The Mad Women’s Ball

By: Victoria Mas

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

The Salpêtrière Asylum: Paris, 1885. Dr. Charcot holds all of Paris in thrall with his displays of hypnotism on women who have been deemed mad and cast out from society. But the truth is much more complicated - these women are often simply inconvenient, unwanted wives, those who have lost something precious, wayward daughters, or girls born from adulterous relationships.

For Parisian society, the highlight of the year is the Lenten ball - the Madwomen’s Ball - when the great and good come to gawk at the patients of the Salpêtrière dressed up in their finery for one night only. For the women themselves, it is a rare moment of hope.

Geneviève is a senior nurse. After the childhood death of her sister, Blandine, she shunned religion and placed her faith in both the celebrated psychiatrist Dr. Charcot and science. But everything begins to change when she meets Eugénie, the 19-year-old daughter of a bourgeois family that has locked her away in the asylum.

Because Eugénie has a secret: She sees spirits. Inspired by the scandalous, banned work that all of Paris is talking about, The Book of Spirits, Eugénie is determined to escape from the asylum - and the bonds of her gender - and seek out those who will believe in her. And for that she will need Geneviève's help.

©2021 Victoria Mas. Original French edition © 2019 Éditions Albin Michel, Paris. English translation © Frank Wynne. Published in 2021 by the Overlook Press, an imprint of ABRAMS, New York. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Great book, but..,

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. However, the different voices for different characters was almost cringe worthy. At first this was a huge distraction and I considered not finishing. I’m glad I did, but that is something readers might have to work through.
**No specific details, but a potential spoiler ahead**
The primary issue I had was the lack of closure for a traumatic event for one of the characters at the end of the book. It was essentially dismissed after the fact and it felt wrong. The event is undoubtedly one that very often goes without closure in the real world, so I understand that, but considering this character’s story, it would have been wonderful to have them treated to better a ending.

Very Enjoyable

I picked this book on a whim and I’m very glad I did. The story itself is relatively simple, though I don’t think that’s a bad thing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the character study of Genevieve.

Be aware however that this story does contain two scenes briefly depicting rape.

Delightful though predictable.

Spoiler Alert: There was a lot to recommend about this book. The story however was over for me when the grandmother betrayed Eugenie. From that moment it progressed with predictability. It was well written and it was narrated brilliantly but I wish there had been more of a surprise outcome.

Loved this story

Well-written story with relatable characters and lots of great details. I only wish it was longer. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Moving performance

This is a gorgeous listen. Unexpected sisterhood and a search for peace despite the hopelessness of the situation these women find themselves in. Kristin Atherton's pacing & care easily lend to the beauty, hope, and despair in these voices.