The Madwomen of Paris

A Novel

By: Jennifer Cody Epstein

Narrated by: Kiiri Sandy

EDGAR AWARD FINALIST • “Epstein’s page-turning historical novel—an indictment of the medical establishment’s manipulation of women—remains eerily relevant and timely.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectacular

Two women fall under the influence of a powerful doctor in Paris’s notorious nineteenth-century women’s asylum—a gripping novel inspired by true events, from the bestselling author of Wunderland.

After being dragged into the Salpêtrière asylum screaming, covered in blood, and suffering from amnesia, Josephine is diagnosed with what the nineteenth-century Parisian press has dubbed “the epidemic of the age”: hysteria. It’s a disease so uniquely baffling that Jean-Martin Charcot, the Salpêtrière’s acclaimed director, devotes popular lectures to it, using hypnosis to elicit fits and fantastical symptoms in front of rapt audiences. Young, charismatic, and highly susceptible to this entrancement, Josephine quickly becomes a favorite of the powerful doctor and the Parisian public alike.

But her true ally at the Salpêtrière is Laure, a lonely ward attendant. As their friendship blossoms into something more, the two women find comfort and even joy together despite their bleak surroundings. Soon, Josephine’s memory returns, and with it images of a gruesome crime she’s convinced she’s committed. Ensnared in Charcot’s hypnotic web, she starts spiraling into seeming insanity, prompting a terrified Laure to plot their escape together. First, though, Laure must solve a grim mystery: Who, really, is the girl she’s grown to love? Is Josephine a madwoman . . . or a murderer?

Inspired by true events, expertly researched, and masterfully written, The Madwomen of Paris is a Gothic saga for the ages with themes that remain hauntingly resonant today.

©2023 Jennifer Cody Epstein (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Memorable characters, heartbreaking moments and intriguing details...this eye-opening novel has it all. [The novel] is a series of dramatic, dangerous events and shocking twists.”—Woman’s World

“This engrossing novel explores all the different ways that young women are exploited and told they should appreciate the attention. 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 recommend.”—Historical Novel Society

“Epstein has achieved her goal of immersing readers in the ‘stranger-than-fiction’ universe of late-19th-century Paris. At a time when women’s reproductive rights are under threat and people with unexplained medical conditions are routinely gaslit, The Madwomen of Paris provides a fascinating look back at a condition with modern-day resonance.”—Science Magazine

Ending is not justified

While the author gives a fully developed story in a well researched setting, the ending is not justified and too abrupt for my taste. There is no evidence that the person who is the subject of unconscionable hypnotic experiments has any degree of intelligence necessary to accomplish her final triumph. I felt disappointed and incredulous.

This story is riveting

I didn't want it to end. It is a beautifully crafted, well-researched piece of historical fiction and has been a great travel companion on my trip to France.

Sigh

I had to read this for book club this month. I’m glad I did an audiobook because it was so, so slow.