Title: A Veritable Household Pet

Author: Viggy Parr Hampton

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Veritable-Household-Pet-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0FZX3J2CZ

Summary

Darla Gregory received a lobotomy at 11 years old … and she was never the same.

Based on painfully true history, mixed with family drama, complex characters, and a gut-punch twist.

[Scribe’s note: This is my sister Darla’s story, as dictated to me. I have tried to remain as faithful to her diction and voice as I can, while also making it intelligible and coherent. Darla has progressed considerably since the lobotomy, but she is still unable to write by herself. I have added notes, interpolations, and supporting documentation where necessary to clarify or explain, or to add my own experience if relevant.

If you’re wondering why it took so long for you to read this, I’d encourage you to keep your bratty thoughts to yourself. You’re lucky I’m telling you the truth at all. This is the last thing I have to do for her, and I hope you’re finally mature enough to handle it.]

My Review

5/5 Stars

When 11-year-old Darla struggles with her mental health, her family decides to turn to a lobotomy as the solution. But they soon find out exactly why they’re no longer practiced, leaving Darla, and her sister Ellie, to deal with the consequences.

Heartbreaking and tragic, there was so much real-world horror in this book. It forces you to confront a dark chapter in medical history, where “treatment” often meant irreversible harm. It’s hard to believe that lobotomies were ever a thing, and the story drives home just how many lives, like Darla’s, were permanently altered because society didn’t understand or accept mental illness.

It’s been such a long time since I’ve stayed up at night to finish a book, but I needed to know what would happen to Darla, even when I suspected it wouldn’t be easy to take. And it isn’t. I really felt for her. She was such a lovable character in spite of what happened to her. This entire book was beautifully tragic. Every character had such a sad trajectory that’s unfortunately reminiscent of so many real-world struggles. The ending had me in tears because the world can be a really cruel place.

If you’re looking for a story that will break your heart while shedding light on a deeply disturbing reality, this is your book.