Unspeakable: The Story of Junius Wilson (Caravan Book)
"Adroitly untangle[s] the twisted web of race, class, gender, and disability that ensnared Wilson for much of his life. . . . A significant contribution to African American history and the burgeoning fields of deaf and disability histories. . . . A remarkable and humane study."--H-Net Reviews"Remarkable. . . . In large part, a history of the changing culture in North Carolina, the change in treatment of the deaf, and the political developments of the nation. . . . A fine and worthy book."--The Journal of American History"Extensively documented. . . . A well-researched history book that sensitively documents the life of one black, deaf man but seeks to instruct us all."--Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education"Highly recommended."--CHOICE"A heart-rending story of race and disability in the Jim Crow South."--American History"[A] brisk and compelling narrative that proves surprisingly uplifting."--Star News"Riveting."--Journal of Blacks in Higher Education"An engrossing and insightful look at changes in how race and disability have been viewed from the perspective of one man's life."--Booklist"WithUnspeakable, Susan Burch and Hannah Joyner reveal a gruesome picture of official abuse and neglect. In simple, powerful language, they describe the life of Wilson, who spent 76 years in the State Hospital, apparently for no other reason than that he was deaf. . . . In understated language, Burch and Joyner describe his evolution from a confused, frightened, occasionally belligerent boy to a docile adult. . . . The overwhelming injustice done to [Wilson] is mind-boggling, and Burch and Joyner have told his story with thoroughness and passion."--Washington Post