The author takes us on a compelling journey through 93-years of history at one of the nation’s last segregated asylums Crownsville State Hospital. The building of Crownsville became official after twelve Black men under the supervision of a doctor, were forced to clear land, pour cement, lay bricks, and harvest tobacco. When construction finished, they became the first twelve patients of the state’s Hospital for the Negro Insane. For centuries, Black patients have been absent from our history books. Madness transports readers behind the brick walls of a Jim Crow asylum.

Hylton is an amazing journalist and author‼️ I love when authors shed light on untold stories that occurred throughout history. The way she wove together her research with the stories of the patients and employees from Crownsville Hospital was perfectly executed. She focuses on so many themes not only mental health but how it affects the black community from one generation to the next, segregation, civil rights, and the healthcare system. 

I love that she even put bits and pieces of herself and her family’s history with mental health into her work. It gave a sense of authenticity knowing she didn’t give us something she simply researched. But provided us with a thorough examination of a buried time in history cross referenced with real life evidence and experiences. 

I don’t think I’ve ever annotated a book as much as I did while reading this. It’s heavy, rich in history, thought-provoking, and gut-wrenching I literally didn’t want to put it down. So many of the stories told throughout the book were shocking and will stay with you for a long time. Just imagine committing a simple crime or doing absolutely nothing and being sent to a mental institution for punishment not knowing you may never be heard from again. 

Overall, I loved this there is sooooooo much more I could say. But I’ll leave it at read the book you won’t be disappointed trust me. Special thanks to the author & @legacylitbooks for my gifted copy‼️