Home for the Bewildered by Michelle Tobin tells the intriguing tale of Dorothy, the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum. Dorothy often gets overlooked by her family members. She is the first female in her family to attend university. But despite this significant accomplishment, Dorothy lacks their much-needed support and approval. However, she forms deep bonds with her patients and helps them cope with their different mental and emotional ailments. Her patients reflect a missing component or vulnerable side of Dorothy's life. Indirectly and directly, they remind her of some profound past or present event that she needs to confront. The ultimate question that persists is—can Dorothy also heal herself?

Home for the Bewildered is an irresistible and engaging psychological novel that will fully immerse readers into the lives of the characters. I intentionally re-read specific chapters because I wanted to re-capture the essence and vibrancy of each character again. Michelle Tobin has devised a vivid cast of characters that mirror authentic but deeply wounded souls. Each character is complex, fascinating, and flawed in their respective ways. You will even begin to empathize with the least likable character after spending time getting to know them on an intimate level. You will gradually see their lives reflected through your own—and your personal experiences will ultimately merge with theirs. Overall, this novel is an honest testimony of mankind's resilient spirit and our compassion for each other. This thought-provoking tale will stay with you. I highly recommend this well-crafted story to readers who enjoy books on mental health issues and confronting their innermost obstacles.

Dr. Dorothy Morrissey is a compassionate psychologist employed at St. Lawrence Asylum. She treats and interacts with patients whose psychological issues somehow correspond with her own life. Dorothy belongs to a devout Catholic family and often feels divided between conforming to her family's conservative upbringing while embracing her Protestant boyfriend's more relaxed approach to life. She frequently clashes with her family's perceptions of how God-fearing women should occupy their lives. The people in St. Lawrence Asylum might revere her, but Dorothy's family, on the other hand, does not even acknowledge her numerous achievements. Michelle Tobin's novel, Home for the Bewildered, poignantly exposes the challenges of women in the 1970s who defy family traditions and carve their own pathways regarding marriage, family life, personal values, and professionalism.

Michelle Tobin’s unforgettable novel examines the human condition using in-depth insight, authenticity, and compassion. Home for the Bewildered beautifully touches on issues deemed 'sensitive' during the 1970s--these topics include homosexuality, mental health issues, family dynamics, issues surrounding gender roles, and traditional marital norms. Tobin does an incredible job of introducing her readers to a convincing and superbly fleshed-out group of characters. They all navigate challenging life experiences while forming meaningful human connections. Dorothy, of course, is at the center of those connections. She empathizes with her patients and serves as the compassionate listening ear they all desperately need. Ironically, this is the same compassionate listening ear she lacks from her family. Through Dorothy's character, Tobin imparts her astute insight into the fascinating life of a mental health worker. This story is undeniably an engaging and enlightening read. If you love novels centered on mental health and social issues, Home for the Bewildered flawlessly hits the spot.