Failed Ambitions: Kew Cottages and Changing Ideas of Intellectual Disabilities: By Lee-Ann Monk and David Henderson, with Christine Bigby, Richard Broome and Katie Holmes. Melbourne: Monash University Press, 2023. Pp. 357. A$39.99 paper.

"Failed Ambitions: Kew Cottages and Changing Ideas of Intellectual Disabilities" by Lee-Ann Monk and David Henderson is a comprehensive history of Kew Cottages, an institutional site for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Australia. The book explores the evolution of ideas and treatments surrounding intellectual disabilities from the late nineteenth century to the present day. The authors provide insights into the experiences of inmates, staff, and families, as well as the emergence of community activism and the shift towards community care. While the lack of patient records presents challenges, the book incorporates oral histories and archival documents to offer diverse perspectives on institutional life. Overall, "Failed Ambitions" is a valuable resource for understanding the history of intellectual disabilities in Australia. [Extracted from the article]