The Women Are Not Fine

by Hope Reese

At the turn of the 20th century, the women of Nagyrév, Hungary, were in trouble. Their stories were hauntingly similar: husbands who drank, who beat them, who made their lives unbearable.

The village midwife – their confidante – offered an answer: arsenic. Soon, women began slipping poison into their husbands’ brandy, porridge, and stews. Over the next twenty years, the quiet village became the epicentre of one of the deadliest series of poisonings in modern history.

In The Women Are Not Fine, journalist Hope Reese pieces together archival newspapers, court documents, police records and more to uncover the truth behind this extraordinary case. Her findings serve as a stark warning: when women are pushed to the brink, the consequences can reverberate through history.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, True Crime, Feminism, Book Club, Historical, Hungary

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2025

About the author

Hope is the author of "The Women Are Not Fine." She writes for The New York Times and dozens of other publications — on everything from culture to feminism to technology. And Hope is a featured author in the Verso Books collection, Where Freedom Starts: Sex Power Violence #MeToo: A Verso Report.

Previously, Hope was a staff writer at TechRepublic (CBS Interactive). She taught journalism at Indiana University, Southeast. Hope earned her Master’s in Journalism from Harvard Extension School while working for the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard.

Reviews

[lys.istrata · Rating 2 out of 5]

Edit : for an in-depth, much more scathing review, check out my article on Substack

Interesting concept, poor execution. I was excited to read about my country, but this book did not live up to my expectations.

There is no distinctive style or literary prowess displayed. I noted several repetitions (the word ‘display’ is used three times in a single paragraph), grammatically dubious and unnecessarily drawn-out sentences, an overuse of adjectives and em-dashes, meaning it all reads like a mediocre essay. So many useless details are included—I don’t really need to know the exact proportions of a shed to follow the story.

I also found some choices to be of bad taste. Dedicating an entire chapter to the way these women were executed and explaining all of it in graphic detail? Girl. In the context of the story—but also in general—that is extremely inappropriate.

It would have been nice to keep the Hungarian naming conventions (known as the Eastern name order, in which the last name comes first) not only because it’s more pleasing to the ear, but also because I don’t like americanising names. The role of patriarchy as the core structure facilitating these murders could also have been explored; I was waiting for the topic to be brought up, but it never was. Another disappointment.

[Réka · Rating 5 out of 5]

sose irtam meg emailt ironak, ezutan a konyv utan azonnal megtettem. Zsenialis sztori, nem ertem miert most talalkozom vele eloszor, a Meregkeveroket meg is kertem karacsonyra gyorsban. Kurva jol leirta a torteneseket, empatikus a karaktereivel, kepes rendszerben gondolkodni, leirja az akkor uralkodo nezeteket, normakat, 10/10 munka, nyomas elolvasni!!!
amugy meg slay queens

[Jojo⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the topic and the stories of each woman that had to resort to this to survive. But the analysis made by the author felt very lacking and sometimes tone deaf. There was this question again and again throughout the book “what made the women do this?” And after pages of described domestic violence and trauma… I think its very obvious.
I wish there was a more feminist approach to the book and wish it criticised the role of the patriarchy in all of this.
Also the quote at the begging the chapter “The Victims” felt very off.
“They killed me, they sent me into my grave, they whom I loved most.” - Kis Ujság … yeah sure they did love the women they abused..

[Debbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and fascinating account of women in a small Hungarian village who took part in mass incidents of fatal poisonings. Many victims were alleged domestic abusers. I appreciated the author’s reminders throughout the book identifying the people mentioned previously. Highly recommend as a fantastic non fiction read.

[Madeline Elsinga · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A story about what happens when women are neglected, abused, living on the edge of poverty with no legal protections. When women help one another in their desperate escape from dire circumstances.

I enjoyed the background setup to explore and explain all the factors that led to the poisonings; women’s position in society, the ostracization of divorce, the burden of poverty, village traditional lifestyles/values, the aftermath of WW1, and the influence of the church. However due to the short length of the book (and perhaps other reasons) it’s all surface level and doesn’t dive as deep into the case and the environment as much as I’d like.

