Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - El baile de las locas

'Within these walls, as they wait to be seen by a doctor, time is the worst of enemies. It gives free reign to supressed thoughts, rouses memories, induces fear, stirs up regrets- and not knowing whether this time will ever come to an end, they fear it more than they fear their ailments.'

Eugenie, who sees the dead is sent to the asylum by her Father after being betrayed by her Grandmother. Genevieve, the matron/senior nurse at the asylum believes in science, order and Dr Charcot. She is stern and disciplined and cares for her patients without sentimentality.

We see how the mentally ill women are treated, misunderstood and put on display like exhibits. Men abusing their power and postition whether that is a dr or a father.

The cold figure of Genevieve ends up being the savior whilst the 'loving' maternal Grandmother is the betrayer. I like how it explored discovering yourself and your beliefs despite thinking everything is already set in stone through Genevieve. She represents growth. Theophile, Eugenies brother represents the next generation of men who could do better, hope for the future.

We also get to meet some of the other inmates who are equally heartbreaking, especially Louise and Therese.

It was a little on the nose at times but I really enjoyed it and found it both emotional, heartbreaking and gripping.

Content Warnings

whatvictoriaread's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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daisymayl's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

The first chapter didn't grab me, but the second chapter definitely did and I really really enjoyed this up until the final chapter. If the ending had been better then this would have been a 4 but the ending just felt rushed and fell flat for me. The ball was barely a chapter in the book as well, despite the book being named after it. I think I wanted this to be a bit longer so that it could be more properly fleshed out towards the end.

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kyahs's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Rated highly because it is unique, lined with history and for having deep messages regarding feminism and mental health care. Written well. Part of the story line seems to not fit so well and maybe shoes the authors interests in other areas. Still great and the addition of this oddity gave the book a darker more mysterious edge.

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