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A Feigned Madness
The insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island is a human rat trap. It is easy to get in, but once there it is impossible to get out. —Nellie Bly
Elizabeth Cochrane has a secret.
She isn’t the madwoman with amnesia the doctors and inmates at Blackwell’s Asylum think she is.
In truth, she’s working undercover for the New York World. When the managing editor refuses to hire her because she’s a woman, Elizabeth strikes a deal: in exchange for a job, she’ll impersonate a lunatic to expose a local asylum’s abuses.
When she arrives at the asylum, Elizabeth realizes she must make a decision—is she there merely to bear witness, or to intervene on behalf of the abused inmates? Can she interfere without blowing her cover? As the superintendent of the asylum grows increasingly suspicious, Elizabeth knows her scheme—and her dream of becoming a journalist in New York—is in jeopardy.
A Feigned Madness is a meticulously researched, fictionalized account of the woman who would come to be known as daredevil reporter Nellie Bly. At a time of cutthroat journalism, when newspapers battled for readers at any cost, Bly emerged as one of the first to break through the gender barrier—a woman who would, through her daring exploits, forge a trail for women fighting for their place in the world.
Elizabeth Cochrane has a secret.
She isn’t the madwoman with amnesia the doctors and inmates at Blackwell’s Asylum think she is.
In truth, she’s working undercover for the New York World. When the managing editor refuses to hire her because she’s a woman, Elizabeth strikes a deal: in exchange for a job, she’ll impersonate a lunatic to expose a local asylum’s abuses.
When she arrives at the asylum, Elizabeth realizes she must make a decision—is she there merely to bear witness, or to intervene on behalf of the abused inmates? Can she interfere without blowing her cover? As the superintendent of the asylum grows increasingly suspicious, Elizabeth knows her scheme—and her dream of becoming a journalist in New York—is in jeopardy.
A Feigned Madness is a meticulously researched, fictionalized account of the woman who would come to be known as daredevil reporter Nellie Bly. At a time of cutthroat journalism, when newspapers battled for readers at any cost, Bly emerged as one of the first to break through the gender barrier—a woman who would, through her daring exploits, forge a trail for women fighting for their place in the world.
Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
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About the author
Tonya Mitchell
4 books143 followersEver since reading Jane Eyre in high school, Tonya has been drawn to dark stories, particularly of the gothic variety. Her influences include Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bram Stoker. More contemporarily, she loves the work of Shirley Jackson, Agatha Christie, Victoria Holt, Margaret Atwood, and Laura Purcell.
When she landed on a story about a woman who pretended to be insane in order to write a newspaper story, she knew she’d landed on something she was meant to write.
Tonya received her BA in journalism from Indiana University. Her short fiction has appeared in The Copperfield Review, Words Undone, and The Front Porch Review, as well as in various anthologies, including Furtive Dalliance, Welcome to Elsewhere, and Glimmer and Other Stories and Poems, for which she won the Cinnamon Press award in fiction.
She is a self-professed Anglophile and is obsessed with all things relating to the Victorian period. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society North America and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and three wildly energetic sons.
A Feigned Madness is her first novel.
When she landed on a story about a woman who pretended to be insane in order to write a newspaper story, she knew she’d landed on something she was meant to write.
Tonya received her BA in journalism from Indiana University. Her short fiction has appeared in The Copperfield Review, Words Undone, and The Front Porch Review, as well as in various anthologies, including Furtive Dalliance, Welcome to Elsewhere, and Glimmer and Other Stories and Poems, for which she won the Cinnamon Press award in fiction.
She is a self-professed Anglophile and is obsessed with all things relating to the Victorian period. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society North America and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and three wildly energetic sons.
A Feigned Madness is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 10, 2020
It's 1888, and Elizabeth Cochrane has come to New York City from Pittsburg, hoping to get a job at the New York World. The World is situated on what's called Newspaper Row, with the Times and the Sun.
Women in 1888 are not easily accepted in the working world. Initially, Elizabeth is presented with columns about women's fashion and kitchen tips. But, soon, she is pitching a story to the Editor of The World: She will, in disguise, gain entrance to Blackwell's Asylum, stay there for 2 weeks, and then write about her findings. Originally, she intends to pose as a Nurse, but Captain Cockerill convinces her that she would be more effective as a lunatic.
