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The Madwomen of Paris
A young woman with amnesia falls under the influence of a powerful doctor in Paris’s notorious women’s asylum, where she must fight to reclaim dangerous memories—and even more perilously, her sanity—in this gripping historical novel inspired by true events, from the bestselling author of Wunderland.
“I didn’t see her the day she came to the asylum. Looking back, this sometimes strikes me as unlikely. Impossible, even, given how utterly her arrival would upend the already chaotic order of things at the Salpêtrière—not to mention change the course of my own life there.”
When Josephine arrives at the Salpêtrière she is covered in blood and badly bruised. Suffering from near-complete amnesia, she is diagnosed with what the Paris papers are calling “the epidemic of the age”: hysteria. It is a disease so baffling and widespread that Doctor Jean-Martine Charcot, the asylum’s famous director, devotes many of his popular public lectures to the malady. To Charcot’s delight, Josephine also proves extraordinarily susceptible to hypnosis, the tool he uses to unlock hysteria’s myriad (and often sensational) symptoms. Soon Charcot is regularly featuring Josephine on his stage, entrancing the young woman into fantastical acts and hallucinatory fits before enraptured audiences and eager newsmen—many of whom feature her on their paper’s front pages.
For Laure, a lonely asylum attendant assigned to Josephine’s care, Charcot’s diagnosis seems a godsend. A former hysteric herself, she knows better than most that life in the Salpêtrière’s Hysteria Ward is far easier than in its dreaded Lunacy division, from which few inmates ever return. But as Josephine’s fame as Charcot’s “star hysteric” grows, her memory starts to return—and with it, images of a horrific crime she believes she’s committed. Haunted by these visions, and helplessly trapped in Charcot’s hypnotic web, she starts spiraling into actual insanity. Desperate to save the girl she has grown to love, Laure plots their escape from the Salpêtrière and its doctors. First, though, she must confirm whether Joséphine is actually a madwoman, soon to be consigned to the Salpêtrière’s brutal Lunacy Ward—or a murderer, destined for the guillotine.
Both are dark possibilities—but not nearly as dark as what Laure will unearth when she sets out to discover the truth.
“I didn’t see her the day she came to the asylum. Looking back, this sometimes strikes me as unlikely. Impossible, even, given how utterly her arrival would upend the already chaotic order of things at the Salpêtrière—not to mention change the course of my own life there.”
When Josephine arrives at the Salpêtrière she is covered in blood and badly bruised. Suffering from near-complete amnesia, she is diagnosed with what the Paris papers are calling “the epidemic of the age”: hysteria. It is a disease so baffling and widespread that Doctor Jean-Martine Charcot, the asylum’s famous director, devotes many of his popular public lectures to the malady. To Charcot’s delight, Josephine also proves extraordinarily susceptible to hypnosis, the tool he uses to unlock hysteria’s myriad (and often sensational) symptoms. Soon Charcot is regularly featuring Josephine on his stage, entrancing the young woman into fantastical acts and hallucinatory fits before enraptured audiences and eager newsmen—many of whom feature her on their paper’s front pages.
For Laure, a lonely asylum attendant assigned to Josephine’s care, Charcot’s diagnosis seems a godsend. A former hysteric herself, she knows better than most that life in the Salpêtrière’s Hysteria Ward is far easier than in its dreaded Lunacy division, from which few inmates ever return. But as Josephine’s fame as Charcot’s “star hysteric” grows, her memory starts to return—and with it, images of a horrific crime she believes she’s committed. Haunted by these visions, and helplessly trapped in Charcot’s hypnotic web, she starts spiraling into actual insanity. Desperate to save the girl she has grown to love, Laure plots their escape from the Salpêtrière and its doctors. First, though, she must confirm whether Joséphine is actually a madwoman, soon to be consigned to the Salpêtrière’s brutal Lunacy Ward—or a murderer, destined for the guillotine.
Both are dark possibilities—but not nearly as dark as what Laure will unearth when she sets out to discover the truth.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
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July 15, 2023
4.5⭐
Set in the Salpêtrière, a women’s asylum in 1800s France, author Jennifer Cody Epstein combines fact and fiction to give us a heartbreaking story that revolves around the plight of women being treated for “hysteria” under the care of renowned neurologist Dr. Jean-Martine Charcot and his team of interns and in the expansive facility, a "small, mad city" that housed “three thousand women in various states of mental distress; two hundred children in its reformatory schools; six hundred doctors, surgeons, internes and externes, nurses, and various other assistants; and over a dozen on-site workshops making everything from copper tools to iron horseshoes to wooden clogs for its patients.”
Dr. Charcot’s research into the treatment of hysteria is highly publicized, complete with his famous Friday lecture series wherein he presents the symptoms he treats with hypnosis in a live demonstration with his subject (patient) which is attended by the public. The author references the famous group tableau portrait of 1887 A Clinical Lesson at the Salpêtrière (Une leçon clinique à la Salpêtrière) which depicts a clinical demonstration of the symptoms of hysteria, attended by Dr. Charcot’s students.
The narrative is presented from the perspective of nineteen-year-old Laure Bissonet, a former patient who is presently employed as an attendant. The daughter of a physician, she was institutionalized after an emotional breakdown following the death of her father. Laure hopes to eventually leave the asylum and search for her younger sister with whom she separated when she entered Salpêtrière. The narrative follows Laure as she meets and attends to a newly arrived patient, seventeen-year-old Josephine Garreau, who is institutionalized in with visible injuries, following a failed suicide attempt. She suffers from amnesia, unable to recount the events that led to her attempted suicide. Josephine, apparently highly susceptible to hypnosis soon becomes the star of Dr. Charcot’s Friday lectures and slowly begins to regain her memories which she shares with Laure. Laure and Josephine become close and Laure hopes to leave with Josephine but as the day to their planned escape draws close, Laure notices a behavioral shift in Josephine. Are Dr. Charcot’s methods healing Josephine or intensifying her emotional distress? Is she truly unwell or is she putting on an act and if so, to what end?
The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein is a meticulously researched, dark and disturbing yet compelling work of historical fiction that paints a bleak but realistic picture of the workings of the most famous asylum for women in Europe in an era where women had no rights or agency. From what Laure observes and we can make out that many of those termed "hysterics’” were suffering from emotional distress brought on by abuse and traumatic events in their lives or were simply institutionalized by their families for defying societal norms and control.
