Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Schizophrenia/Psychosis '
The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette's by Hanna Alkaf
1 review
cookiemonstaly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I read this in (almost) one sitting.
This is a story about young girls on the cusp of adulthood, whose lives up to that point have only revolved around excelling in school. This a story about young girls and all the adults in their lives who have failed them.
In an all-girls school, there is a mass hysteria occurrence. No rhyme or reason, girls randomly start screaming.
In the midst of all this, there is Khadijah and Rachel. Khadijah, who has gone silent after a traumatic event, throws herself into trying to solve the mystery of the hysteric episodes. Meanwhile, Rachel is struggling to hold up the perfect life her mother has demanded of her while dealing with the voice inside her that wants to be free.
So much of the story feels so familiar to me, mirroring my own schooling experiences. Especially the need to “save face” and to have to sweep everything under the rug when the unspeakable happen.
When that twist happens near the end, it feels like relief because finally, FINALLY, someone is on the side of these young girls. Someone is actually protecting them. I could not have asked for a better ending.
This is a story about young girls on the cusp of adulthood, whose lives up to that point have only revolved around excelling in school. This a story about young girls and all the adults in their lives who have failed them.
In an all-girls school, there is a mass hysteria occurrence. No rhyme or reason, girls randomly start screaming.
In the midst of all this, there is Khadijah and Rachel. Khadijah, who has gone silent after a traumatic event, throws herself into trying to solve the mystery of the hysteric episodes. Meanwhile, Rachel is struggling to hold up the perfect life her mother has demanded of her while dealing with the voice inside her that wants to be free.
So much of the story feels so familiar to me, mirroring my own schooling experiences. Especially the need to “save face” and to have to sweep everything under the rug when the unspeakable happen.
When that twist happens near the end, it feels like relief because finally, FINALLY, someone is on the side of these young girls. Someone is actually protecting them. I could not have asked for a better ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual assault