The Madness of a Seduced Woman

This is one of the best books I have ever read on a number of levels. First the writing – dense, provocative, evocative prose that cannot be skimmed, but does not bog the reader down with useless details. Every word is important and she chooses some rather interesting and unusual that fit not only the character she is creating, but the concept she is trying to convey. Second the structure – the tale is told from Agnes’s old age, so we know she lives to tell her tale, but this knowing does not detract from the tension or the need to know what exactly happened. The third is her characterizations – not only is Agnes fleshed out and realistic, but the supporting cast is not mere set of caricatures designed to fulfill a single show more purpose or to prop up the plot. We get a very real sense of their role in Agnes’s life. show less

Considering one in four of us are bound to have some degree of depression during our lives, this book serves as a stark reminder of how little mental illness was understood until so recently.

The history of mental illness, the gradual decline of Agnes into insanity, with her self justification that diverges more and more from the truth as we see it; these ingredients make what is in essence a simple tale a remarkable and coherent account that is thoroughly believable at all times.

A 19th century story about obsessive love between a millworker and a stonecutter. Powerful and absorbing. Brilliant writing.

A 19th century story about obsessive love between a millworker and a stonecutter. Powerful and absorbing. Brilliant writing.

Brilliant... read it years ago

* Inherited from Mum's shelves.