There is backbiting in the newspaper office, and a few pats on the back. George McCain, City Editor for the Pittsburg Dispatch, introduces her to the Language of Flowers. The horrible conditions at Blackwell's are contrasted with a few patients who become friends. Throughout the reading of this novel-based-on-life, I remained horrified that women could be committed for the most superficial of reasons: a look, a word. I gave silent thanks to the intrepid women who gained for us the freedoms that we have today.
I read this EARC courtesy of Cynren Press and Edelweiss. pub date 10/06/20
Women in 1888 are not easily accepted in the working world. Initially, Elizabeth is presented with columns about women's fashion and kitchen tips. But, soon, she is pitching a story to the Editor of The World: She will, in disguise, gain entrance to Blackwell's Asylum, stay there for 2 weeks, and then write about her findings. Originally, she intends to pose as a Nurse, but Captain Cockerill convinces her that she would be more effective as a lunatic.
There is backbiting in the newspaper office, and a few pats on the back. George McCain, City Editor for the Pittsburg Dispatch, introduces her to the Language of Flowers. The horrible conditions at Blackwell's are contrasted with a few patients who become friends. Throughout the reading of this novel-based-on-life, I remained horrified that women could be committed for the most superficial of reasons: a look, a word. I gave silent thanks to the intrepid women who gained for us the freedoms that we have today.
I read this EARC courtesy of Cynren Press and Edelweiss. pub date 10/06/20
July 1, 2020
Set in 1890s, Mitchell’s meticulously-researched, gripping novel tells fictionalized account of the daredevil journalist Nellie Bly’s journey of breaking through the gender barriers as she sets on a path to unravel dark secrets of authorities at a mental asylum.
The institutions for the insane on Blackwell’s Island in New York City’s East River are notoriously famous for one thing: it’s easy to get in, but once there, it is impossible to get out. Disgusted by the unfair gender-based practices, the ambitious Elizabeth Cochrane takes on a dangerous assignment of exposing corrupt authorities at one of the asylums to prove her expertise as a reporter, putting her life at risk.
Through Elizabeth’s journey, Mitchell sketches a vivid and at times horrifying portrait of the asylum, revealing a bleak picture of institutional failure. The audacious scenarios Elizabeth finds herself in ring with authenticity. Brilliantly tackling Elizabeth’s past and present, Mitchell has delivered a satisfying and riveting tale.
Historical fiction lovers are in for a treat.
Simply addictive!
The institutions for the insane on Blackwell’s Island in New York City’s East River are notoriously famous for one thing: it’s easy to get in, but once there, it is impossible to get out. Disgusted by the unfair gender-based practices, the ambitious Elizabeth Cochrane takes on a dangerous assignment of exposing corrupt authorities at one of the asylums to prove her expertise as a reporter, putting her life at risk.
Through Elizabeth’s journey, Mitchell sketches a vivid and at times horrifying portrait of the asylum, revealing a bleak picture of institutional failure. The audacious scenarios Elizabeth finds herself in ring with authenticity. Brilliantly tackling Elizabeth’s past and present, Mitchell has delivered a satisfying and riveting tale.
Historical fiction lovers are in for a treat.
Simply addictive!
October 9, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advanced e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.
I have read an autobiography of Nellie Bly and also Women 99 but this historical fiction novel of Nellie Bly is terrific. It not only tells her story but also of her ten (10) days in the Blackwell Asylum.
It is hard to put down, very engaging and well told. The dialogue keeps flowing and the extras that the author adds does not in any way detract from its greatness.
A book even Nellie would be proud of!
I have read an autobiography of Nellie Bly and also Women 99 but this historical fiction novel of Nellie Bly is terrific. It not only tells her story but also of her ten (10) days in the Blackwell Asylum.
It is hard to put down, very engaging and well told. The dialogue keeps flowing and the extras that the author adds does not in any way detract from its greatness.
A book even Nellie would be proud of!
August 23, 2020
A Story of Humanity’s Unquenchable Spirit
The back-cover blurb alone made A Feigned Madness sound intriguing.