“The men always get away with it. It was a central tenet of our time, unwritten and undiscussed, but as incontrovertible as any upheld in an actual court of law.”
I truly appreciated the Author’s Note that details the historical context of the story as well as the people and events that inspired the same. The author also sheds light on how the study of mental illness and how the treatment of what was once termed “hysteria” has evolved over time.
This is not an easy read. The author paints a vivid picture of the living conditions (worse for those in the “Lunacy” section of the asylum), the utter disregard for the women under Dr. Charcot’s care, the humiliation of public display and the methods employed in treatment, with other instances of abuse alluded to (thankfully we don’t have to read about such in detail). The characterizations are superb and the narrative flows at an even pace, making for a compelling read.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Set in the Salpêtrière, a women’s asylum in 1800s France, author Jennifer Cody Epstein combines fact and fiction to give us a heartbreaking story that revolves around the plight of women being treated for “hysteria” under the care of renowned neurologist Dr. Jean-Martine Charcot and his team of interns and in the expansive facility, a "small, mad city" that housed “three thousand women in various states of mental distress; two hundred children in its reformatory schools; six hundred doctors, surgeons, internes and externes, nurses, and various other assistants; and over a dozen on-site workshops making everything from copper tools to iron horseshoes to wooden clogs for its patients.”
Dr. Charcot’s research into the treatment of hysteria is highly publicized, complete with his famous Friday lecture series wherein he presents the symptoms he treats with hypnosis in a live demonstration with his subject (patient) which is attended by the public. The author references the famous group tableau portrait of 1887 A Clinical Lesson at the Salpêtrière (Une leçon clinique à la Salpêtrière) which depicts a clinical demonstration of the symptoms of hysteria, attended by Dr. Charcot’s students.
The narrative is presented from the perspective of nineteen-year-old Laure Bissonet, a former patient who is presently employed as an attendant. The daughter of a physician, she was institutionalized after an emotional breakdown following the death of her father. Laure hopes to eventually leave the asylum and search for her younger sister with whom she separated when she entered Salpêtrière. The narrative follows Laure as she meets and attends to a newly arrived patient, seventeen-year-old Josephine Garreau, who is institutionalized in with visible injuries, following a failed suicide attempt. She suffers from amnesia, unable to recount the events that led to her attempted suicide. Josephine, apparently highly susceptible to hypnosis soon becomes the star of Dr. Charcot’s Friday lectures and slowly begins to regain her memories which she shares with Laure. Laure and Josephine become close and Laure hopes to leave with Josephine but as the day to their planned escape draws close, Laure notices a behavioral shift in Josephine. Are Dr. Charcot’s methods healing Josephine or intensifying her emotional distress? Is she truly unwell or is she putting on an act and if so, to what end?
The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein is a meticulously researched, dark and disturbing yet compelling work of historical fiction that paints a bleak but realistic picture of the workings of the most famous asylum for women in Europe in an era where women had no rights or agency. From what Laure observes and we can make out that many of those termed "hysterics’” were suffering from emotional distress brought on by abuse and traumatic events in their lives or were simply institutionalized by their families for defying societal norms and control.
“The men always get away with it. It was a central tenet of our time, unwritten and undiscussed, but as incontrovertible as any upheld in an actual court of law.”
I truly appreciated the Author’s Note that details the historical context of the story as well as the people and events that inspired the same. The author also sheds light on how the study of mental illness and how the treatment of what was once termed “hysteria” has evolved over time.
This is not an easy read. The author paints a vivid picture of the living conditions (worse for those in the “Lunacy” section of the asylum), the utter disregard for the women under Dr. Charcot’s care, the humiliation of public display and the methods employed in treatment, with other instances of abuse alluded to (thankfully we don’t have to read about such in detail). The characterizations are superb and the narrative flows at an even pace, making for a compelling read.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 18, 2023
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She was squarely in the sights of two powerful men who had different versions of hell for her. One sought to subjugate her body for physical pleasure, the other her mind for professional gain. Inevitably, she would fight them both. Equally inevitably, she would lose.
This was such a sad book, especially since it's inspired by a real asylum. The author did a wonderful job in her research notably those regarding the popular mental health doctors of the time. My how far the research and help of mental health issues have come. Imagine being considered a hysteric for simply having depression or a physical ailment like seizures. I noticed too that they liked to institutionalize strong willed women. I would have never survived back then.
Although the storyline was a dark one the author wrote about a woman who has a heart and cares about the patients she looks after. Being considered cured of her ailment, Laure takes a new ward under her wing and tried her best to keep her safe. Both Laure and Josephine are strong female characters and I loved that about them.
Jennifer Cody Epstein weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly and it was hard to read about the treatment of these women, some who didn't even belong there. But I also found it very informative and educational and I couldn't put the book down. This takes place in the late nineteenth century and men had all the power back then, women's rights advocates were just coming into their own in Paris at the time. The ending was really surprising and I just adored our main character, Laure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
She was squarely in the sights of two powerful men who had different versions of hell for her. One sought to subjugate her body for physical pleasure, the other her mind for professional gain. Inevitably, she would fight them both. Equally inevitably, she would lose.
This was such a sad book, especially since it's inspired by a real asylum. The author did a wonderful job in her research notably those regarding the popular mental health doctors of the time. My how far the research and help of mental health issues have come. Imagine being considered a hysteric for simply having depression or a physical ailment like seizures. I noticed too that they liked to institutionalize strong willed women. I would have never survived back then.
Although the storyline was a dark one the author wrote about a woman who has a heart and cares about the patients she looks after. Being considered cured of her ailment, Laure takes a new ward under her wing and tried her best to keep her safe. Both Laure and Josephine are strong female characters and I loved that about them.