Very straightforward facts from archival evidence with zero speculation which I do appreciate in true crime but sometimes I think it would’ve been warranted. For instance some of the deaths fell under "mysterious circumstances" however the author still leaves room to interpret it as it was just another case of poisoning. Valid since there’s no evidence of what actually happens either way; but for at least one of the men (whose wife divorced him already and moved to Budapest so why would she bother to kill him?) his death is not all that mysterious-he was a HEAVY drinker?! It’s not rocket science to think that he probably died from his alcoholism . Based on this and the interweaving of her moving to Hungary as an “expat” (don’t even get me started on her use of the term) and her own personal experiences there, it felt less and less like a book of investigative journalistic True crime.

Many of the women share the same names and because they have similar circumstances it got confusing. It would’ve been more clear had the author referred to them by their full names rather than their, more common, first names.

Also didn’t love that the author relied so heavily on Bessel van der Kolk as a reference.

While it was an interesting read and something new for me to learn about, the connections to the modern day are flimsy and there wasn’t enough depth/investigative reporting to leave an impact. I think this would be an interesting brief overview if you’ve never heard of these women before and are looking for a basic guide, but as the author herself referenced, there’s another book on the same topic that can provide readers with more insight!

[Disha]

deeply engrossing despite the horrific subject matter. i’m not even the least bit offended that this book showed up in the ‘recommended for you’ section of my spotify. i clicked play because i liked the cover and i don’t regret it one bit. that said, i think some parts would have benefitted from deeper analysis and more personal insight, rather than just being a simple rehashing of the facts.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded down

If you know anything about Eastern European rural peasant life in late 19th/early 20th century, or about domestic violence, this book is a dry rehash of well trodden territory. I’m sure for a certain audience it has merit and is insightful. But I am not them.

Even then, it’s repetitive, and reads like an essay that’s still in the phase where you take disparate factual paragraphs and fudge them together - before it’s been reworked into a cohesive and engaging narrative.

[Kyra Jaehn · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.5. Very interesting subject matter but the execution and presentation of the research was done poorly at some points.

[G ✨🫶🏻 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Impressive to turn what should be a fascinating account of historical mass poisoning by women in a Hungarian village that is largely unheard of- into what is possibly the most boring text I’ve read this year outside of academic reading.

This was badly written, and engagement with credible sources was half-hearted. Part of the problem with accounts of this nature is that widespread illiteracy and the dismissal of women’s experiences makes identifying what is a credible source nearly impossible- and whilst this is acknowledged by the author, they fail to use this to ground any deeper analysis. There is little to no engagement with material cited and as a result this reads as a dry, disjointed listing of the women accused and how they were punished for it for much of the book.

I don’t think it needed a history of domestic violence tacked on to the end. It felt very much like the author was trying to reach a word count. Not quite sure it merited being a full book but perhaps in the hands of a more experienced historian it would read differently.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ending 2025 with a banger! This was fascinating af

[Amy Carlino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learnt something new! 3.5 ⭐️

[Lina Ahrens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, the first part feels like an oral story, and there’s a good contextualisation at the end

[Juliana Boos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a fun read, but interesting nonetheless. I appreciate the trouble that the author went through to find almost non existing records of this in a language that is not hers, and shedding light on a very difficult time in history for so many women that didn’t have better opportunities or rights at all. Not to dismiss men’s PTSD post war, but we know men can be abusive even when not going through trauma themselves.

[Alexa Fermeglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched and documented. Thoughtful and well-written. Does not sensationalize, seeks to understand. Connects the murders of a hundred years past with current patterns of violence. I couldn’t put it down.

[linnea — lnnvns · Rating 4 out of 5]

incredibly interesting and easy to follow despite the horrific subject matter! both history, research and other things were well balanced which was amazing in terms of engagement. i also really enjoyed the addition of a few pictures, as well as the list of verdicts and victims at the end of the book📖

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly something to think about. Not the poisoning people part 😅, but how oppression always has to find an outlet ( in this case a murderous one). Sigh

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting and deeply immersive account of the women of Nagyrév, Hungary, in the early 20th century, many of whom were living with abuse and suffering in silence. With some husbands returning from the war carrying the effects of trauma in different and often desperate circumstances.

What struck me most was the tight-knit community of women who came together to support one another. With little power or protection available to them, they found their own way to reclaim control. Ultimately leading to the mass poisonings that shocked the community.