Picture smog-ridden, foul-smelling New York City at the height of the industrial revolution of the late 19th century. The place was a work-driven hell for the sane, as child-labor was cheap and women who were down on their luck were preyed upon and found themselves sentenced into life-long service or factory positions that paid little. And journalism was exploding all over America with men competing in cutthroat effort to see their newspapers, their columns, their careers skyrocket.
This is the world into which Elizabeth Cochrane enters to test her mettle and skills as a writer. However, 19th century men were loath to allow women prominent places within the news industry. But when Elizabeth—dubbed Nellie Bly, by her co-workers, goes undercover as a mental patient to expose a horrific insane asylum, every bit of her gumption will be tested.
Especially her humanity.
Mitchell’s research is both stunning and compelling, ever so gradually pulling the reader in to live the smelly New York streets of 1887, revel within a sunny garden show of flowers, recoil at the horror of having drugs forced down one’s throat, and seeing a human being slowly drowning. It’s rare when a debut novel is so powerful in its world-building, but Mitchell has accomplished it through captivating descriptive elements and characters that both speak and act their place in the 19th century.
Nellie Bly’s portrayal is of a stubbornly vibrant young woman whose will was of iron. She had an unquenchable spirit to pursue her dream of working as a journalist inside Pulitzer’s famed New York World publication. However, while she is relentlessly fulfilling her task on Blackwell Island, what she isn’t prepared for are the relationships and bonds made with the other female inmates—whose stories are tragic, and yet have nothing to do with insanity, but instead, of misfortune. Will she drop her guard and reveal her true identity, or comply with the ruthless Col. Cockerill and remain undercover?
I encourage readers to give A Feigned Madness their full attention. It’s a filling meal of historical fiction that will leave you gasping for air, fascinated with 19th century tradition, and hungry to read more about a woman who became a true heroine for others.
The back-cover blurb alone made A Feigned Madness sound intriguing.
Picture smog-ridden, foul-smelling New York City at the height of the industrial revolution of the late 19th century. The place was a work-driven hell for the sane, as child-labor was cheap and women who were down on their luck were preyed upon and found themselves sentenced into life-long service or factory positions that paid little. And journalism was exploding all over America with men competing in cutthroat effort to see their newspapers, their columns, their careers skyrocket.
This is the world into which Elizabeth Cochrane enters to test her mettle and skills as a writer. However, 19th century men were loath to allow women prominent places within the news industry. But when Elizabeth—dubbed Nellie Bly, by her co-workers, goes undercover as a mental patient to expose a horrific insane asylum, every bit of her gumption will be tested.
Especially her humanity.
Mitchell’s research is both stunning and compelling, ever so gradually pulling the reader in to live the smelly New York streets of 1887, revel within a sunny garden show of flowers, recoil at the horror of having drugs forced down one’s throat, and seeing a human being slowly drowning. It’s rare when a debut novel is so powerful in its world-building, but Mitchell has accomplished it through captivating descriptive elements and characters that both speak and act their place in the 19th century.
Nellie Bly’s portrayal is of a stubbornly vibrant young woman whose will was of iron. She had an unquenchable spirit to pursue her dream of working as a journalist inside Pulitzer’s famed New York World publication. However, while she is relentlessly fulfilling her task on Blackwell Island, what she isn’t prepared for are the relationships and bonds made with the other female inmates—whose stories are tragic, and yet have nothing to do with insanity, but instead, of misfortune. Will she drop her guard and reveal her true identity, or comply with the ruthless Col. Cockerill and remain undercover?
I encourage readers to give A Feigned Madness their full attention. It’s a filling meal of historical fiction that will leave you gasping for air, fascinated with 19th century tradition, and hungry to read more about a woman who became a true heroine for others.
January 21, 2024
Pre-order links for A Feigned Madness (launches Oct 6. 2020)
Book: https://www.cynren.com/catalog/a-feig...
Ebook (Kindle): here https://www.amazon.com/Feigned-Madnes...
Book: https://www.cynren.com/catalog/a-feig...
Ebook (Kindle): here https://www.amazon.com/Feigned-Madnes...
November 24, 2020
I knew very little about Nellie Bly before reading this book (just knew that she was famous for her reporting from the insane asylum). This wonderfully researched book gave me "the story behind the story" and was really inspiring.
February 21, 2022
A Feigned Madness
by Tonya Mitchell
Out now.
