Hilarious. Really took me surprise. I skipped the first chapter about bear attacks.
I'm listening to the audiobook, and highly recommend. It is hysterical. Which can be kind of awkward when listening to an audiobook while at work when I break out in peels of laughter, but that is a good problem to have.
I couldn't give this book 5 stars because I was convinced with every fiber of my being that the stories about her husband were building to an inevitable divorce. A quick google search revealed that the author is still very much married to her husband, who she talks about fundamentally not knowing who she is and being continually patronizing of her feelings and opinions. Maybe I misunderstood their dynamic.
But I'm on hour 3 of 8 in the audiobook and debating if I can look past that and enjoy the anecdotes and superb narration...
I couldn't give this book 5 stars because I was convinced with every fiber of my being that the stories about her husband were building to an inevitable divorce. A quick google search revealed that the author is still very much married to her husband, who she talks about fundamentally not knowing who she is and being continually patronizing of her feelings and opinions. Maybe I misunderstood their dynamic.
But I'm on hour 3 of 8 in the audiobook and debating if I can look past that and enjoy the anecdotes and superb narration...
Wish I had read this when I was much younger
This was a gift from my friend Leanna and an amazing recommendation. I normally don't pick up historical fiction, much less books which I know will infuriate me, so a historical fiction story about the way society treated inconvenient women in the late 1800s would not typically be at the top of my TBR.
I appreciate the reviews giving a bit of background on the Salpetriere and the dark chapter in Parisian history this novel covers. I also think its worth noting this book is SO WELL WRITTEN. It's a short 200 page novel (at least my English translated paperback is). It is so compelling. Mas writes beautifully complex and well rounded characters. Even in scenes that were completely expected (for example a character who starts the novel outside of the hospital is of course expected to end up committed), I was so swept up in the language and the stress of the moment that I was completely absorbed. The translation felt seamless as well.
This is the sort of book that quietly passes hands amongst good friends and becomes part of the shared tapestry of how we talk to each other and relate to our world. My copy has already been claimed.
I appreciate the reviews giving a bit of background on the Salpetriere and the dark chapter in Parisian history this novel covers. I also think its worth noting this book is SO WELL WRITTEN. It's a short 200 page novel (at least my English translated paperback is). It is so compelling. Mas writes beautifully complex and well rounded characters. Even in scenes that were completely expected (for example a character who starts the novel outside of the hospital is of course expected to end up committed), I was so swept up in the language and the stress of the moment that I was completely absorbed. The translation felt seamless as well.
This is the sort of book that quietly passes hands amongst good friends and becomes part of the shared tapestry of how we talk to each other and relate to our world. My copy has already been claimed.