The Mad Women's Ball

"The Mad Women's Ball" by Victoria Mas is a captivating novel that immerses readers in Paris in 1885, revealing the dark secrets of the Salpêtrière asylum. At the center of the story is Genevieve, an experienced nurse who has abandoned her religious beliefs following the loss of her sister and turns to the science of Dr. Charcot. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the annual ball for the "mad women," which serves as a social highlight for the Parisian elite while symbolizing a fleeting hope for the women in the asylum. The encounter between Genevieve and 19-year-old Eugenie, who has a secret agenda, leads to a fateful interplay that highlights themes of grief, trauma, and the strength of women. Mas' debut novel is described by critics as a beautifully written, dark, and gripping Gothic tale that captivates readers and provokes thought.