The Lobotomist

Peter Lerman’s narration is both clinical and compelling, perfectly capturing the intense emotions and moral dilemmas surrounding lobotomy. The pacing keeps listeners hooked from start to finish, despite the heavy subject matter. El-Hai’s narrative is a stark portrayal of medical ethics and personal ambition gone awry, with each chapter revealing more about Freeman's relentless pursuit of his controversial 'cure'. However, the audiobook could benefit from more historical context around the patients themselves, rather than focusing solely on Freeman’s actions. Overall, this is an essential listen for anyone interested in the history of mental health or the ethical boundaries of medicine.