Hello Readers,
The Mad Women's Ball is a haunting and powerful read that
shines a light on the mistreatment of women in 19th-century asylums.
Based on real historical events, it reveals the brutal
reality that many women sent to the Salpêtrière Asylum in Paris weren’t
actually mad they were just an inconvenience. Whether they defied societal
norms or simply became a burden to their families, they were locked away under
false pretences, discarded by the very people who were supposed to protect
them.
Victoria weaves history and fiction beautifully, telling
the story through two compelling perspectives: Eugenie, a woman with a
dangerous secret, and Genevieve, a nurse who starts to question everything she
believes. Their contrasting viewpoints bring the asylum to life, showing both
the oppression, these women endured and the small moments of hope they clung
to.
One of the most fascinating (and disturbing) parts of the
book is the annual Madwomen’s Ball a glittering event where Parisian high
society comes to gawk at the asylum’s patients, who get dressed up for one
night of pretend normalcy. Victoria paints this scene with eerie detail,
highlighting both the cruelty of those who exploit these women and the
heartbreaking reality of those who, despite everything, find joy in the
evening.
This novel is beautifully written, gripping, and deeply
moving. It explores mental health, female resilience, and the way society has
long tried to control women. The relationships between the patients are
touching, showing how they build friendships and even a sense of family in a
place meant to break them.
The Mad Women's Ball is an unforgettable read both
eye-opening and emotionally powerful, with themes that still feel relevant
today.
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