Michelle Barraclough asked this question about The Good People:
Does anyone have thoughts on the modern name for the illness that afflicted Micheal in this novel? I read through some of the references Hannah Kent put at the end of the novel and came up with 'hypothyroidism'. Just curious if I'm right or if Hannah herself has talked about it anywhere?
Rohase Piercy He's described by the doctor as 'cretinous' and I've read elsewhere that 'cretinism' is (or was) linked to hypothyroidism cause by iodine deficiency .…moreHe's described by the doctor as 'cretinous' and I've read elsewhere that 'cretinism' is (or was) linked to hypothyroidism cause by iodine deficiency ...(less)
Image for The Good People
by Hannah Kent (Goodreads Author)
Rate this book
Clear rating

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more