you to Booktasters for the opportunity to review this book and to Kit Crumpton for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2018
I was utterly aghast most of the time I was reading this tale of struggle. I was particularly struck by the condition of Anglo women in this historical novel of late 19th-early 20th century midwestern life, mental illness and its treatments, marriage and family, and sex-roles in all their devastating limitedness.
Perhaps, because of the insane clown occupying the Oval Office, I'm very sensitive to depictions of female-male relations and interactions. Women were thought of as assets. They were also expected to be subservient. They had few options, whether or not the men in their lives were financially flush. They had few to no choices. All were expected to desire marriage, children, a household to preside over, and a husband to obey.
Miscarriage, at the time, was code for abortion. Respectable women would not like it known that they had availed themselves of the abortionist's skills. But, abortion was practiced regularly, among the married and unmarried alike.
Poor Lloyd. I felt I didn't spend much time with Lloyd. That was as it was in his life. Isolated, alienated, manipulated, abused. We treat the mentally ill little better now than in the past.
This is an anguishing story, but the history blended with the biographies of all the characters makes for a difficult, but very moving, sociologically good read.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This review is provided in exchange for reading a gift copy of the book.
Perhaps, because of the insane clown occupying the Oval Office, I'm very sensitive to depictions of female-male relations and interactions. Women were thought of as assets. They were also expected to be subservient. They had few options, whether or not the men in their lives were financially flush. They had few to no choices. All were expected to desire marriage, children, a household to preside over, and a husband to obey.
Miscarriage, at the time, was code for abortion. Respectable women would not like it known that they had availed themselves of the abortionist's skills. But, abortion was practiced regularly, among the married and unmarried alike.
Poor Lloyd. I felt I didn't spend much time with Lloyd. That was as it was in his life. Isolated, alienated, manipulated, abused. We treat the mentally ill little better now than in the past.
This is an anguishing story, but the history blended with the biographies of all the characters makes for a difficult, but very moving, sociologically good read.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This review is provided in exchange for reading a gift copy of the book.
March 27, 2017
The story of Lloyd, labelled an 'imbecile' as a child, is told in snapshots - almost like memories all strung together. In fact, the author has used facts and characters from her own family history and interwoven them with fictional characters and events. The story starts with Lloyd's death due to insulin shock therapy, in Elgin State Hospital - an asylum. The book then pieces together how he ended up there, delving much further back into his family history to try to understand his parents' and family's attitude to his condition. There are some peripheral characters in the asylum: we learn a little about them as a way of illustrating the abuses that could go on and the treatments that were commonplace.
The book is an attempt to understand views and attitudes to mental illness in the late C19 and early C20, without judgement. I thought it a careful and sensitive exercise: it's all too easy to judge the generations that have gone before.
The story is made all the more poignant by the inclusion of family photographs throughout. I thought the peripheral characters in the asylum could have been developed a bit more, though this would have been a bigger fictional departure from the actual historical events. All in all a thought provoking little book.
I was given a copy if the book by the author, via Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
The book is an attempt to understand views and attitudes to mental illness in the late C19 and early C20, without judgement. I thought it a careful and sensitive exercise: it's all too easy to judge the generations that have gone before.
The story is made all the more poignant by the inclusion of family photographs throughout. I thought the peripheral characters in the asylum could have been developed a bit more, though this would have been a bigger fictional departure from the actual historical events. All in all a thought provoking little book.
I was given a copy if the book by the author, via Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
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May 26, 2017The Fading of Lyod catched me right from the first line. A boy, longing for love and understanding, who had to make such horrible experiences. People using him for their profit... a family heartbroken.. It was one of those stories which left me thought-provoking.
When I read the first chapters I was remembering stories of people with so called "mentally illnesses" in Germany (as I am German) during the time of World War II. Men, women and children who were systematically killed because they did not fit to the society.
Then the novel got more into Llyods family background and all the time I was so touched that I liked to jump into the novel and helping the kids.
Mabel, too - what a time it must have been and taking this responsibilty for all these years.
A very good novel I can recommend for English classes regarding language analyses too.
When I read the first chapters I was remembering stories of people with so called "mentally illnesses" in Germany (as I am German) during the time of World War II. Men, women and children who were systematically killed because they did not fit to the society.
