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The Mad Women's Ball

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The Salpêtrière asylum, 1885. All of Paris is in thrall to Doctor Charcot and his displays of hypnotism on women who have been deemed mad or hysterical, outcasts from society. But the truth is much more complicated - for these women are often simply inconvenient, unwanted wives or strong-willed daughters. Once a year, a grand ball is held at the hospital. For the Parisian elite, the Mad Women's Ball is the highlight of the social season; for the women themselves, it is a rare moment of hope.

Geneviève is a senior nurse. After the childhood death of her sister, she has shunned religion and placed her faith in Doctor Charcot and his new science. But everything begins to change when she meets Eugénie, the 19-year-old daughter of a bourgeois family. Because Eugénie has a secret, and she needs Geneviève's help. Their fates will collide on the night of the Mad Women's Ball....

©2021 Victoria Mas (P)2021 Penguin Audio European Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature

Critic reviews

"A darkly sumptuous tale of wicked spectacle, wild injustice and the insuppressible strength of women." (Emma Stonex, Sunday Times best-selling author of The Lamplighters)

"In this darkly delightful Gothic treasure, Mas explores grief, trauma and sisterhood behind the walls of Paris' infamous Salpetriere hospital." (Paula Hawkins, author of A Slow Fire Burning)

"A beautifully written debut...I have absolutely no doubt it will be one of my favourite novels of 2021." (AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird)
All stars
Most relevant
gives an understanding of the use of instutionalisation to control non-conforming women, especially in the areas of education, obedience and sexuality.

control of women in history

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I really enjoyed this book. The relationships between the women in the Salpiere, their support and care for each other. Great narrator too

The 'mad' women

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Loved a good few of the characters, very female orientated and interesting story. Not too many plot lines to try and follow so it’s and easy listen. If you like female focused historical fiction, with gothic and very slight horror elements you’ll enjoy this.

Good listen

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This was certainly an unusual story for me and the ending was half unexpected, too, but I felt it was satisfying. I liked how the matron's character went through a change and the symbolism of finding her belief and faith. Also, I think that there's a hidden message of how it is still frowned upon, in this day and age, when a woman expresses her opinion or questions patriarchal values and beliefs, only she cannot be sent to an asylum for it.

Unusual

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Absolutely loved everything about this, the writing, the emotion, even the narrators voice. Best book I’ve listened to this year!

Incredible

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