I learned about crusading journalist Nellie Bly in "J" school, but have read little about her since, until this intriguing Victorian histfic tale by Cincinnati writer Tonya Mitchell. What a story!
Elizabeth Cochrane (aka Nellie) wants badly to be a reporter for New York World at a time when women were banned from the profession. Striking a deal with the Managing Editor, she agrees to go undercover at the insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island in New York if he'd hire her once she exposes the asylum's abuses.
Once in Blackwell, she finds the horrifying truth and wonders if she'll ever get out. I read nose to the page, missing meals and reading late into the night, so gripped was I by this beautifully written, deftly researched story. A must-read for fans of Nellie Bly, of fierce women who altered history, and of compulsively readable histfic novels.
Winner of the 2021 Phoenix Award in Historical Fiction from the Kops-Fetherling International Book Awards, and Winner of the Silver 2021 Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award in Historical Fiction. Thanks to the author @tmitchell.2012 and Cennan Books of Cynren Press for the ARC; opinions are mine.
by Tonya Mitchell
Out now.
I learned about crusading journalist Nellie Bly in "J" school, but have read little about her since, until this intriguing Victorian histfic tale by Cincinnati writer Tonya Mitchell. What a story!
Elizabeth Cochrane (aka Nellie) wants badly to be a reporter for New York World at a time when women were banned from the profession. Striking a deal with the Managing Editor, she agrees to go undercover at the insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island in New York if he'd hire her once she exposes the asylum's abuses.
Once in Blackwell, she finds the horrifying truth and wonders if she'll ever get out. I read nose to the page, missing meals and reading late into the night, so gripped was I by this beautifully written, deftly researched story. A must-read for fans of Nellie Bly, of fierce women who altered history, and of compulsively readable histfic novels.
Winner of the 2021 Phoenix Award in Historical Fiction from the Kops-Fetherling International Book Awards, and Winner of the Silver 2021 Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award in Historical Fiction. Thanks to the author @tmitchell.2012 and Cennan Books of Cynren Press for the ARC; opinions are mine.
November 1, 2020
Mesmerizing True Story
One of my favorite books this year (and I average a book a day during these pandemic times). Having had a brief (five year) stint as an Admissions Director at a private psychiatric hospital about thirty years ago, the idea of this book immediately intrigued me. It was so much more than I expected: engrossing twists, unforgettable characters, and engaging writing brought the history to life. Thank you for this book! It’s a great accomplishment and a definite “must read.”
One of my favorite books this year (and I average a book a day during these pandemic times). Having had a brief (five year) stint as an Admissions Director at a private psychiatric hospital about thirty years ago, the idea of this book immediately intrigued me. It was so much more than I expected: engrossing twists, unforgettable characters, and engaging writing brought the history to life. Thank you for this book! It’s a great accomplishment and a definite “must read.”
September 30, 2020
I would like to thank the author and her publisher for the ARC. A Feigned Madness is a formidable work of intelligent and pleasurable writing and comprehensive research. I will not rehash the plot like so many reviewers are prone to do. Instead, I’ll focus this review on what makes for ingenious literary and historical fiction and in particular what informed this notable novel.
Tonya Mitchell’s background is journalism and that’s how I imagine the subject of a daring, intrepid female reporter of yesteryear caught her attention. The bibliography consists of twelve scholarly books that I’m certain were invaluable resources for the veracity of the world of journalism and descriptive life in the cities found within these pages. The way in which Mitchell portrays Pittsburgh, New York City, Mexico City, in the late 1800s, made these cities come alive to the point of almost becoming secondary characters in the novel.
The invention of the “flower cards” and forbidden love is wrought excruciatingly well, enhancing the story beyond mere reportage of the life and times of Nellie Bly.
I literally could not put this book down due to the intricacies of a well-drawn plot, the expedient scenes, wrought of dialogue that advanced the story, action, the characters’ emotions, and the five senses. The universal themes and the settings enhanced the expert handling of an enormously demanding subject. But the spirit of this story lies in the author’s ingenious use of tension, risks, and complications for the main character.
I applaud and laud this incredible work of historical fiction that entertains and instructs the reader. Kudos! My sincerest wish is that the author is hard at work on another classical piece that I will purchase in a heartbeat.