Then the novel got more into Llyods family background and all the time I was so touched that I liked to jump into the novel and helping the kids.
Mabel, too - what a time it must have been and taking this responsibilty for all these years.
A very good novel I can recommend for English classes regarding language analyses too.
March 1, 2017
I'm giving this book a 3.8/5 because I enjoyed reading the story and learning about Lloyd's family, and how that all connected to his life in Elgin State Hospital. It was very heartbreaking, especially as I got closer to the end. But my main critique is what happened to Kimberly, the rest of the family, and especially Eddie? I wanted a justified ending against his many evil transgressions. Nevertheless, this book is a good informative narrative about a family and the early incorrect treatment of mental illness.
February 26, 2018
The novel begins in 1941 and a 30-year-old man, Lloyd Huttleston, lies dead. He had been receiving insulin shock therapy, a way to treat schizophrenia, at Elgin State Hospital in Illinois. The novel then travels back in time to when Lloyd's father, Clifford, is a young boy and runs away from home. We see him grow up and start a family, and the book slowly begins to reveal why Lloyd was placed in the psychatric hospital.
Crumpton cleverly charts the development of a nation through one man. As Clifford grows from a boy into a man, the reader also witnesses the advancements in American society. These are primarily shown through technology, such as the railways, and science with a scene from a medical conference. There are also references to both World Wars and women's suffrage. Crumpton effectively weaves these historical events into the narrative, discussing the changing landscape of a country while still dealing with the personal events of Clifford's life, without making the story feel cluttered.
The amount of research that went into the novel is clearly evident, and enhanced my enjoyment of the book. I only had rough idea about mental health care during this period previously, but Crumpton goes into detail. It was very fascinating and I will be diving into the bibliography at the end to find out more. But the novel isn't burdened with massive information dumps. Instead, you learn about medical practices quite organically through plot development.
The development of the characters was also well-done. Clifford in particular was a very well-rounded character. He felt very much like a man of his time, and though he does some problematic things, Crumpton still makes you sympathise with him. She doesn't retroactively judge him which I liked. Lloyd's three sisters were also a highlight for me. They all had distinct personalities that shone in the scenes they were in. I particularly liked the character of Jean, who appeared to have quite a complex relationship with her brother and struggled with his mental health.
However at times the novel was awkwardly written. One example occurs at the end of a chapter, as Clifford leaves home;
'It was beyond Clifford's imagination that several years later he would see a shirt stained with blood, inflicted by his own hand, using his own belt, on his own son, Lloyd'. pg 32.
Out of context this sentence seems perfectly fine. However, we had previously been told Lloyd is Clifford's only son so the last part seems superfluous. Just having either 'his own son' or 'Lloyd' would have worked. There is also a moment where 'The Great War' is mentioned and immediately after Crumpton writes WW1. Because the term 'The Great War' is commonly associated with the First World War, and given the year is printed with the chapter title, it felt unnecessary to write both names for the war. Moments like these felt a little clunky, and would make me pause, therefore taking me out of the story.
Overall The Fading of Lloyd was a very quick, interesting read, and I found it a fascinating look at mental health at the beginning of the 20th century. The characters and prose were well-written, and I could quite happily have spent more time with them. Crumpton also manages to evoke the time period well. If you are interested in historical fiction I think you may enjoy this.
Crumpton cleverly charts the development of a nation through one man. As Clifford grows from a boy into a man, the reader also witnesses the advancements in American society. These are primarily shown through technology, such as the railways, and science with a scene from a medical conference. There are also references to both World Wars and women's suffrage. Crumpton effectively weaves these historical events into the narrative, discussing the changing landscape of a country while still dealing with the personal events of Clifford's life, without making the story feel cluttered.
The amount of research that went into the novel is clearly evident, and enhanced my enjoyment of the book. I only had rough idea about mental health care during this period previously, but Crumpton goes into detail. It was very fascinating and I will be diving into the bibliography at the end to find out more. But the novel isn't burdened with massive information dumps. Instead, you learn about medical practices quite organically through plot development.
