American Genes - Nielsen, Kirby

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Résumé :
Will Freedom Die In Pursuit Of A Genetically Pure America? In 1930, thirteen-year-old Anna Olson's social life ends when she has the first of two seizures, which in the eyes of some means she has bad genes. Unfortunately, Joan Bridenbaugh, a local social worker, is one of them. She is a eugenics fanatic who believes the United States should adopt the harsh strategies the Nazis use to eliminate defective people. Joan wants to sterilize Anna and put her in a state institution for epileptics. Anna's parents fight tirelessly to stop her. When Anna's father perishes in a fierce snowstorm, and her mother succumbs to influenza, Joan makes her move. Standing in Joan's way are family friends who believe Anna should live with them. The two sides clash in a dramatic custody battle that reveals the dark undercurrents of the eugenics movement. As she waits for the judges' decision, Anna is on pins and needles, fearing the worst is yet to come.

Biographie:
Kirby Nielsen lives in Delaware, Ohio. He has written three novels and numerous short stories. His research and subject matter are eugenics in America from 1900-1970.After receiving his Master of Arts in Applied BehaviorAnalysis from Drake University, Mr. Nielsen became the director of professional services at the Wilmar State Hospital in Wilmar, Minnesota. There, he began a career that provided him with a rich background for his stories.Although historical, Mr. Nielsen hopes his work will raise red flags in America so we may avoid the horrible mistake of adopting eugenics as a legitimate science. It is crucial work since eugenics and its ugly ramifications are beginning to reappear in some parts of American society.

Sommaire:
Will Freedom Die In Pursuit Of A Genetically Pure America? In 1930, thirteen-year-old Anna Olson's social life ends when she has the first of two seizures, which in the eyes of some means she has bad genes. Unfortunately, Joan Bridenbaugh, a local social worker, is one of them. She is a eugenics fanatic who believes the United States should adopt the harsh strategies the Nazis use to eliminate defective people. Joan wants to sterilize Anna and put her in a state institution for epileptics. Anna's parents fight tirelessly to stop her. When Anna's father perishes in a fierce snowstorm, and her mother succumbs to influenza, Joan makes her move. Standing in Joan's way are family friends who believe Anna should live with them. The two sides clash in a dramatic custody battle that reveals the dark undercurrents of the eugenics movement. As she waits for the judges' decision, Anna is on pins and needles, fearing the worst is yet to come. ...