Jennifer Cody Epstein weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly and it was hard to read about the treatment of these women, some who didn't even belong there. But I also found it very informative and educational and I couldn't put the book down. This takes place in the late nineteenth century and men had all the power back then, women's rights advocates were just coming into their own in Paris at the time. The ending was really surprising and I just adored our main character, Laure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 1, 2023
Back in the 19th century, hysteria was viewed as a common female ailment. Basically, any woman that didn’t conform to the standard of proper female behavior was diagnosed as being hysteric. Jean-Martin Charcot, viewed as the “father of French neurology”, was famous for studying it and giving lectures where he would hypnotize his patients and display their symptoms, almost like a circus act. Reporters would come and articles would appear in the newspapers, complete with pictures. He ran the Salpetriere Hospital for Women, which had a separate ward for hysterics, who weren’t considered insane. His collaborators included Sigmund Freud and Gilles de la Tourette.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Laure, a young French woman sent to Salpetriere when her father loses his medical practice and the family home and she’s separated from her younger sister. Never of interest to Charcot because he was unable to hypnotize her, she was deemed cured and ended up working there as an attendant. She becomes the caregiver for Charcot’s new star patient, Josephine. Josephine was brought in as a potential suicide, suffering from amnesia, bruised and battered. But as time goes on, her memory begins to return and she confides in Laure.
This is the second book I’ve read on Salpêtrière. The first was The Mad Women’s Ball. In both instances, it’s sad to realize that many of the hysterics were down to the women having been sexually abused. But, of course, it’s the women that are punished rather than their abusers. “They always get away with it.” What’s even more heart wrenching is that their mistreatment continues at the hospital, where experimentation takes precedence over cures. And I use the word experimentation very loosely. The lectures were just another form of abuse. Imagine being punched in the ovaries to bring on a fit. Or a doctor allowing strange men to grope her.
This is a well researched story. It’s dark and many scenes are cringeworthy. To think how much is based on reality is totally depressing. But the ending was perfect. I was so engrossed in this story, I finished it in two days. And nothing else got checked off my to do list.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Laure, a young French woman sent to Salpetriere when her father loses his medical practice and the family home and she’s separated from her younger sister. Never of interest to Charcot because he was unable to hypnotize her, she was deemed cured and ended up working there as an attendant. She becomes the caregiver for Charcot’s new star patient, Josephine. Josephine was brought in as a potential suicide, suffering from amnesia, bruised and battered. But as time goes on, her memory begins to return and she confides in Laure.
This is the second book I’ve read on Salpêtrière. The first was The Mad Women’s Ball. In both instances, it’s sad to realize that many of the hysterics were down to the women having been sexually abused. But, of course, it’s the women that are punished rather than their abusers. “They always get away with it.” What’s even more heart wrenching is that their mistreatment continues at the hospital, where experimentation takes precedence over cures. And I use the word experimentation very loosely. The lectures were just another form of abuse. Imagine being punched in the ovaries to bring on a fit. Or a doctor allowing strange men to grope her.
This is a well researched story. It’s dark and many scenes are cringeworthy. To think how much is based on reality is totally depressing. But the ending was perfect. I was so engrossed in this story, I finished it in two days. And nothing else got checked off my to do list.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.
September 1, 2023
“When Josephine arrives at Salpetriere, she is covered with blood and badly bruised suffering from near complete amnesia. She is diagnosed with what the Paris papers are calling the “epidemic of the age” hysteria.
Laure is a former patient and is assigned to Josephine’s care. She feels for Josephine and tries to help her.
After Lauren’s father death, she is institutionalized at Salptriere Paris’s asylum for women. Luckily she recovers. Josephine is not so luckily.
After a failed attempt to commit suicide she is brought to Salpetriere. She becomes the puppet of famed neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. He is well known for his hypnosis and other bazaar treatments for hysteria.
As Josephine starts to get her memory back she claims to think that she murdered someone. Truth or delusion, Laure needs to find the truth.
This is a heartbreaking story filled with fact and fiction. It is dark and disturbing how these real women were treated. This book was inspired by actual events. Josephine was partially based on the real life story of August Gleizes.
Extensive author notes on this horrific subject are in the back of the book.
Laure is a former patient and is assigned to Josephine’s care. She feels for Josephine and tries to help her.
After Lauren’s father death, she is institutionalized at Salptriere Paris’s asylum for women. Luckily she recovers. Josephine is not so luckily.
After a failed attempt to commit suicide she is brought to Salpetriere. She becomes the puppet of famed neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. He is well known for his hypnosis and other bazaar treatments for hysteria.
As Josephine starts to get her memory back she claims to think that she murdered someone. Truth or delusion, Laure needs to find the truth.
This is a heartbreaking story filled with fact and fiction. It is dark and disturbing how these real women were treated. This book was inspired by actual events. Josephine was partially based on the real life story of August Gleizes.
Extensive author notes on this horrific subject are in the back of the book.
June 5, 2023
This is a historical fiction book about the treatment of mental illness in women during the nineteenth century. It is set in Paris at a time when women were quickly designated as hysterical or insane by men and then committed to an asylum where they received poor care and treatment. This story sheds a light on how far we have come in the study and treatment of mental illness, but also makes us aware of how much more there is to be done.
Much of this novel had a nonfiction flavor, which was fine, However, the pace of the narrative was slow. There was a lot going on in the story, but it seemed to lack focus and I found that the characters were not that interesting. It was a very well researched book, but not one that held my attention. I finished reading it, but if it was not an ARC from the publisher, I might have sent it to my DNF shelf. I hope that other readers will find it more enjoyable.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Much of this novel had a nonfiction flavor, which was fine, However, the pace of the narrative was slow. There was a lot going on in the story, but it seemed to lack focus and I found that the characters were not that interesting. It was a very well researched book, but not one that held my attention. I finished reading it, but if it was not an ARC from the publisher, I might have sent it to my DNF shelf. I hope that other readers will find it more enjoyable.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Random House
Pub. Date: July 18, 2023
This historical novel feels tragic, brutal, and authentic. You will learn about the early days of neurology and psychiatry. You will bump into real-life doctors, such as the father of psychiatry, Sigmund Freud, and Pierre Janet, who coined the term split personality. But, “The Madwomen of Paris” centers on another real-life doctor, Jean-Martin Charcot, who studied hysterics in the real-life La Salpetriere Hospital. Until the early 1900s, hysteria was a commonly diagnosed women’s disease. Many women institutionalized did have a mental illness, but the reader must remember that everything men found mysterious or unmanageable in women was historically labeled hysteria. This is a fact. The author backs up her many cringe-worthy depictions of these—what would now be called malpractice—lectures with a long list of sources.
