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I Never Promised You a Rose Garden is a semi-autobiographical novel by Joanne Greenberg that was first published in 1964
. The novel tells the story of Deborah Blau, a 16-year-old girl who is committed to a mental institution after suffering a mental breakdown and creates a fantasy world to escape her harsh reality. The novel explores Deborah’s experiences in the institution and her relationship with her therapist, Dr. Fried. The novel offers a poignant portrayal of the complexities of mental health and the importance of understanding and empathy in the journey toward healing.Read the full book summary, a complete list of character descriptions, and mini essays on key topics from I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.