Books matching: madness in women
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- #1
Save:The Yellow Wallpaper is a short, haunting, and thought-provoking read blending psychological horror and social commentary. Not for everyone, but unforgettable if you love layered, meaningful fiction.
'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that delves into a woman's descent into madness as she stays confined in a room with yellow wallpaper, growing obsessed with it. The book explores themes of women's mental health issues in the late 19th century, particularly postpartum depression, and the mistreatment of women by society and the medical profession. The narrative is a powerful commentary on women's lack of power in a male-dominated world, showcasing the consequences of isolation and confinement on one's mental state.
The writing style in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is often described as gothic, haunting, and psychological. It effectively portrays the slow deterioration of the main character's mental state, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending madness. The story is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the repression of women, offering a chilling and impactful read in just a few pages.
If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency—wha... - #2
Save:A beautifully written, haunting dive into mental health, gender expectations, and 1950s America - it’s not an easy read, but it’s a powerful and enduring one.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a...1961•261 pages - #3
Save:A polarizing, darkly comic odyssey into privileged ennui and self-destruction - brilliantly written and utterly unique, but absolutely not for everyone.
'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh follows an unnamed narrator, a young woman in New York City who, after inheriting her parents' wealth, decides to spend a year in a drug-induced sleep, cutting off contact with the world. The book delves into themes of depression, escapism, and societal disdain, as the narrator navigates a year of numbness and self-imposed isolation, reflecting on relationships, privilege, and the pursuit of rest and relaxation. Moshfegh's writing style is described as dark, raw, and honest, capturing the protagonist's apathy and vulnerability, while also maintaining a sense of humor and quirkiness throughout the narrative.
WHENEVER I WOKE UP, night or day, I’d shuffle through the bright marble foyer of my building and go up the block and around the corner where there was a bodega that never closed. I’d get two large cof...July 2018•303 pages - #4
Save:A quick, razor-sharp psychological horror novel that’s both creepy and thought-provoking - definitely worth reading if you want a haunting story you’ll finish in one sitting.
'Come Closer' by Sara Gran is a short novella that tells the chilling story of a woman named Amanda who is slowly being possessed by a demon. The book delves into the psychological aspects of possession, drawing parallels to mental illness like schizophrenia. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and suspenseful, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the thrilling conclusion.
NOT THAT Ed wasn’t attentive, not that he didn’t notice what was going on in my life. He just wasn’t able to put the pieces together as quickly as the dog. Ed was my hero, my savior. Ed was the man wh...2003•191 pages - #5
Save:A chilling and skillfully written descent into the darkest parts of the human psyche - unsettling, unforgettable, and definitely not for the faint of heart. If you like dark literary thrillers, Eileen delivers.
'Eileen' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a dark and weird novel that follows the story of the titular character, Eileen, as she navigates her unhappy life living with her alcoholic father and working at a juvenile prison. The book is character-oriented, delving deep into Eileen's psyche and odd thoughts, creating a mysterious and uncomfortable atmosphere. The plot, although loose and non-linear, keeps the reader engaged by revealing Eileen's inner life and her impending departure from her small town.
The narrative style of 'Eileen' is described as absorbing, weird, and unsettling, resembling a psychological thriller with a strong focus on character development. The book explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and transformation, with unexpected twists and dark alleys that lead the reader through Eileen's disturbing journey towards self-discovery.
I looked like a girl you’d expect to see on a city bus, reading some clothbound book from the library about plants or geography, perhaps wearing a net over my light brown hair. You might take me for a...August 2015•273 pages - #6
Save:A haunting, literary fever dream: gorgeously written, endlessly circular, and deeply affecting - best for adventurous readers ready to be swept away by uncertainty and beauty.
In The Drowning Girl, the story revolves around India Morgan Phelps, also known as Imp, a young woman struggling with schizophrenia. Through a complex and layered narrative, Imp recounts her encounters with Eva Canning, a character who embodies various identities such as a ghost, a mermaid, and a werewolf. The book delves into themes of reality versus fantasy, mental illness, artistic obsession, and the blurred lines between truth and imagination. The writing style of the book is described as dense, immersive, and non-linear, challenging readers with its unreliable narrator and requiring attention to detail to unravel the story's complexities.
The Drowning Girl is a haunting and dark exploration of Imp's journey as she navigates her mental illness and grapples with her own perceptions of reality. The narrative is filled with symbolism, cultural references, and a mix of dreamlike sequences that blur the boundaries between fact and fiction. The book's rich storytelling weaves together themes of love, friendship, madness, and self-discovery, creating a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience.
