Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys‘ is a powerful novel that delves into the dark history of the Dozier School for Boys. The school is in fact a real-life reform school in Florida that was plagued by abuse and neglect.
While the novel is fictional, it is inspired by the true stories of the boys who were sent to Dozier and the horrific experiences they endured. With the novel being adapted into a film a lot of questions regarding its realism are arising.
The Nickel Boys Is A Fictional Exploration Of A True Horror
The Dozier School for Boys was founded in 1900 as a place for troubled and delinquent boys to be reformed. However, instead of providing a safe and nurturing environment, the school became a breeding ground for abuse. Boys were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, as well as sexual assault. Many of the boys who were sent to Dozier never returned home.
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Dr. Elizabeth A. Murray’s book, ‘The Dozier School for Boys‘, provides a detailed account of the abuse that occurred at Dozier. Murray interviewed survivors of the school and analyzed forensic evidence to uncover the truth about what happened there
In 2011, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into the school after allegations of abuse and killings made by survivors. The investigation led to the closure of the school and the discovery of a mass grave on the school grounds. To add more to the horror many of the children had died as a result of physical abuse, while others had been sexually assaulted.
‘Nickel Boys’: A Voice For The Victims Of Dozier School
The survivors of the school have spent years trying to come to terms with the horrific experiences they endured. Many of them have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. Additionally, the discovery of the mass grave has brought renewed attention to the injustices that occurred at Dozier. Moreover, it has provided some closure for the families of the victims.
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Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys‘ is a powerful and heartbreaking novel that sheds light on the dark history of the Dozier School for Boys. By telling the fictional story of two boys who were sent to the school. Through the novel, Colson expects to give a voice to victims who are silenced. Now, with the Amazon adaptation of the Novel Colson’s story will continue to leave an impact on the cold cases.