Medical professionals and esteemed journalists attend Dr. Charcot's lectures. They watch, for example, a scantily clad woman lying on stage in a hypnotic state. She receives a pelvic massage that causes her to orgasm, followed by various interventions designed to study a potential cure for her. Epstein will make your skin crawl as she vividly describes women being sexually exploited, used as guinea pigs, and forced into hallucinatory fits before enraptured audiences. One’s disgust for these sections is exacerbated by the knowledge it all really happened.
Into this dark storyline, the author threads the fictional characters of Rosalie, Laure, and Josephine. When we meet Laure, she is no longer a patient at La Salpetriere but a ward attendant. Her job is to prepare Rosalie for the lectures. Epstein shows us the doctor’s complete power over the women when Rosalie refuses to participate, humiliating Charcot in front of his peers. In retaliation, Charcot places her into a different, dreaded ward that she will never leave.
Josephine becomes the doctor’s next favorite patient for the lecture stage. While Josephine could be cruel to Laure by ignoring her, the author creates empathy for Josephine by revealing that she may have killed her abuser before she was institutionalized. The plot now centers on discovering whether the two will succeed in escaping and whether Josephine is a murderer. The author throws in a thriller-like twist. This is where the novel stumbles. I assume others may enjoy the subplot of Josephine's mystery, but I found it annoying. This historical fiction is good enough to stand without it. Still, I recommend “The Madwomen of Paris.” Epstein is a talented writer. There is a healthy balance between research and creativity. I would read this author again. Plus, the novel makes you so glad that human medical research has come a long way.
I received this novel at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://books6259.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
https://www.amazon.com
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/c…
Publisher: Random House
Pub. Date: July 18, 2023
This historical novel feels tragic, brutal, and authentic. You will learn about the early days of neurology and psychiatry. You will bump into real-life doctors, such as the father of psychiatry, Sigmund Freud, and Pierre Janet, who coined the term split personality. But, “The Madwomen of Paris” centers on another real-life doctor, Jean-Martin Charcot, who studied hysterics in the real-life La Salpetriere Hospital. Until the early 1900s, hysteria was a commonly diagnosed women’s disease. Many women institutionalized did have a mental illness, but the reader must remember that everything men found mysterious or unmanageable in women was historically labeled hysteria. This is a fact. The author backs up her many cringe-worthy depictions of these—what would now be called malpractice—lectures with a long list of sources.
Medical professionals and esteemed journalists attend Dr. Charcot's lectures. They watch, for example, a scantily clad woman lying on stage in a hypnotic state. She receives a pelvic massage that causes her to orgasm, followed by various interventions designed to study a potential cure for her. Epstein will make your skin crawl as she vividly describes women being sexually exploited, used as guinea pigs, and forced into hallucinatory fits before enraptured audiences. One’s disgust for these sections is exacerbated by the knowledge it all really happened.
Into this dark storyline, the author threads the fictional characters of Rosalie, Laure, and Josephine. When we meet Laure, she is no longer a patient at La Salpetriere but a ward attendant. Her job is to prepare Rosalie for the lectures. Epstein shows us the doctor’s complete power over the women when Rosalie refuses to participate, humiliating Charcot in front of his peers. In retaliation, Charcot places her into a different, dreaded ward that she will never leave.
Josephine becomes the doctor’s next favorite patient for the lecture stage. While Josephine could be cruel to Laure by ignoring her, the author creates empathy for Josephine by revealing that she may have killed her abuser before she was institutionalized. The plot now centers on discovering whether the two will succeed in escaping and whether Josephine is a murderer. The author throws in a thriller-like twist. This is where the novel stumbles. I assume others may enjoy the subplot of Josephine's mystery, but I found it annoying. This historical fiction is good enough to stand without it. Still, I recommend “The Madwomen of Paris.” Epstein is a talented writer. There is a healthy balance between research and creativity. I would read this author again. Plus, the novel makes you so glad that human medical research has come a long way.
I received this novel at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://books6259.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
https://www.amazon.com
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/c…
March 23, 2023
While this book was very well-researched, and the writing was excellent, I had a difficult time getting through it. This is not the first book I've read about women institutionalized by men for not meeting expected behaviors- be it uncooperative wife, or a daughter refusing to marry her father's choice,, etc, and the barbaric treatment, and and cruel experiments conducted, they received at the hands of male doctors while there. They way the men colluded is astonishing and disgusting. The women are treated worse than farm animals. Anything they say in their own defense is considered the ravings of a lunatic and proof they belonged there. It's not so long ago that this was a regular practice in society and a means of keeping women quiet and under control. Threats to be sent to the asylum were frequent and something to be feared. This went on well into the 1900s in this country. I fear that a certain right leaning political party would return to this practice if given half a chance. It is an informative book about a dark history in modern medicine and it's mistreatment. I would encourage everyone to read it so that we never return to these "good old days". Thanks NetGalley for this opportunity.
May 24, 2023
Established in the 1600s, the Salpêtrière asylum housed thousands of women with a variety of issues–mental and physical problems; socially unacceptable behavior, like pregnancy outside of marriage and prostitution; plus the elderly, orphaned, infirm and impoverished.
In the late 19th c, Doctor Charcot’s study of women with hysteria involved a detailed survey of the patient physically and mentally. By hypnotizing the women, he would impel them to demonstrate hysteric symptoms in public lectures. One of his patients used in the demonstrating became a media darling, bringing Charcot great acclaim. He photographed his patients, implying the women were in hysteria, their chemises dropping from shoulders lending a disconcerting sexualization.
The Madwomen of Paris imagines the lives of two women in the asylum. One broke down after the death of her father left her homeless and separated from her younger sister. Another tried to jump off a bridge after attacking her employer, who was sexually abusing her.
The novel is disturbing, recounting the lives of women under the complete power of the men at the asylum. The exams and experiments are invasive and upsetting to read. The trauma brought into the hospital is only enforced by the treatment endured there. The story has a Gothic horror to it.
There were helpful contributions arising from Salpêtrière. But the good has been forgotten by the sensational images of the photographs and the stories of women who performed a role for Charcot’s benefit. This novel capitalizes on that sad legacy.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book.
In the late 19th c, Doctor Charcot’s study of women with hysteria involved a detailed survey of the patient physically and mentally. By hypnotizing the women, he would impel them to demonstrate hysteric symptoms in public lectures. One of his patients used in the demonstrating became a media darling, bringing Charcot great acclaim. He photographed his patients, implying the women were in hysteria, their chemises dropping from shoulders lending a disconcerting sexualization.
