When Saints, Scholars, and Schizophrenics was published it became an instant classic. This is a beautifully written study tracing the social disintegration of “Ballybran,” a small village on the Dingle Peninsula. In this richly detailed and sympathetic book, Nancy Scheper-Hughes explores the symptoms of the community’s decline: emigration, malaise, damaging patterns of childrearing and schizophrenia.
Following a recent return to “Ballybran,” Scheper-Hughes reflects in a new preface and epilogue. She also reflects on the well-being of the community and on her attempts to reconcile her responsibility to the people.
The author is a skillful pathologist of human nature and a very good writer.