The Madwomen of Paris

Written by Jennifer Cody Epstein
Review by Katie Stine

In this novel, set in a monolithic asylum in Paris in the late 1800s, protagonist Laure is both a former inmate and current attendant for the Salpêtrière’s hysteria ward. The disease is new, and Dr. Charcot is making his fame from hypnotizing young women on stage during his medical lectures, which are open to the public. Laure arrived there after her parents’ deaths, and later, a young woman named Josephine arrives. Josephine is all anyone can talk about, as she was brought in covered in blood, and is surprisingly violent. Laure manages to get herself assigned to Josephine, and is at once protective of and attracted to her. Josephine becomes famous once Dr. Charcot begins to hypnotize her, allowing sordid games to play out for the entertainment of his lectures. But Josephine can only take so much exploitation before her breaking point.

This engrossing novel explores all the different ways that young women are exploited and told they should appreciate the attention. Indeed, Dr. Charcot notes that vanity is a hallmark symptom of hysteria. A lecherous marquis hangs around the lecture hall, waiting for one of the patients to strike his fancy before bestowing gifts and arranging liaisons. Indeed, much of the book contains studies of selfish behavior from different perspectives. While sometimes mildly disturbing, the novel is well-written, thought-provoking, and immersive. A must-read for those interested in the treatment of women and the ethics of medicine. Highly recommended.