The Madwomen of Paris imagines the lives of two women in the asylum. One broke down after the death of her father left her homeless and separated from her younger sister. Another tried to jump off a bridge after attacking her employer, who was sexually abusing her.
The novel is disturbing, recounting the lives of women under the complete power of the men at the asylum. The exams and experiments are invasive and upsetting to read. The trauma brought into the hospital is only enforced by the treatment endured there. The story has a Gothic horror to it.
There were helpful contributions arising from Salpêtrière. But the good has been forgotten by the sensational images of the photographs and the stories of women who performed a role for Charcot’s benefit. This novel capitalizes on that sad legacy.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book.
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars
I picked this one up because I’ve always been interested in stories set in mental asylums, especially during the 19th century. At the time, hysteria was considered a diagnosable physical illness yet it’s clear how little the medical community understood of women. It was not surprising to read how terribly women were treated by men and institutions. The doctor in this book is more concerned with fame and notoriety than the well-being of his female patients. We get many scenes of him hypnotizing these women in front of a theater of peers. It’s all a spectacle and at the expense of the patients.
You can’t help but feel sympathetic for the women in this novel and I particularly liked the relationship between Laure and Josephine. I was definitely rooting for a happy ending for those two even with everything stacked against them. I did lose a little bit of interest in the second half once it became clear where the story was going but overall this was an interesting albeit slow read. It makes me really want to rewatch the fantastic tv show The Knick now!
I picked this one up because I’ve always been interested in stories set in mental asylums, especially during the 19th century. At the time, hysteria was considered a diagnosable physical illness yet it’s clear how little the medical community understood of women. It was not surprising to read how terribly women were treated by men and institutions. The doctor in this book is more concerned with fame and notoriety than the well-being of his female patients. We get many scenes of him hypnotizing these women in front of a theater of peers. It’s all a spectacle and at the expense of the patients.
You can’t help but feel sympathetic for the women in this novel and I particularly liked the relationship between Laure and Josephine. I was definitely rooting for a happy ending for those two even with everything stacked against them. I did lose a little bit of interest in the second half once it became clear where the story was going but overall this was an interesting albeit slow read. It makes me really want to rewatch the fantastic tv show The Knick now!
October 17, 2023
Jean-Marie Charcot, known to be the founding French father of neurology and renown for his work in neuroscience, he ran the Salpetriere Hospital for Women in France in the 19th century. There was a separate ward for women that were considered Hysterics, not insane. He conducted many experiments on these women under hypnosis trying to find causes and cures for what was then referred to as “Hysteria”. His experiments were cruel, unethical, exploitive and abusive. He had weekly lectures where he put patients through grueling hypnosis for large audiences. Most of these women suffered serious trauma and/or sexual abuse. Although his discoveries in many illness were renown this area was not one of them. I was familiar with Charcot because I have known two individuals that currently struggle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth. He was a brilliant man, given all his great contributions to neuroscience and discoveries, I was still disgusted with him reading this book.
The story is told by Laure, a former patient (one Charcot could not hypnotize so spent little to no time on). Laure’s condition eventually improves with no help from the hospital or staff and she ends up working at the hospital assisting with patients. Laure had been separated from her sister when she experienced a breakdown after their fathers death, since that time she has made it her mission to reunite with her sister. She needs a plan to break away from the institution and find her. Right around this time she is assigned to and befriends one of the patients that is undergoing horrendous experiments under Charcots direction while under hypnosis. Laure is on a mission to save her.
The author did a fantastic job in her research, enlightening her readers to a fact based piece of history and science. She made a horrific story a gripping story that the reader can get behind even with though it has dark nature.
The End…. Oh my gosh, the End. What a twist. Loved it. Totally taken by surprise.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told by Laure, a former patient (one Charcot could not hypnotize so spent little to no time on). Laure’s condition eventually improves with no help from the hospital or staff and she ends up working at the hospital assisting with patients. Laure had been separated from her sister when she experienced a breakdown after their fathers death, since that time she has made it her mission to reunite with her sister. She needs a plan to break away from the institution and find her. Right around this time she is assigned to and befriends one of the patients that is undergoing horrendous experiments under Charcots direction while under hypnosis. Laure is on a mission to save her.
The author did a fantastic job in her research, enlightening her readers to a fact based piece of history and science. She made a horrific story a gripping story that the reader can get behind even with though it has dark nature.
The End…. Oh my gosh, the End. What a twist. Loved it. Totally taken by surprise.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2024
This was not at all what I expected and I felt very bored with it throughout. I probably should have stopped early on.
I listened to the audiobook version even though the publisher sent me a comp copy through NetGalley. The narrator's voice might have contributed to my dissatisfaction.
Let's just say it wasn't my thang.
I listened to the audiobook version even though the publisher sent me a comp copy through NetGalley. The narrator's voice might have contributed to my dissatisfaction.
Let's just say it wasn't my thang.
September 25, 2023
The Madwomen of Paris sounded like it would be a book that I would love. It is clear that the author invested a great deal of time in her research of the French asylums, and the book does a good job of portraying the atrocities perpetrated on asylum inmates in the name of science.
The book didn’t work for me for several reasons. First is the incredibly slow pacing. I think that the author’s research came through too much, dulling the story and slowing the plot progression. Another reason the book didn’t work was that the setting, both time and place, seemed all but ignored, which left me feeling that an important aspect of the story was missing. The final reason the book fell flat for me was that it fell into the “oh-so-predictable these days” scene in which we discover the character’s same-sex sexual preferences, which was unnecessary to the story’s plot. If a character’s sexuality is a vital part of a story, fine. But it becomes tiresome to read in book after book where it has no real bearing on the story itself.
Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The book didn’t work for me for several reasons. First is the incredibly slow pacing. I think that the author’s research came through too much, dulling the story and slowing the plot progression. Another reason the book didn’t work was that the setting, both time and place, seemed all but ignored, which left me feeling that an important aspect of the story was missing. The final reason the book fell flat for me was that it fell into the “oh-so-predictable these days” scene in which we discover the character’s same-sex sexual preferences, which was unnecessary to the story’s plot. If a character’s sexuality is a vital part of a story, fine. But it becomes tiresome to read in book after book where it has no real bearing on the story itself.
Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2023
This was a difficult book for me to get through. Parts of it seemed to go on and on and on. I worked for close to forty years in the medical field and always found mental health/illness very interesting. This book was borderline boring to me. Maybe because, to me, leaned more towards a French reader but I just didn’t get it. To me, the story of Josephine and Laure was added to give the book some more interest. I read the book a lot in the last 2-3 days mostly because it wanted to finish it. Definitely not my favorite. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
February 2, 2024
A Gothic masterpiece that echoes with chilling, timeless truths and showcases Epstein’s brilliant writing.
July 14, 2023
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! historical fiction mixed with possibly unreliable characters (takes place in an asylum), intriguing female leads and a storyline that had me at edge of my seat. possibly one of my new favorite books!
August 29, 2023
The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein is an imaginative portrayal of Parisian life in the 1890s, and the ideas and mores that accompanied it. Laure, the main character, has been sent to the Salpetriere, a mental asylum with the diagnosis de jour, hysteria. The events in the novel center around the asylum, its patients and the famous doctor who treated his female hysteria patients through hypnotism. This historical figure gained much of his notoriety by holding public lectures and parading his favored patients on the stage as they demonstrated the effects of his bizarre hypnotic treatments. Thus, medical lectures were held more for the entertainment of men and objectification of women rather than actual scientific study.
The story of Laure and another patient, Jospehine, is nestled in this setting of chaos mistreatment. The treatments and living conditions of the patients at this hospital were disturbing, yet according to the author, taken from factual accounts. Their story is one of friendship, love, and longing to escape.
The setting and social conventions of the time are rich with possibility for an engrossing story, yet I felt this one fell just short. The storyline became tedious at times and some events the author chose to focus on were very drawn out. As the story centered around these hysterical patients, I felt bogged down in the oversentimentality of the main character and, as Epstein states in the Author's Note, this was basically a false condition so it led me to feel less empathy and more derision than perhaps was intended. After "much ado about nothing," I felt the ending also hinged on an pseudo-scientific phenomenon and felt a bit disappointed.
Although Epstein is clearly a talented writer and the premise was rich in possibility, I felt that this one fell flat. Still, the subject matter was intriguing enough to keep me reading and I recommend it to readers interested in bizarre historical social constructs, psychological theories, or life in Paris in the late 19th century.
The story of Laure and another patient, Jospehine, is nestled in this setting of chaos mistreatment. The treatments and living conditions of the patients at this hospital were disturbing, yet according to the author, taken from factual accounts. Their story is one of friendship, love, and longing to escape.
The setting and social conventions of the time are rich with possibility for an engrossing story, yet I felt this one fell just short. The storyline became tedious at times and some events the author chose to focus on were very drawn out. As the story centered around these hysterical patients, I felt bogged down in the oversentimentality of the main character and, as Epstein states in the Author's Note, this was basically a false condition so it led me to feel less empathy and more derision than perhaps was intended. After "much ado about nothing," I felt the ending also hinged on an pseudo-scientific phenomenon and felt a bit disappointed.
Although Epstein is clearly a talented writer and the premise was rich in possibility, I felt that this one fell flat. Still, the subject matter was intriguing enough to keep me reading and I recommend it to readers interested in bizarre historical social constructs, psychological theories, or life in Paris in the late 19th century.
April 3, 2023
Initially, I was eager to delve into this book as it encompassed all of my favorite elements - gothic style, France, asylums, and strong-willed women. It had the potential to be a captivating story, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations.
The Salpêtrière asylum, headed by the infamous Dr Jean-Martin Charcot, gained notoriety for his lectures on hysteria and his unconventional methods. Laure, a former patient turned attendant, aided Charcot's subjects, primarily hysteric women, who were utilized in his demonstrations.
The protagonist, Laure, seeks to locate her younger sister after their parents pass away. However, she wakes up at the asylum one day with no recollection of how she arrived there. Eventually, she is deemed "cured" of her affliction and appointed to care for the women who Charcot uses in his lectures. Laure starts to notice that the women's conditions improve when they are not subjected to mesmerism. She realizes this after realizing that she wasn’t able to be mesmerized, so Charcot leaves her alone, leading to her eventual cure.
As Laure oversees Charcot's newest protégé, Josephine, she becomes increasingly disturbed by the cruel experiments and demonstrations performed on the woman. Determined to escape the asylum and Charcot's sadistic ways, she devises a plan to flee with Josephine.
Regrettably, this book proved to be a challenging read, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. The writing style was more like a clinical textbook rather than an engaging story. It was not until halfway through the book that the plot finally began to materialize, making it an arduous read.
Based on the reviews, the book's storyline is rooted in real events, and it may have been more enjoyable as a work of non-fiction. I can only imagine that the genuine events were more captivating than the fictionalized account presented in this book.
The Salpêtrière asylum, headed by the infamous Dr Jean-Martin Charcot, gained notoriety for his lectures on hysteria and his unconventional methods. Laure, a former patient turned attendant, aided Charcot's subjects, primarily hysteric women, who were utilized in his demonstrations.
The protagonist, Laure, seeks to locate her younger sister after their parents pass away. However, she wakes up at the asylum one day with no recollection of how she arrived there. Eventually, she is deemed "cured" of her affliction and appointed to care for the women who Charcot uses in his lectures. Laure starts to notice that the women's conditions improve when they are not subjected to mesmerism. She realizes this after realizing that she wasn’t able to be mesmerized, so Charcot leaves her alone, leading to her eventual cure.
As Laure oversees Charcot's newest protégé, Josephine, she becomes increasingly disturbed by the cruel experiments and demonstrations performed on the woman. Determined to escape the asylum and Charcot's sadistic ways, she devises a plan to flee with Josephine.
Regrettably, this book proved to be a challenging read, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. The writing style was more like a clinical textbook rather than an engaging story. It was not until halfway through the book that the plot finally began to materialize, making it an arduous read.
Based on the reviews, the book's storyline is rooted in real events, and it may have been more enjoyable as a work of non-fiction. I can only imagine that the genuine events were more captivating than the fictionalized account presented in this book.
