Once there though she discovers just how hard it is going to be to get herself taken seriously as a female investigative journalist. She comes up with the astonishing idea of getting herself committed to a lunatic asylum, so that she can then write an in-depth expose of the conditions. It is a horrifying experience and the descriptions of the cruelty and humiliation that the residents endure makes very disturbing and harrowing reading.
What a brave thing this young woman was prepared to do, not just to prove herself as a journalist but to benefit society. The author has presented the story of Nellie Bly in such a manner that you cannot fail to be throughly moved by this absorbing and emotional novel. Once I finished reading this novel I looked into the historical background, as I knew very little about Nellie Bly. It is obvious that Louisa Treger did very through research and has produced a novel I can highly recommend with her excellent blend of fact and fiction.
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
In 1887, young Nellie Bly sets out for New York and a career in journalism, determined to make her way as a serious reporter, whatever that may take.
But life in the city is tougher than she imagined. Down to her last dime and desperate to prove her worth, she comes up with a dangerous plan: to fake insanity and have herself committed to the asylum on Blackwell's Island. There, she will work undercover to expose the asylum's wretched conditions.
But when the asylum door swings shut behind her, she finds herself in a place of horrors, governed by a cruelty she could never have imagined. Cold, isolated and starving, her days of terror reawaken the traumatic events of her childhood. She entered the asylum of her own free will - but will she ever get out?
An extraordinary portrait of a woman ahead of her time, 'Madwoman' is the story of a quest for the truth that changed the world.
Author Profile:
Born in London, Louisa Treger began her career as a classical violinist. She studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a freelance orchestral player and teacher.
Louisa subsequently turned to literature, gaining a First Class degree and a PhD in English at University College London, where she focused on early twentieth century women’s writing.
Married with three children, she lives in London.
Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.
Author's Official Website Goodreads Author Profile Amazon Author Page.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I indulge my love of books with this blog and it makes it all worthwhile when you leave comments. I really am interested in what you think so do let me know. I have decided as the nature of this review blog makes for conversation in the comments, just to reply here and not individually, so please subscribe to comments or call back again to stay in the conversation. Thankyou for your continued support.