The development of the characters was also well-done. Clifford in particular was a very well-rounded character. He felt very much like a man of his time, and though he does some problematic things, Crumpton still makes you sympathise with him. She doesn't retroactively judge him which I liked. Lloyd's three sisters were also a highlight for me. They all had distinct personalities that shone in the scenes they were in. I particularly liked the character of Jean, who appeared to have quite a complex relationship with her brother and struggled with his mental health.
However at times the novel was awkwardly written. One example occurs at the end of a chapter, as Clifford leaves home;
'It was beyond Clifford's imagination that several years later he would see a shirt stained with blood, inflicted by his own hand, using his own belt, on his own son, Lloyd'. pg 32.
Out of context this sentence seems perfectly fine. However, we had previously been told Lloyd is Clifford's only son so the last part seems superfluous. Just having either 'his own son' or 'Lloyd' would have worked. There is also a moment where 'The Great War' is mentioned and immediately after Crumpton writes WW1. Because the term 'The Great War' is commonly associated with the First World War, and given the year is printed with the chapter title, it felt unnecessary to write both names for the war. Moments like these felt a little clunky, and would make me pause, therefore taking me out of the story.
Overall The Fading of Lloyd was a very quick, interesting read, and I found it a fascinating look at mental health at the beginning of the 20th century. The characters and prose were well-written, and I could quite happily have spent more time with them. Crumpton also manages to evoke the time period well. If you are interested in historical fiction I think you may enjoy this.
July 24, 2017
3.5 Stars
At first, I wasn’t sure if what I was reading was a non-fiction story, a fictonal story, or a fictional story based on real-life events and people. There were no genre tags listed on Goodreads so I basically went in blind. I noticed as I was reading that there were actual pictures of real people labeled as the characters in the book, so I was beginning to believe that it was either a non-fiction story or a story based on real people. I finally got my answer at the end of the book. The afterword told me all I needed to know. I only wish the genre would have been listed on Goodreads and that maybe the afterword could have been completely moved to the beginning of the book as a foreward so I could know exactly what was based in fact and what wasn’t. Reading the afterword you find out that the story is fictionalized but some of the characters are based on the author’s family. The main character, Lloyd, is modeled after Kit Crumpton’s uncle. It is true that he died in the Elgin State Hospital from “exhaustion incidental to psychosis.”
The story opens with Lloyd’s death scene; in a state hospital during an insulin shock therapy treatment. I think this was a great opening. It grabbed my attention right away. We find out Lloyd was admitted to Elgin State Hospital on the basis that he was an “imbecile”, those days terms for an intellectually disabled person. Later on, his doctor diagnoses him as a schizophrenic. This leads to the shock therapy that killed him in the end. As the book continues on, it goes through Lloyd’s family history, starting with his grandfather, working its way up to his death. After Lloyd’s death, the story continues on with his family dealing with the guilt for what happened to Lloyd and how each parent had a part in it. This is a story about how certain events and life choices can affect an entire person’s life. In this case, for the worst, as these choices led to Lloyd’s premature death.
There were a couple characters that I would have liked to see their stories completely flushed out and given some closure. We were introduced to Eddie, who works at the Elgin State Hospital and Kimberly, a patient at the hospital, but we never find out how their stories end. We were left hanging. I am interested in hearing about these characters and how they ended up.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about stories about family histories or anyone interested in how intellectually disabled people were treated back in the 1930s and 1940s. I rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
At first, I wasn’t sure if what I was reading was a non-fiction story, a fictonal story, or a fictional story based on real-life events and people. There were no genre tags listed on Goodreads so I basically went in blind. I noticed as I was reading that there were actual pictures of real people labeled as the characters in the book, so I was beginning to believe that it was either a non-fiction story or a story based on real people. I finally got my answer at the end of the book. The afterword told me all I needed to know. I only wish the genre would have been listed on Goodreads and that maybe the afterword could have been completely moved to the beginning of the book as a foreward so I could know exactly what was based in fact and what wasn’t. Reading the afterword you find out that the story is fictionalized but some of the characters are based on the author’s family. The main character, Lloyd, is modeled after Kit Crumpton’s uncle. It is true that he died in the Elgin State Hospital from “exhaustion incidental to psychosis.”