July 10, 2023
When I got an ARC of this book I really didn't know what to expect from it but from the very first page I was hooked. It is very well written and atmospheric. You literally felt like you were thrown back in time and could smell the smells and feel the characters walking throught he streets of Paris. It's is based on a true story and deals with the issue of hysteria, hypnosis and the power men had over women during the 19th Century.. It takes place in Salpetriere which is an asylum that has a hysteria wing and a lunacy wing. You don't want to end up there. When a woman was considered hysterical she was brought here and most ended up being stuck there because there lives were ruined afterwards so a lot worked at the facility. The novel deals with Dr. Charcot who hypnotises women and sells tickets the event. Laure who was giving the job of taking care of the latest hysteric, Josephine. She has a deep dark secret thats she shares with Laure. Laure who just wants to get of the asylum and find her sister who she has no idea if she's dead or alive. They were seprated after their parents died. She is in a dilemna of what she should do. Lots of great scenes take place which I won't ruin for you. I read this book in two days because it was perfect escape for the summer yet it is definetly literary fiction. Truly one of the best historical novels I've read in many years. I love it when you pick up a book and you are not sure it's for you but when you get into it there is nothing else you want to do but read that book. Superb!!! Thank you Ballantine and Netgalley for the read. A perfect book for book clubs because there are so many topics to discuss.
April 10, 2023
The Salpêtrière in the 1880s was a mental hospital, housing many women diagnosed with hysteria. I find this to be a dark time in history, as women were being admitted at the whim of husbands, fathers and brothers for no reason other than they were tired of their attitude. Women were at the mercy of men at that time, and they way women are treated in the Salpêtrière is but one example of it. It was disturbing how Doctor Jean-Martine Charcot, the director of the asylum would put on shows where he hypnotized his patients in front of the public. They way he takes advantage of these women angers me.
This book tells the story of Laure, a former patient who now works at the hospital, and Josephine, a new patient with amnesia. As Laure takes care of Josephine, she begins to care for her and slowly learns her story. The story of Josephine is intertwined with Laure desiring to find her younger sister and move to a new town.
I found the story interesting to read. I wouldn't call it fast moving, but I was not bored with it either. The culmination at one of the doctor's hypnosis shows was unexpected. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book tells the story of Laure, a former patient who now works at the hospital, and Josephine, a new patient with amnesia. As Laure takes care of Josephine, she begins to care for her and slowly learns her story. The story of Josephine is intertwined with Laure desiring to find her younger sister and move to a new town.
I found the story interesting to read. I wouldn't call it fast moving, but I was not bored with it either. The culmination at one of the doctor's hypnosis shows was unexpected. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2024
The Madwomen of Paris takes us back to 19th-century France, focusing on Laure Bissonet, a talented artist. After her father's death leaves her homeless and in debt, Laure has a breakdown and ends up in the hysteria ward of the Salpêtrière asylum. As she recovers, Laure works as a resident ward attendant and takes on the responsibility of caring for Josephine, a patient who the asylum’s famous director uses in hypnosis demonstrations. Laure plots their escape from the oppressive institution.
The novel vividly depicts the struggles women faced in a society that often labeled them mad for defying norms. It highlights the 19th-century obsession with hysteria and the dangerous treatments used on patients. If I had lived in Paris back then, they would have locked me up for my depression and anxiety. How horrifying!
It's fascinating to read about what doctors thought caused "hysteria." They believed the uterus roamed around the body and could be put back in place with pleasing smells. Ridiculous, right?
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. My eyes glazed over, and my mind constantly wandered as I read. It was so dull. I wish the author had written it from the point of view of one or more of the patients, which would have been more powerful.
The author clearly did her research, which is a positive, but her writing didn't impress me. She went off on tangents, and the lesbian theme felt unnecessary to the plot. I thought this would be a terrific book on a subject I hadn't yet explored, but it was just terrible. My apologies to the author.
2 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions are my own.
The novel vividly depicts the struggles women faced in a society that often labeled them mad for defying norms. It highlights the 19th-century obsession with hysteria and the dangerous treatments used on patients. If I had lived in Paris back then, they would have locked me up for my depression and anxiety. How horrifying!
It's fascinating to read about what doctors thought caused "hysteria." They believed the uterus roamed around the body and could be put back in place with pleasing smells. Ridiculous, right?
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. My eyes glazed over, and my mind constantly wandered as I read. It was so dull. I wish the author had written it from the point of view of one or more of the patients, which would have been more powerful.
The author clearly did her research, which is a positive, but her writing didn't impress me. She went off on tangents, and the lesbian theme felt unnecessary to the plot. I thought this would be a terrific book on a subject I hadn't yet explored, but it was just terrible. My apologies to the author.
2 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions are my own.
May 10, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Madwomen of Paris tells the story of Laure, a young woman working in the hysteria ward of La Salpêtrière asylum, herself a former patient. She works under the supervision of Dr. Charcot, whose "groundbreaking research" focuses on mesmerizing his patients and running experiments while they are hypnotized, sometimes on stage in front of a large audience during one of his famous lectures. When Josephine arrives at the Salpêtrière covered in blood and in a complete state of shock, Laure becomes invested in her recovery and they soon become friends. As Laure learns more and more about Josephine's past, she is convinced that Charcot's methods do more harm than good to the so-called hysterics. Laure becomes desperate to save Josephine and to reunite with her own sister, who was taken away when Laure was brought to the asylum.
This book was a very slow read, where for the first three quarters of the book not much happened, besides the description of the daily horrors of the asylum. The plot doesn't pick up until the very end, and even though the twist did surprise me, it happened so fast (not until the epilogue!!), that it left me feeling unsatisfied with the ending. I found the writing to be so dry that at times that it read more like a non-fiction book than fiction, which in my opinion is never a good thing.
The Madwomen of Paris tells the story of Laure, a young woman working in the hysteria ward of La Salpêtrière asylum, herself a former patient. She works under the supervision of Dr. Charcot, whose "groundbreaking research" focuses on mesmerizing his patients and running experiments while they are hypnotized, sometimes on stage in front of a large audience during one of his famous lectures. When Josephine arrives at the Salpêtrière covered in blood and in a complete state of shock, Laure becomes invested in her recovery and they soon become friends. As Laure learns more and more about Josephine's past, she is convinced that Charcot's methods do more harm than good to the so-called hysterics. Laure becomes desperate to save Josephine and to reunite with her own sister, who was taken away when Laure was brought to the asylum.
