Author Susanne Paola Antonetta Explores Forgotten History of Eugenics in New Book

Antonetta's "The Devil's Castle" unearths the failures of the past and envisions a more compassionate approach to mental health care.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Author and poet Susanne Paola Antonetta will be hosting an event to discuss her new book "The Devil's Castle," which explores the forgotten history of the eugenics movement and its links to present-day psychiatry. Antonetta's work not only sheds light on the devastating consequences of dehumanization, but also highlights the transformative potential of understanding and acceptance when it comes to mental health.

Why it matters

The eugenics movement and its horrific implementation in Nazi Germany's Aktion T4 euthanasia program is a dark chapter in history that has long-lasting impacts on how we approach mental health and neurodiversity. Antonetta's book aims to challenge the limits of how we define and support the human mind, providing a rallying cry for change.

The details

In "The Devil's Castle," Antonetta interweaves her own experiences with psychosis and the complex history of psychiatry. She brings to life the stories of historical figures like Paul Schreber and Dorothea Buck, who serve as models for more compassionate and accepting approaches to mental health care. The book traverses the spectrum of neurodiversity, from the devastating consequences of dehumanization to the transformative potential of understanding.

  • The event will take place on February 12, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
  • Antonetta's book "The Devil's Castle" was recently released.

The players

Susanne Paola Antonetta

An author and poet who has written numerous works of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Her accolades include a New York Times Notable Book, an American Book Award, and a Library Journal Best Science book.

Paul Schreber

A historical figure who serves as a model for mind care and acceptance in Antonetta's book.

Dorothea Buck

A historical figure who serves as a model for mind care and acceptance in Antonetta's book.

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What they’re saying

“This is a story of tragedy, resilience, and hope—a rallying cry for change that dares to challenge the limits of how we define and support the human mind.”

— Susanne Paola Antonetta, Author (holycitysinner.com)

What’s next

Signed copies of "The Devil's Castle" can be purchased from Buxton Books for those unable to attend the event.

The takeaway

Antonetta's work sheds light on the devastating consequences of the eugenics movement and its links to present-day psychiatry, while also highlighting the transformative potential of understanding and acceptance when it comes to mental health and neurodiversity.