Hope Reese's extensive research brings this largely forgotten history to life, despite the limited written evidence and almost complete absence of records documenting the domestic abuse these women endured. This book is a powerful reminder of how strong and resourceful women can become when faced with seemingly impossible conditions.

A heartbreaking, unsettling and fascinating read, exploring a part of history I previously knew nothing about.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fascinating and detailed read that I could not put it down. Girlhood ✨ with a touch of poison 💀

[Anne-Laure _ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting story about a topic I would’ve never heard about otherwise. Women can kill too people…. JK but, definitely it was very intriguing to hear about why the women did it, why they chose poison specifically, and how women turn to each other for support. Why even bother with him?

[Emma Oldham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down my favourite non-fiction read of the year.

When women in 20th-century Nagyrév, Hungary, suffered in silence, how did they communicate their pain? There were no phones, no TV, no radios, only neighbours. They survived through huddles and hives—tight-knit, uniquely female social networks.

What these women ultimately did to reclaim control over their lives and stop the abuse was extraordinary.

Hope Reese is a remarkably talented writer and journalist. Her storytelling is meticulous and deeply researched, yet balanced. She not only captured the women’s suffering, but also explored the strain and pain the men endured during this time.

Two of the most powerful lessons I took from this book:

1) The effects of war ripple far beyond the frontlines, seeping into every home and community. We should promote peace and co-existence at every opportunity.

2) When women commit violent crimes, society often responds more harshly than it does with men. Tabloids dehumanise them, calling them monsters, witches, psychopaths, “bad apples”—as if they’re no longer fully human. This narrative conveniently shifts the focus away from the societal conditions that allowed these crimes to occur in the first place.

This book is a gripping, eye-opening exploration of history, gender and survival. Seriously recommend!

[Astri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women Are Not Fine is a book that not only informed me of the history of women in Nagyrév, Hungary, but shifted the way I look at womanhood, trauma, and privilege.

Yes, I expected a nonfiction read that would inform me of the history of women in Nagyrév but it also sparked some realizations in me. The stories of the women in Nagyrév who were trapped in cycles of poverty, abuse, war trauma, and impossible societal expectations made me realize how much privilege and freedom I have now.

These women were not only carrying their own suffering, but also the psychological (and sometimes physical) trauma their husbands brought home for war. They lived in a world where women had little autonomy over their own lives, bodies, and futures, and where survival mattered more than morality. Hope Reese also shed light on domestic abuse during today's time and how it can drive women to kill. It also made me realize how strong and powerful women are when faced with dire conditions.

The writing was gripping and had me fully engaged the entire time. I read quite a bit of nonfiction, and honestly, I often find myself zoning out or needing breaks because the pacing can feel slow. The writing was immersive and accessible without losing the emotional weight of the tough subject matter.

It reads almost like literary true crime blended with social history and feminist commentary, while still remaining compassionate toward the women at the center of it.

All in all, this book was a heartbreaking and haunting read.

[Willemijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book by chance and was immediately intrigued by this part of history. What caused a group of women from a small village in Hungary to poison their husbands?

Non-fiction books are often a tough cookie. But I consider this one a medium-tough cookie. There were a lot of numbers and facts, but the story didn't drown in them.

I read a few reviews which talked about the book being insensitive or sharing too many details about what happened to the men and the women. I don't really know how to feel about this, because it is, after all, a non-fiction book about an event in history that is... pretty dark. I didn't feel like the author sensationalised or romanticised things, and that's the most important thing. A factual and truthful story is the most important in my eyes.

What interested me the most were the paragraphs that spoke about the difference between men and women. There's been quite a lot of research about how and why men and women kill. They actually found an explanation in our genetics. And, they also looked at chimpanzees. Our genetics match for about 96%, and they found similar behaviours and results. Intriguing! It is quite confronting to read about the reasons behind killing their romantic partner. Men often kill because they feel humiliated by their partner. Women often kill because they feel the need to survive. That's awful...

So, an intriguing read! I learnt something new.

[Tracey Martin]

This was a really interesting true story. The book explores the events in the Hungarian village of Nagyrév, where women secretly poisoned their abusive or “bad” husbands over many years. What they called the ‘flypaper method’ involved women buying flypaper from the general store, soaking it in water to extract the arsenic, and adding it to drinks and food.

