Madwoman

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Madwoman by Louisa Treger weaves a fascinating true story of the world’s first female investigative journalist, Nellie Bly. Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration Growing up in a home with two older brothers who are granted more freedom than her, Bly is restless for a life beyond what a girl is “supposed” to do. Her parents, too, reinforce these [binaried] societal narratives and conventions: Women are expected to be quiet, submissive, diplomatic, let things go, not get angry and conditioned to be subservient. However, Bly’s father gives her a glimmer of hope beyond this when he gives her a book and pen that shows that when you give a child a pencil, you give her an entire world.

The real danger sets in when Nellie faces the harsh facts that she isn’t entirely sure when she is to be rescued by her new employers, nor how long she has to endure the cruelty, deplorable living conditions or the terrors of being trapped forever as she sees that the very people charged with the care of those who are most vulnerable are far from empathetic or caring, verging on sadistic and evil… Madwoman by Louisa Treger is an engrossing story giving a fascinating insight into the remarkable life of pioneering 19th century journalist Nellie Bly. The conditions she encountered in New York’s mental hospital in 1887 were deplorable. But the days she spent posing as a mental patient opened the door for change. Not only in the asylum but the ability for a woman to enter the world of journalism.The story is based on a true one of Nellie Bly who was an amazing figure in her time,breaking boundaries and faking insanity to expose the harrowing lives of women ( and men ) who were incarcerated in horrific conditions accused of being insane.

Every literary festival stays in an author’s mind for slightly individual reasons. I shall remember the Oxford festival for: The Oxford Literary Festival has in my mind become the leading literary festival of the year. The organisation, the roster of speakers, the ambience and the sheer quality of it all is superb. May it now go from strength to strength each year stretching its ambition more and more. I believe it will.

Madwoman

The writing wasn’t as crisp for me and at times seemed more like a non-fiction straight forward piece of reporting than historical fiction. But Nellie’s work had a lasting impact on society and on women across the country who refused to be anything other than themselves. Unfortunately, Pink’s life changes dramatically when her father dies. Her dream of a career in law lies in tatters, her mother’s second marriage is a disaster but all these experiences will shape her character and her future. It’s clear from the beginning she’s a determined and intelligent young lady, not intent on being outdone by her brothers in any way, and with her sights firmly set on a better life in which she need not be dependent on a man. Based on a true story, a spellbinding historical novel about the world's first female investigative journalist, Nellie Bly.