Madwoman - by Jennifer L Wright (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Illinois, 1860: When Matilda Price became a wife, she had every intention of being a dutiful one. On his deathbed, her father had urged her to marry his friend Amos, believing that a pastor would provide his daughter with security.

Amos seems a decent man. But eight years into their marriage. Matilda's hope that her intelligence would endear her to her husband has backfired. Far from valuing her intellect, Amos grows aggravated by it. When she challenges her husband's views on slavery in front of his congregation, his simmering displeasure explodes into action. Amos has her committed to the Illinois State Asylum.

Within those walls, conditions are grim and treatments ineffective. Matilda is shocked to realize that many of the patients are no more insane than she is. Any woman can be incarcerated without trial based on the word of a husband or doctor. Arguing or exhibiting strong will only offers more "proof" of insanity. Faced with the threat of continuing commitment, Matilda must choose: stay silent and hope to save herself, or become a voice for the voiceless.

Based on the true, unjust history of those who were wrongfully and inhumanely hospitalized in mental institutions, Madwoman is a powerfully emotional, uplifting novel and a tribute to those who would not let darkness win.