Pieces of Purgatory: Mental Retardation in and Out of Institutions

Pieces of Purgatory: Mental Retardation in and Out of Institutions by Smith, J. David. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780534252069.

This book tells the life story of John Lovelace, a 62-year old mentally retarded man. Tracing his life in and out of institutions, it chronicles the struggle of a socially imperfect person to find ways to become connected to the society which has been reluctant to grant him the right of participation. By telling the personal story of this one real person, the author hopes to inspire readers in training to work in settings where they will encounter children and adults with mental retardation. As they develop a deeper understanding of what it is like to go through life as a mentally retarded person, readers will feel an enhanced sensitivity and compassion that will help them in their day-to-day dealings with disabled people and will increase their commitment to developing humane, compassionate systems and policies.