Tonya Mitchell’s background is journalism and that’s how I imagine the subject of a daring, intrepid female reporter of yesteryear caught her attention. The bibliography consists of twelve scholarly books that I’m certain were invaluable resources for the veracity of the world of journalism and descriptive life in the cities found within these pages. The way in which Mitchell portrays Pittsburgh, New York City, Mexico City, in the late 1800s, made these cities come alive to the point of almost becoming secondary characters in the novel.
The invention of the “flower cards” and forbidden love is wrought excruciatingly well, enhancing the story beyond mere reportage of the life and times of Nellie Bly.
I literally could not put this book down due to the intricacies of a well-drawn plot, the expedient scenes, wrought of dialogue that advanced the story, action, the characters’ emotions, and the five senses. The universal themes and the settings enhanced the expert handling of an enormously demanding subject. But the spirit of this story lies in the author’s ingenious use of tension, risks, and complications for the main character.
I applaud and laud this incredible work of historical fiction that entertains and instructs the reader. Kudos! My sincerest wish is that the author is hard at work on another classical piece that I will purchase in a heartbeat.
May 9, 2022
A Feigned Madness by Tonya Mitchell is a historical fiction novel that follows journalist Elizabeth Cochrane, known by her pen name Nellie Bly, as she infiltrates an insane asylum for women on Blackwell's Island in New York in 1887. She spends ten days discovering the horrors of the island in order to report her findings for the New York World newspaper.
Elizabeth Cochrane is known as a pioneer of investigative journalism and for breaking into a field dominated by men; I was so interested to read more about her, and Mitchell delivered this very well-done novel. What a fascinating story! I loved Elizabeth and George McCain. I enjoyed how the novel was split between 1885, when Elizabeth lived in Pittsburgh and worked for the Dispatch, and 1887 when the scheme to infiltrate the island occurred. This novel and its characters were well-rounded. I especially enjoyed the "language of flowers" and the real quotes from Nellie Bly included at the beginning of each chapter. As this is Mitchell's first novel I'll be excited to read more of hers in the future.
Elizabeth Cochrane is known as a pioneer of investigative journalism and for breaking into a field dominated by men; I was so interested to read more about her, and Mitchell delivered this very well-done novel. What a fascinating story! I loved Elizabeth and George McCain. I enjoyed how the novel was split between 1885, when Elizabeth lived in Pittsburgh and worked for the Dispatch, and 1887 when the scheme to infiltrate the island occurred. This novel and its characters were well-rounded. I especially enjoyed the "language of flowers" and the real quotes from Nellie Bly included at the beginning of each chapter. As this is Mitchell's first novel I'll be excited to read more of hers in the future.
October 20, 2020
This book was excellent! Definitely was a great Halloween read. Sad that this is the reality of insane asylums at the time but important to write about as well.
January 10, 2021
A Feigned Madness, journalist Tonya Mitchell’s debut historical fiction novel, reveals Elizabeth Cochrane, the real identity behind an up-and-coming reporter, who goes by Nellie Bly, at the turn of the 19th century. Relegated to covering boring cultural events, even after she proves her mettle as a more serious investigator at a Pittsburgh newspaper, Elizabeth Cochrane moves to New York to try to sell stories to The World. The World accepts her proposal to write about the infamous Blackwell’s insane asylum - from the inside. Now, she has to figure out how to fake her way in. Once she does, she fears for the poor women who, unlike her, can’t escape Blackwell’s cruel treatment. She uses her write up (as Nellie Bly) not only to impress The World but also to mete out justice upon Blackwell’s administrators.
A budding romance running alongside the main plot enhances the portrayal of Cochrane’s deep capacity for love as well as her struggle to speak her mind. Cochrane and George McCain communicate covertly, through poetic flower language, adding to the intrigue of Cochrane’s lofty schemes. She is shown standing up for the downtrodden in stories about factory working conditions and about the YMCA. George advocates for her work and warns her about the costs involved in going too far. Although she appreciates his care, it only encourages her to take the biggest risk of all: Blackwell’s. The novel’s driving flow pulls readers in immediately and continuously to Cochrane’s determined goals. Despite McCain’s wooing and her smitten heart, she never loses sight of her aims to keep writing for the benefit of all women.