The story opens with Lloyd’s death scene; in a state hospital during an insulin shock therapy treatment. I think this was a great opening. It grabbed my attention right away. We find out Lloyd was admitted to Elgin State Hospital on the basis that he was an “imbecile”, those days terms for an intellectually disabled person. Later on, his doctor diagnoses him as a schizophrenic. This leads to the shock therapy that killed him in the end. As the book continues on, it goes through Lloyd’s family history, starting with his grandfather, working its way up to his death. After Lloyd’s death, the story continues on with his family dealing with the guilt for what happened to Lloyd and how each parent had a part in it. This is a story about how certain events and life choices can affect an entire person’s life. In this case, for the worst, as these choices led to Lloyd’s premature death.
There were a couple characters that I would have liked to see their stories completely flushed out and given some closure. We were introduced to Eddie, who works at the Elgin State Hospital and Kimberly, a patient at the hospital, but we never find out how their stories end. We were left hanging. I am interested in hearing about these characters and how they ended up.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about stories about family histories or anyone interested in how intellectually disabled people were treated back in the 1930s and 1940s. I rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 31, 2020
I chose this book for many reasons. One was the cover (which you should never judge a book by) and the other was the synopsis. I love history and this particular era is so interesting to me for so many reasons. But the thing that intrigued me most was the story regarding the mental asylum and the treatment that patients endured while there. This story had it all. The cover was a bit deceiving because there are no ghosts in the story, but that was not disappointing to me. I am simply stating it in case you were hoping to hear a good ghost story, which I have no doubt this author could have written a good one. Readers are given a wonder description of characters, with great backstories, and although you learn the outcome of Lloyd early on in the story, the backstory keeps you going. The author did a beautiful job of painting the story by her use of vivid descriptions and I felt the plot was paced at just the right speed. I am not going to lie, it did leave me wanting to know more about the other characters at the asylum, and I felt like there was more story left to tell. I wish there had been an epilogue that perhaps gave some closure to everything, but alas the only thing it did was help me understand the basis for the story, which is fictional but based on real people. Overall, I really enjoyed reading the story, and felt that it deserved 5 stars for both the story and the writing style of the author.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review for Booktasters, and I am very thankful for having the opportunity to read it. I hope someday there will be a sequel, because I will definitely want to read it.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review for Booktasters, and I am very thankful for having the opportunity to read it. I hope someday there will be a sequel, because I will definitely want to read it.
June 17, 2017
This is a moving story, taking place at the beginning of the 20th century, about an American family having to confront not only social changes, but also personal struggles. The book tells about the life of Lloyd's parents, connecting their story to his own struggle against his condition as "imbecile" and later schizophrenic. The author shows clearly how, in this story, people with psychological issues were discarded into mental institutions, where they were treated as inferior beings and without much respect. The plot is very well developed and the reader, understanding that in this period, almost the first half of the 20th century, medical knowledge about psychiatric and psychological diseases, their origins and their treatment was limited as well as their social acceptance, oftentimes has to shake her head about the negligence of the processes described in the story.
The character's description is very well done, taking the reader to a journey into their personal worlds. It has been a moving and intense read.
The character's description is very well done, taking the reader to a journey into their personal worlds. It has been a moving and intense read.
August 20, 2018
This is a tragic story based upon real events. In 1910, Lloyd Huttleston was born after his mother tried consuming chemicals to abort him. She did not want to have a baby at this time. It was evident from the beginning that he had mental deficiencies. As he grew older, the challenges became difficult and his family admitted him to a mental institution. He was treated and died in 1940.
This is a truly tragic story. Treatment for those with special needs was deplorable with lobotomies, medication and institutionalization. Based on the description of the book, I thought there would be a more in depth look at treatment in mental institutions. The difficult issues with having a special needs person in the family were not addressed. I feel that an important part of the story has been overlooked. The impact on his sisters of having Lloyd as a family member wasn't discussed either. The opportunity to enlighten and educate was missed. I certainly had different expectations of this book.
This is a truly tragic story. Treatment for those with special needs was deplorable with lobotomies, medication and institutionalization. Based on the description of the book, I thought there would be a more in depth look at treatment in mental institutions. The difficult issues with having a special needs person in the family were not addressed. I feel that an important part of the story has been overlooked. The impact on his sisters of having Lloyd as a family member wasn't discussed either. The opportunity to enlighten and educate was missed. I certainly had different expectations of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2017
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style is not one that speaks to me. I found it short, choppy, and much more tell than show. It is written at about a 6th grade level, which isn't a bad thing, but some of the subject matter is way beyond what I would consider appropriate for an 11-12 year old.
