A review by zoe_werdy
The Mad Women's Ball by Victoria Mas

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This was a fascinating read, based on the real history of a French asylum and the annual ball held within its walls for the wealthy of Paris to mingle with the mad women. It was really a story about the ways society controls women, in the home, in their work or if they differ from the norm, or are the victim of traumatic violence, in an asylum. Once there doctors can do as they please in the name of medicine. It's a history I want to read so much more about, it feels like it has so much to say about the past and so many implications for today. This short book was dipping my toe into spellbinding writing laying out this disturbing chapter of Parisian history. I loved it! 
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