Tonya Mitchell’s story of Nellie Bly breaking into the masculine world of journalism is every bit as thrilling as the exposé that cinches her fame.
A budding romance running alongside the main plot enhances the portrayal of Cochrane’s deep capacity for love as well as her struggle to speak her mind. Cochrane and George McCain communicate covertly, through poetic flower language, adding to the intrigue of Cochrane’s lofty schemes. She is shown standing up for the downtrodden in stories about factory working conditions and about the YMCA. George advocates for her work and warns her about the costs involved in going too far. Although she appreciates his care, it only encourages her to take the biggest risk of all: Blackwell’s. The novel’s driving flow pulls readers in immediately and continuously to Cochrane’s determined goals. Despite McCain’s wooing and her smitten heart, she never loses sight of her aims to keep writing for the benefit of all women.
Tonya Mitchell’s story of Nellie Bly breaking into the masculine world of journalism is every bit as thrilling as the exposé that cinches her fame.
December 11, 2020
What a pleasure it was to read A Feigned Madness by Tonya Mitchell! Mitchell's writing drew me in from the start. Her attention to detail and the narrative itself transported me to a 1800s New York City and Blackwell Island. Her portrayal of journalist Nelly Bly was realistic and informative, and I found myself lost in the story, quickly turning the pages, not wanting the account to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates words that paint a picture, not just tell a story. You don't need to be a fan of Victorian literature to enjoy A Feigned Madness. Bravo, Tonya! I'll be on the lookout for more from this debut author! Definitely recommend!
Melissa W. Hunter
author of What She Lost
https://www.goodreads.com/authormelis...
Melissa W. Hunter
author of What She Lost
https://www.goodreads.com/authormelis...
February 22, 2021
I loved this book and would give it 10 stars if I could! I have been a fan of Nellie Bly since the third grade when I read a biography about her and wished that I could have known her. The way Mitchell has breathed life into my childhood hero makes me feel that I got my wish!
The book is so well researched. The vivid descriptions of the city, institutions, streets, clothing, easily transported me to that time and place. The dialog feels fresh and authentic (introducing several words from a bygone era or revealing the influence of an immigrant’s birth country).
The stories of the other inmates, portraying unimaginable conditions in the asylum and the injustices in how they got there, were deftly woven Into the novel, and had me running the gamut of emotion from sadness to outrage.
I didn’t want to put the book down or finish reading it, and am eagerly awaiting the author’s next novel.
The book is so well researched. The vivid descriptions of the city, institutions, streets, clothing, easily transported me to that time and place. The dialog feels fresh and authentic (introducing several words from a bygone era or revealing the influence of an immigrant’s birth country).
The stories of the other inmates, portraying unimaginable conditions in the asylum and the injustices in how they got there, were deftly woven Into the novel, and had me running the gamut of emotion from sadness to outrage.
I didn’t want to put the book down or finish reading it, and am eagerly awaiting the author’s next novel.
September 3, 2020
In 1887, 23-year old journalist Elizabeth Cochrane, under the assumed name Nellie Bly, feigned mental illness in order to report undercover from a women’s insane asylum for the New York World newspaper.
Once committed to the asylum on Blackwell’s Island, Nellie is stunned by the daily depredations the women must endure at the hands of cruel staff and from the inhumane conditions forced upon them. Nellie’s ten-day stay becomes a horrifying ordeal of abuse and survival, with riveting details throughout.
Initially Nellie hopes her time at the asylum and resulting story will earn her a full-time position at the newspaper, away from the fashion pages and embarrassing ladies’ miscellany, no small feat for a serious woman journalist in nineteenth century America. Yet during her stay, she realizes she cannot turn her back on the plight of the women who suffer there, and struggles to intervene without blowing her cover.
From the back cover:
“The insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island is a human rat trap.
It is easy to get in, but once there it is impossible to get out.”
- Nellie Bly
A Feigned Madness is simply great historical fiction. In her debut novel Tonya Mitchell has peeled back time to dive into the gritty underworld of mental illness as experienced by a real flesh-and-blood woman who willingly walked into the black torment of an asylum to experience it firsthand. From today’s vantage point it is entirely too easy to forget that this is part of our nation’s history, and the asylum on Blackwell’s Island, now Roosevelt Island, is not fictitious. Once released, Nellie Bly’s (Elizabeth Cochrane) coverage of the asylum shocked the nation and led to institutional reform. She eventually published her story in a small book called Ten Days in a Mad-House.