This book was a very slow read, where for the first three quarters of the book not much happened, besides the description of the daily horrors of the asylum. The plot doesn't pick up until the very end, and even though the twist did surprise me, it happened so fast (not until the epilogue!!), that it left me feeling unsatisfied with the ending. I found the writing to be so dry that at times that it read more like a non-fiction book than fiction, which in my opinion is never a good thing.
March 14, 2023
“The Madwomen of Paris” is the first historical thriller I have reviewed (and read) by Jennifer Cody Epstein. The focus of this story is on a women’s asylum in Paris during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Doctor Jean-Martine Charcot is an expert in “hysteria,” and he believes he has found the cure through hypnosis. Laure, the story’s narrator, is an attendant and former patient in the women’s ward, working with the good doctor. Yet, Laure is desperate to leave the ward and find her sister.
There is a lot history in this story, much of which I was unaware of. Parts of the novel were slow, and I felt I never got to know the characters very well. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the glimpse of how mental illness was treated during this slice of history.
Three and a half stars.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy.
There is a lot history in this story, much of which I was unaware of. Parts of the novel were slow, and I felt I never got to know the characters very well. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the glimpse of how mental illness was treated during this slice of history.
Three and a half stars.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy.
July 14, 2023
Rating: 2 stars.
This didn't work for me. It was so slow, way too detailed to be interesting and the story never managed to pick up. The ending was the only thing that was a little interesting but the rest was just so boring. I also didn't love the writing and never felt anything for the characters. The setting also could have been described and incorporated much better, you knew this was in Paris because it said so but you really couldn't tell from the story. Not a great read overall.
This didn't work for me. It was so slow, way too detailed to be interesting and the story never managed to pick up. The ending was the only thing that was a little interesting but the rest was just so boring. I also didn't love the writing and never felt anything for the characters. The setting also could have been described and incorporated much better, you knew this was in Paris because it said so but you really couldn't tell from the story. Not a great read overall.
July 21, 2023
I am still working through my thoughts on this book. I enjoyed it overall. There were some sections where it was a bit slow and clunky. I was at times confused by which character was whom. I wish I had started off by taking notes. I did fall for Laure. She is an amazing character who has overcome so many obstacles in her life. First her parents and little brother dying. Being put into Salpêtrière. Which was an asylum in Paris that was known for its studies in hysteria and lunacy. Her younger sister was placed in an orphanage and Laure does not know what happened to her after that. She has been cured of hysteria and is now working as an attendant at Salpêtrière. She is determined to find her sister using any means possible.
Josephine had been brought to Salpêtrière for her case of hysteria. She is strong willed, will attack anyone who will hurt her, and of course is scared. Josephine and Laure bond immediately. Forming a friendship based on trust. Josephine has dark, deep secrets that she has entrusted Laure with. As the head doctor fixates on her and begins hypnotizing her. It seems as if he is pushing her closer to madness, instead of curing her. Laure is determined to save not only her sister, but Josephine as well. Will she be able to succeed?
If you are fascinated by asylums, what was done to women in history, this is a book you need to try. Keep in mind that in can become muddled at times. It will work its way out. Thank you to Jennifer Cody Epstein and Ballantine Books for my gifted copy.
Josephine had been brought to Salpêtrière for her case of hysteria. She is strong willed, will attack anyone who will hurt her, and of course is scared. Josephine and Laure bond immediately. Forming a friendship based on trust. Josephine has dark, deep secrets that she has entrusted Laure with. As the head doctor fixates on her and begins hypnotizing her. It seems as if he is pushing her closer to madness, instead of curing her. Laure is determined to save not only her sister, but Josephine as well. Will she be able to succeed?
If you are fascinated by asylums, what was done to women in history, this is a book you need to try. Keep in mind that in can become muddled at times. It will work its way out. Thank you to Jennifer Cody Epstein and Ballantine Books for my gifted copy.
September 1, 2023
Beautiful. Creepy. Enthralling. I loved this book. My favorite city and era, beautifully written with complex and fascinating characters. This was going to be a 5 star review for me, but the ending, although it worked well as story, had too much telling. It felt like a Christie revelation, after I’d been living closely with the characters. I thought the author had a couple of narrative choices that would have worked better. Nonetheless, it was a good twisty finish to a superb story of feminist defiance in a time and situation where men held terrifying and oppressive power.
September 10, 2023
FINISHED! It was SUPERB. Laure, an attendant at the infamous Salpetriere asylum in France. She is assigned to care for Josephine, a mad young woman accused of committing a heinous act against a judge who committed a heinous act against her.
am about 80 pages from finishing this book. My great-great-great-great grandmother was institutionalized in the Salpetriere asylum in the seventeenth century. She and others were deported to Louisiana. Don't worry. They lived very lovely lives here in Louisiana. MoMo Anne Francoise Roland went on to marry (TWICE) and have THOUSANDS of descendants (including MOI).
am about 80 pages from finishing this book. My great-great-great-great grandmother was institutionalized in the Salpetriere asylum in the seventeenth century. She and others were deported to Louisiana. Don't worry. They lived very lovely lives here in Louisiana. MoMo Anne Francoise Roland went on to marry (TWICE) and have THOUSANDS of descendants (including MOI).
September 7, 2023
Fascinating historical fiction taking place in a women's mental institution in Paris in the 1800s. It is both fascinating and quite disturbing to read how the patients were "treated" and exploited for fame and monetary gain and to know that this was considered a major step forward in the evolution of the treatment of mental health issues. The book seems to be well-researched and I actually liked the historical aspect more than the fictional story of the two main characters.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.
September 3, 2023
Fascinating. Nice twist at the end.
October 19, 2023
Oh my goodness! I have to admit, I had a little trouble getting going with this book, but the complexity and emotional connection to the characters is unparalleled. This book had me guessing until the very end!
April 4, 2023
A very engaging historical fiction/mystery about the wave of hysteria (in women) that seemed to engulf Parisians during the late 1800's and the (real life) physician who made a name for himself treating them at Salpetriere Asylum. A well constructed story with a twist at the end (which got a bit murky, but was still entertaining). The author's end notes do much to help explain the 'hysteria' phenomenon. An interesting take on a subject and time period we don't often hear about. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC
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