70 pages • 2 hours read
The Minds of Billy Milligan
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Book Brief
374
Biography • Nonfiction
Ohio • 1970s
1981
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes tells the true story of Billy Milligan, the first person to be acquitted of a major crime by reason of insanity due to dissociative identity disorder (DID). The book explores Milligan's trial for rape, his diagnosis of DID, and his subsequent time in psychiatric institutions. Sensitive topics discussed include trauma, abuse, and suicide.
Mysterious
Challenging
Emotional
Unnerving
Dark
Reviews & Readership
34,039 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes explores the complex and intriguing story of a man with multiple personality disorder. Reviews are generally positive, praising its compelling narrative and thorough research. However, some criticisms highlight the book's occasional slow pacing and skepticism about the accuracy of the psychological details. Overall, a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Minds of Billy Milligan?
Readers fascinated by true crime, psychology, and complex human behavior will enjoy The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes. Fans of Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber or The Man with a Thousand Faces by Charles Brooks will appreciate the in-depth exploration of dissociative identity disorder in this compelling, real-life narrative.
34,039 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arthur Smith
Arthur Smith
Arthur is one of Billy Milligan's 24 alters, recognized by his English accent and logical mindset. He plays a dominant role in controlling the consciousness and establishing a moral code for the alters.
Ragen Vadascovinich
Ragen Vadascovinich
Ragen is another of Billy Milligan’s 24 alters, characterized by his Yugoslavian background and role as a protector. He is known for his physical strength and emerges in dangerous situations to defend Milligan.
The Teacher
The Teacher
The Teacher is an alter formed from the fusion of all other identities, possessing complete recall of Billy Milligan’s experiences. This alter assists significantly in understanding Milligan’s life and the development of his alters.
Daniel Keyes/“The Writer”
Daniel Keyes/“The Writer”
Daniel Keyes is the author of Billy Milligan’s story, chosen for his empathetic writing style in portraying complex psychological and criminal issues, as previously demonstrated in his renowned work "Flowers for Algernon."
374
Biography • Nonfiction
Ohio • 1970s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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