I am grateful to have had an opportunity to read an ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of A Feigned Madness. It was my first exposure to Nellie Bly, and I always know a novel has grabbed me when I go searching for the real story behind the novel. I was fascinated by what I learned of the asylum and how it fell into disrepair in the mid-twentieth century. Kudos to Mitchell for creating a masterful tale of eerie suspense and tangible despair.
A Feigned Madness is available on October 6th from Amazon and other sellers. If you love historical fiction, don’t miss this one. Recommend.
Once committed to the asylum on Blackwell’s Island, Nellie is stunned by the daily depredations the women must endure at the hands of cruel staff and from the inhumane conditions forced upon them. Nellie’s ten-day stay becomes a horrifying ordeal of abuse and survival, with riveting details throughout.
Initially Nellie hopes her time at the asylum and resulting story will earn her a full-time position at the newspaper, away from the fashion pages and embarrassing ladies’ miscellany, no small feat for a serious woman journalist in nineteenth century America. Yet during her stay, she realizes she cannot turn her back on the plight of the women who suffer there, and struggles to intervene without blowing her cover.
From the back cover:
“The insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island is a human rat trap.
It is easy to get in, but once there it is impossible to get out.”
- Nellie Bly
A Feigned Madness is simply great historical fiction. In her debut novel Tonya Mitchell has peeled back time to dive into the gritty underworld of mental illness as experienced by a real flesh-and-blood woman who willingly walked into the black torment of an asylum to experience it firsthand. From today’s vantage point it is entirely too easy to forget that this is part of our nation’s history, and the asylum on Blackwell’s Island, now Roosevelt Island, is not fictitious. Once released, Nellie Bly’s (Elizabeth Cochrane) coverage of the asylum shocked the nation and led to institutional reform. She eventually published her story in a small book called Ten Days in a Mad-House.
I am grateful to have had an opportunity to read an ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of A Feigned Madness. It was my first exposure to Nellie Bly, and I always know a novel has grabbed me when I go searching for the real story behind the novel. I was fascinated by what I learned of the asylum and how it fell into disrepair in the mid-twentieth century. Kudos to Mitchell for creating a masterful tale of eerie suspense and tangible despair.
A Feigned Madness is available on October 6th from Amazon and other sellers. If you love historical fiction, don’t miss this one. Recommend.
November 8, 2020
A Feigned Madness by Tonya Mitchell is a well-written novel. It explores that of a madhouse for women. The mistreatment of the people within its walls were heartbreaking. The characters in this book popped off the pages. I was deeply engaged. The was enough action, mystery, and intrigue to keep my full-attention throughout this book. Strong female characters are found in this tale. I have never read a book by this writer until now. I am amazed. The level of writing and characterization was well-done. I recommend this novel to all mystery, suspense, and historical fiction fans.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
May 31, 2021
This book was so good! Elizabeth Cochran, aka Nellie Bly, gets herself thrown into Blackwell Island, an insane asylum in 1887, all for getting the story that would make her famous. I knew about Bly’s commuting but this story was told in an engaging and captivating way. Nellie Bly, in order to get a job at The World, agrees to be committed to Blackwell Island for 10 days. As she lives through those ten days, she commits to memory everything that goes on and writes a two piece article about the horrors she witnessed. Along with that, she goes to the police to report a death on the island that no one knew about. This book kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. If you’re interested in anything about Nellie Bly, add this book to your list to read!
November 23, 2020
What a great story!!!
July 24, 2025
Well paced, suspenseful, addictive work of historical fiction. As a young aspiring writer, I found Nellie Bly fascinating when I discovered her story during my junior high years. This compelling novel does her justice.
September 26, 2020
In the late 1880’s, determined Elizabeth Cochrane fights for a job with a top newspaper, the New York World, but little does she know the depths she will end up plunging into.
Her unusual friendship with another reporter, George McCain, drifts into mysterious territory, and Elizabeth senses herself submitting to his handsome face and romantic charms. McCain speaks his regard for Elizabeth through “the language of flowers”. However, an impediment discloses itself between their budding feelings for one another.
