77 pages • 2 hours read
Robert KolkerHidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker tells the true story of the Galvin family: Don, Mimi, and their 12 children, six of whom develop schizophrenia, affecting their lives profoundly. The narrative details the family’s struggles with mental illness, the impact on the healthy siblings, and the scientific research prompted by their unique situation. Sensitive topics include mental illness, suicide, and sexual abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Robert Kolker's Hidden Valley Road explores the harrowing true story of a family's struggle with schizophrenia. Critics praise its compassionate storytelling, in-depth research, and compelling narrative, providing a sensitive look at mental illness. However, some reviews note its dense medical content and occasionally overwhelming details. Overall, it's deemed a poignant, informative read.
Who Should Read Hidden Valley Road?
A reader fascinated by family dynamics, mental health, and medical history would enjoy Robert Kolker's Hidden Valley Road. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and The Glass Castle will appreciate its gripping narrative blending intimate biography with scientific exploration.