My name is India Morgan Phelps, though almost everyone I know calls me Imp. I live in Providence, Rhode Island, and when I was seventeen, my mother died in Butler Hospital, which is located at 345 Bla...March 2012•353 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully written, unsettling reimagining that thrives on ambiguity and atmosphere - perfect for thoughtful readers who enjoy complex characters and don't mind leaving with more questions than answers.
'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys is a haunting and dreamlike novel that serves as a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'. It delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, the first Mrs. Rochester, exploring her descent into madness within the lush landscapes of the West Indies. The book provides a compelling backstory to the character of Bertha, portraying the complexities of class and racial tensions in a post-colonial and post-slavery society, all while challenging the reader's sympathies between Antoinette and Rochester.
They say when trouble come close ranks, and so the white people did. But we were not in their ranks. The Jamaican ladies had never approved of my mother, ‘because she pretty like pretty self’ Christop...1966•189 pages - #8
Save:A creepy, fast-paced techno-thriller that’s perfect for fans of creature horror and science-gone-wrong, but may feel a bit slow or light in the middle for readers who want nonstop action or deeper characters. If you’ve ever wanted a Michael Crichton novel with more bugs, this is it!
Chuck Wendig's 'Invasive' follows the story of Hannah Stander, an FBI futurist consultant, who is tasked with investigating a remote cabin filled with thousands of dead ants and one human corpse. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a sinister plot involving genetically engineered killer ants and a billionaire's laboratory on a remote island. The book is described as a fast-paced thriller with graphic descriptions of gore and tension-filled moments that keep readers on edge.
Wendig's writing style in 'Invasive' is praised for its descriptive yet minimal approach, effectively conveying the horror and suspense of the story without unnecessary embellishments. The plot revolves around the development of genetically modified killer ants, the investigation led by the strong female protagonist, Hannah Stander, and the intense build-up of suspense as the true motives behind the deadly ants are revealed.
The smell is what hits her first. It forces its way up her nose before she even crosses the threshold of the cabin. It’s not one odor, but a mélange of them competing for dominance: a rank and heady s...August 2016•367 pages - #9
Save:A smart, genre-bending horror that’s strong on atmosphere and character, but may not land every scare. If you like your horror historical, thoughtful, and a little weird, give it a try!
When the Night Bells Ring by Jo Kaplan is a compelling horror novel that intertwines two timelines: a post-apocalyptic future and the unsettling past of a 1860s mining town. The story follows Mads and Waynoka, two resilient women navigating a devastated landscape in search of survival. Their journey leads them to an abandoned mine where they uncover an old diary that reveals a terrifying history of the land and its original settlers. The diary serves as a catalyst for the horror that unfolds, intertwining the characters' current struggles with the eerie events of the past.
Kaplan's writing style is rich in detail and atmosphere, skillfully immersing readers in the oppressive gloom and isolation of both timelines. The characterization of the protagonists is strong, showcasing their resourcefulness in the face of ecological catastrophe. However, while the first part of the book builds an effective sense of dread, some readers may find that the reveal of the monster loses intensity. Despite this, the unique blend of horror, mystery, and historical elements makes When the Night Bells Ring an engaging read.
October 2022 - #10
Save:Strange, bold, and deeply honest - Nightbitch is a fever dream of feminism, rage, and motherly love. You’ll either howl with recognition or scratch your head, but you won’t forget it.
'Nightbitch' by Rachel Yoder is a novel that delves into the complexities of motherhood, exploring the challenges and joys of being a stay-at-home mother in the US. The story follows the protagonist as she navigates the twin pulls of external acceptance and the magic of child-rearing, providing a unique perspective on procreation without sugar-coating the tribulations. Through a blend of weird yet addictive writing style, the book offers a psychological exploration of motherhood, incorporating themes of modern middle-class existence and the struggles faced by women in society.
The narrative of 'Nightbitch' weaves together elements of horror, humor, and introspection, creating a feminist manifesto that challenges traditional notions of motherhood. The book artfully blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, with a focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the raw emotions associated with maternal instincts. Yoder's unconventional approach to storytelling, including the use of unnamed characters and dark humor, adds depth to the narrative and makes the book a thought-provoking exploration of womanhood and societal expectations.
And only now in her remembering did the events of the recent weeks begin to make sense. For of course she had known about it since she was a child, growing up as she had within the old German ways, wi...July 2021•250 pages