At the centre of it all was a midwife known as “Auntie Zsuzsi,” who acted as a kind of ringleader and helped many of the women carry out these poisonings.

It’s estimated that around 300 men were murdered, making it one of the greatest female-led poisoning scandals in modern history. I found it so fascinating because I had never heard of this case before. As brutal as it was, (and I probably shouldn’t feel this way) I could understand why these women came together to help each other while facing abuse, beatings, and sometimes seeing their children suffer too. Even more tragically, many of the women who were later taken to trial ended up taking their own lives, and it was quite upsetting reading about some being condemned to short-drop hangings. That was hard to read about.

I found the book balanced historical detail with the human side of what happened and why perfectly. I very rarely read non-fiction but I really enjoyed learning about these women and would recommend to anyone who likes true crime or historical cases.

[Teo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the subject this book is approaching, I didn’t like some of the elements in this approach though…

Firstly, it’s very easy to tell that Hope Reese is a journalist, not a storyteller. I felt all of the women’s stories could be told in better, more emotional ways, where their experiences aren’t just splayed out almost emotionlessly on a page and moved on from after a sometimes plain, sometimes dramatic conclusion.

Secondly, I truly appreciated Hope Reese for bringing more light to this subject and doing so much research into this specific topic, but I do feel she doesn’t truly get the point of the story if she deliberately chooses both to “americanise” names (put surnames first and family names last instead of the other way around which is more typical in Eastern European countries) and to keep using the married names for the women in the stories. She herself says those women would be shuddering at the thought of it, so why do it? Why disregard their wishes like so?

I didn’t like the conclusion of the book. It felt weirdly like it was spoon feeding you a “moral” that was present all throughout. Yes women killed in order to escape and take power into their own hands, the last chapter just reads as the ending of a college student’s homework essay.

Anyway i wanted to read a more rage filled approach, not a journalist paper. I wanted to actually see the rage in how women were (and still are in some rural areas) treated by society at large. I wanted to see the author display those stories with more emphasis on their pain. (Hope Reese did try to do this, but she, unfortunately, took on a more impersonal approach to this, which is fair, but not what I wanted)

[Maddie Weeks]

‘Wives are not seen as equal, autonomous human beings; they were considered subordinate.’

Sabrina Dax PR very kindly sent me a copy of The Women Are Not Fine by Hope Reese and below is my honest review.

This is different to my usual reads but 2026 is my year of branching out!

This book is an account of women in a Hungarian village who were involved in mass poisonings. It delves into the circumstances of why these poisonings took place and it gets dark quickly.

I think this was well written and in my opinion it sounds well researched. There were some shocking statistics that really had me on edge and really made me think.

Overall, it’s a fascinating non-fiction read!

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

Thank you again Sabrina and Hope for the copy!

[one.too.many.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark and fascinating non-fiction read about a group of women who have poisoned a large number of people in early 20th century Hungary.

The book takes us through how and why these women murdered their family members (mostly men), and gives context to their motivations, living situation and status in the community.

Towards the end there is a deeper dive into the violence and what research tells us about motivation and prevalence of violence of women vs. men and how it’s carried out. There are also some views from descendants of families where poisonings have happened.

It’s a very informative and intriguing read. It’s quite short but packed full of information and was well balanced and portrayed, and very well researched. I found it a fascinating read and would highly recommend!

[Daria Ageeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction into a topic I knew nothing about. This book did a deep dive into what actually happened in Nagyrév in the early 20th century. For lack of a better word women were fed up with the abuse from their husbands and turned to poison as their answer. The author broke down the key players involved and how the village as a collective got involved in trying to get rid of their husbands. Very eye opening and interesting to see how there was such a big influence and wave of poisonings not just in Nagyrév but across Hungary as a whole.

Also interesting to learn how little documentation there was about domestic abuse and how it was not taken seriously.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a chapter of history that i didn’t know about until i discovered this book, coloured by domestic abuse, violence and misogyny. reese details why the women of this village killed, their everyday lives and the court documents. reese tells the story of women who were pushed to the limit and did what they could to escape their husbands even if that meant poisoning them as a last resort. an incredible investigation and an important chapter on intimate partner homicide.

[Jette Purkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

soo interesting! I love these types of books