The story told, however, is one of developmental disabilities, and the vulnerability this population suffers, especially during a period when it was not well understood and considered shameful. Interwoven is the story of a young socialite whose treatment is also what we would consider barbaric in today's world. The questions posed about how to handle abnormal behavior remain today, and it's entirely possible history will view today's methods through the same harsh lens.
The writing style is not one that speaks to me. I found it short, choppy, and much more tell than show. It is written at about a 6th grade level, which isn't a bad thing, but some of the subject matter is way beyond what I would consider appropriate for an 11-12 year old.
The story told, however, is one of developmental disabilities, and the vulnerability this population suffers, especially during a period when it was not well understood and considered shameful. Interwoven is the story of a young socialite whose treatment is also what we would consider barbaric in today's world. The questions posed about how to handle abnormal behavior remain today, and it's entirely possible history will view today's methods through the same harsh lens.
July 16, 2018
I was given this book free for an honest review
Oh my goodness I adored this book I couldn't put it down the characters where amazing and I felt there pain and happiness throughout the book. I loved the history that was put together for each character.
I felt a lot of sadness for Lloyd and I do kind of wish there was more in the story from his point of view and what was happening to him while in the hospital.
You could feel the guilt that Lloyd mum and dad felt for the way they treated him before he went to the hospital and before his death.
I recommend this to everyone it was an amazing story with a lot of history and it was also based on reality which I thought was amazing
Oh my goodness I adored this book I couldn't put it down the characters where amazing and I felt there pain and happiness throughout the book. I loved the history that was put together for each character.
I felt a lot of sadness for Lloyd and I do kind of wish there was more in the story from his point of view and what was happening to him while in the hospital.
You could feel the guilt that Lloyd mum and dad felt for the way they treated him before he went to the hospital and before his death.
I recommend this to everyone it was an amazing story with a lot of history and it was also based on reality which I thought was amazing
November 2, 2017
Kit Crumpton’s emotional story The Fading of Lloyd follows the life of the Huttelston family and their mentally ill child. Lloyd’s struggles are unfortunate as he tries to make sense of the world through his eyes while everyone struggles to make sense of Lloyd and an illness they know little about.
As Lloyd approaches his early 30’s it is evident that his family can no longer cope with his disturbing behavior. His parents make the decision to commit Lloyd to Elgin State Hospital. Upon his arrival Lloyd is a healthy, curious man with psychological issues. Eventually he becomes a victim of mental abuse from a staff member resulting in numerous manic episodes that lead to Lloyd’s demise while undergoing a medical practice used in the 1940’s called insulin shock therapy.
Meanwhile, at home his sisters fear that they may have children like Lloyd with a mental illness. Lloyd’s father feels he was not a good parent to his only son. His mother is remorseful by the secret she has carried around for many years. Now she must share the truth about Lloyd’s condition with the entire family.
What happened to Lloyd was tragic. It is sad that such a brutal practice in an attempt to cure schizophrenia was tolerated and even looked upon favorably by Psychiatrists. This intriguing story left me pondering the atrocities inflicted on patients by (some) health care professionals long after reading the book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Lloyd approaches his early 30’s it is evident that his family can no longer cope with his disturbing behavior. His parents make the decision to commit Lloyd to Elgin State Hospital. Upon his arrival Lloyd is a healthy, curious man with psychological issues. Eventually he becomes a victim of mental abuse from a staff member resulting in numerous manic episodes that lead to Lloyd’s demise while undergoing a medical practice used in the 1940’s called insulin shock therapy.
Meanwhile, at home his sisters fear that they may have children like Lloyd with a mental illness. Lloyd’s father feels he was not a good parent to his only son. His mother is remorseful by the secret she has carried around for many years. Now she must share the truth about Lloyd’s condition with the entire family.
What happened to Lloyd was tragic. It is sad that such a brutal practice in an attempt to cure schizophrenia was tolerated and even looked upon favorably by Psychiatrists. This intriguing story left me pondering the atrocities inflicted on patients by (some) health care professionals long after reading the book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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