Flora Rheta Schreiber (1918–1988)

I got this book entirely by chance in a bag of hand-me-down books, and I sure am glad I did. it is a wonderful case study in the case of a woman who had many multiple personalities. The book itself is nicely-paced, going back and forth between a novel-like narrative, and more factual entries on Sybil's history and case points, including some of her sessions with Dr. Wilbur. It is a fun and informative read but it is really sad to read about how her mother abused her.

I'm not sure what motivated me to pick up this classic story, but I found myself just as fascinated now as when I first heard about Sybil when I was a child. I can't really say how much I actually believe in multiple personality disorder in general, but this book is well written and so thorough in its details and intimate personal knowledge of Sybil, that everything was very believable. The brain is a fascinating organ, and I am always amazed at how it rewires itself for survival; I can see show more how multiple personality disorder could be just another of those survival mechanisms.

I appreciated that this book delved deeply into Sybil's thoughts and emotions -- across all her personalities. The details of Sybil's childhood traumas are almost too horrific to read about; it was quite painful to imagine what this little girl went through. After finishing the book, I was left with a profound sense of hope, that perhaps all the children who suffer abuse can be healed and helped to lead normal lives. If only we could protect them all from abuse to begin with. show less

I'm really conflicted about my feelings for this novel. The premise of Sybil is so riveting. A young woman, after a childhood of abuse, cruelty, and torture develops sixteen other distinct personalities. However, I found myself unable to get past the overly clinical language and all of the psycho-analysis. I don't have a psychology background at all and was only able to understand part of the diagnoses.

The descriptions of the experiences had as a child and what her mother did to her were show more incredibly shocking. I found myself both repulsed and horrified. To imagine any child having to endure that makes me sick, and it completely explains why Sybil's subconscious fractured.

I found myself really frustrated with the circular and vague responses Sybil's other selves gave when Dr. Wilbur attempted to make them understand they were a part of Sybil. (A big reason why I could never be a psychiatrist is that I have very little patience). I know the understanding is supposed to be gradual, but it was just hard for me to swallow. I suppose that's why throughout the book I found myself questioning the truthfulness and validity of the personalities.

The whole book takes place over a decade. It was sometimes frustrating to realize that Sybil wasn't making much progress toward integration and there were a lot of reiterated points. The truth is that her psycho-analysis for overly complicated and repetitive and I became disinterested in it.

Overall, I don't think I recommend this book. It was just too analytical for my tastes. If anyone is really interested in the details about Sybil Dorsett, just Wikipedia the case instead of wasting your time with this book. show less

No, my filing this under fiction is not a mistake. The story itself is likely bullshit, as is the whole concept of Multiple Personality Disorder. Nonetheless, I give it three stars because it was an integral part of my very young adulthood. The TV movie (which isn't too bad, if a little self-important at times -- they reran it on TV Land or somewhere within the last year or two) was a subject of excited discussion at school when it was first broadcast in the late 70s, because it was show more so...weird. And we, 11- and 12-year-olds that we were, felt grown up watching it, what with all the adult themes. Anyway, I can't particularly recommend it, but still, nostalgia is a powerful thing. show less