The Mad Girls of New York

A Nellie Bly Novel, Book 1

De: Maya Rodale

Narrado por: Eva Kaminsky

One of Amazon’s Best Books of 2022 So Far!

“Gloriously recommended.” —Historical Novel Society

A gripping and compelling novel based on the true story of fearless reporter Nellie Bly, who will stop at nothing to prove that a woman’s place is on the front page.

In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for women.

For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets herself committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Once inside, Nellie befriends her fellow patients who help her uncover shocking truths about the asylum. It’s a story that promises to be explosive—but will she get out before rival reporters get the scoop?

From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a witty, energetic and uplifting novel about a woman who defied convention to become the most famous reporter in Gilded Age New York. Perfect for fans of hidden histories about women who triumph.

©2022 Maya Rodale (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Rodale crafts an adventure yarn worthy of a 19th-century bildungsroman, but there’s still heaps of her signature wit and banter.”—Entertainment Weekly

“The talented Rodale does full justice to intrepid girl reporter Nellie Bly and her trail-blazing exposé in this lively fictionalization. … Rodale’s Nellie is bold, inventive, and quick on her feet, remorseless in her ambition but tender in her empathy. Rodale breathes vivid life into Bly’s biography and incredible spirit as she battles her way into a publishing scene that barely offers a toehold for females. Combine crack writing and nail-biting suspense with humor, pathos, a dash of mystery, and a hint of romance, and you have an entertaining, intensely imagined glimpse into the making of Bly’s Ten Days in a Madhouse and the life of women in New York’s Gilded Age. Gloriously recommended.”—Historical Novels Review

“Rodale’s affinity for writing about powerful women is clear, and she aptly records the lengths they would go to in order to overcome their societal boundaries….An energetic and bold tale of one of history’s most enterprising journalists.”—Kirkus Reviews

Women journalists

This was such an interesting read especially as someone in communications. The story was very captivating and just goes to show how the struggle to get into some spaces for women have not always been easy.

Amazingly Written & Narrated

This was the perfect balance of characters, their development, and intertwining of story layers! The different character points of view added to the depth and continued interest in all facets of the story. This was all beautifully brought to life with the incredible narration of Eva Kaminsky!

Great Historical Fiction

Very interesting story about Nellie Bly & her stay in a mental hospital for a story.

Interesting partly true story

Quite a few liberties taken with this story but it was very readable and kept my interest. Did not enjoy the narrator and at some stage in the future I think I may read the story for myself. Loved the main characters amongst the ‘mad girls’ especially prayer girl.

Breaking Into an Insane Asylum

If you like historical fiction you'll enjoy this story of a tenacious young woman's entry into the male dominated field of hard hitting newspaper reporter.
Nelly Bly and many of the supporting cast depicted are based on real people. The atmosphere and political machinations of the time are woven together skillfully. The author's notes at the end tie it up and encourage me to look for more on the people represented.

an intriguing listen for sure

this book is mostly true as we come to find out at the very end in the author's note. It seemed a little slow in getting to the what I call big moments but once you got there it was even more fascinating to listen to. definitely recommend the listen!

Power to the women!

I really liked this book. It’s a good look into how women were treated and what they did to get ahead in the world. I will say the recording did skip a bit.

Wonderful page turner

I could not put it down. I had heard of Nellie Bly but had no idea of the many difficulties women faced during the "Gilded Age" and her contributions to reform.

Maya Rodale has written some captivating, memorable and yes, naughty books about women breaking (or circumventing) societal rules and finding romance in the process.

The Mad Girls of New York is somewhat of a departure from past novels and as a result is both different yet comfortingly familiar. Nellie Bly was a force of nature and she comes alive in Rodale's story. She is unstoppable. And she did it on her own, helping other women along the way. That is pure Rodale.

Although this is not a romance novel, Nellie is enough to carry the whole story and there is a hint of romance to come...

This is based on a true events

I am in a book club reading books that take place on NY and I had no idea what this book was about. I was so surprised it is a true story and I am now interested in finding out more about these women who were discarded to this dark place and left to be forgotten. Definitely worth the read.

Story OK, narrator not

The story is OK. It kept me mildly interested. I liked the twist toward the end. I found the narrator annoying, with her sing song inflection and tone.