Writing under the assumed name of Nellie Bly and as a ploy to gain readers for the World with a sensational article, Elizabeth decides to take a brave step and dive into the realm of the insane, feigning madness to gain entry to the infamous asylum on Blackwell Island in New York. Her objective: to reveal the inner works of the asylum and uncover the truth of those labeled as insane, the cast-aways of society.
Appalled at the harsh conditions, unhealthy and unsanitary environment, and treatment of the women at the asylum, Elizabeth takes note. Eventually, she can’t stand by while the women she’s come to know and befriend are treated with such brutality.
But will Elizabeth survive the consequences of her actions and endure “The Lodge”, as the nursing staff call a special region of the asylum for those whom they deem as buckers of the highly regulated regiments and rules of the dictatorship-like governing of the institution? Can she survive “the chair”, the ultimate punishment? If she does, will it land her the hard-won journalism job she’s gambled her life on?
In the end will George and Elizabeth move past societal conventions to claim what their hearts tell them? Find out in this well-written, highly engaging historical fiction drama, based upon the lives of real people.
This novel has everything I enjoy in my favorite genre. I had a hard time putting it down, and If you’re a lover of suspenseful historical fiction, I guarantee that you won’t be able to either!
I give A Feigned Madness 5/5 stars.
Note: the novel does contain some graphic scenes of physical abuse for those readers who are sensitive to that.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary advanced copy.
Her unusual friendship with another reporter, George McCain, drifts into mysterious territory, and Elizabeth senses herself submitting to his handsome face and romantic charms. McCain speaks his regard for Elizabeth through “the language of flowers”. However, an impediment discloses itself between their budding feelings for one another.
Writing under the assumed name of Nellie Bly and as a ploy to gain readers for the World with a sensational article, Elizabeth decides to take a brave step and dive into the realm of the insane, feigning madness to gain entry to the infamous asylum on Blackwell Island in New York. Her objective: to reveal the inner works of the asylum and uncover the truth of those labeled as insane, the cast-aways of society.
Appalled at the harsh conditions, unhealthy and unsanitary environment, and treatment of the women at the asylum, Elizabeth takes note. Eventually, she can’t stand by while the women she’s come to know and befriend are treated with such brutality.
But will Elizabeth survive the consequences of her actions and endure “The Lodge”, as the nursing staff call a special region of the asylum for those whom they deem as buckers of the highly regulated regiments and rules of the dictatorship-like governing of the institution? Can she survive “the chair”, the ultimate punishment? If she does, will it land her the hard-won journalism job she’s gambled her life on?
In the end will George and Elizabeth move past societal conventions to claim what their hearts tell them? Find out in this well-written, highly engaging historical fiction drama, based upon the lives of real people.
This novel has everything I enjoy in my favorite genre. I had a hard time putting it down, and If you’re a lover of suspenseful historical fiction, I guarantee that you won’t be able to either!
I give A Feigned Madness 5/5 stars.
Note: the novel does contain some graphic scenes of physical abuse for those readers who are sensitive to that.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary advanced copy.
March 26, 2021
A Feigned Madness by Tonya Mitchell
🌟🌟🌟
If I were the sort of reader who just tosses books aside and DNF really easily this one would have been gone ages ago. But I do not do that. I finish what I start and this one was rough to stay the least.
That being said IF YOU like historical stories about women breaking the mould and being amazing AND you can stomach very detailed descriptions of torture and beatings, have at it, BUT if not leave this one alone.
Triggers: severe abuse, assault (including beating a pregnant woman and descriptions of how to handle women in a family way) and cheating men
We’ll start with the positives. The writing was very good and I honestly believe that this book is a real representation of what life in an asylum was like in the 1880’s. So the research is impeccable, and I actually believe it all.
What I didn’t like was the character. She’s a tough women, but too much emphasis was put on her relationship with a guy who I figured out after 1-2 encounters was a dog and told my buddy reader and sure enough we find out he’s married. If the book had not had him or the entire flash back to Pittsburg I would have been much happier. Her constant need for reassurance and love from a man she knows she can’t have undermines her credibility as a feminist trying to gain ground as for women as journalists. Frankly this while part turned her into a simpering little girl and was pathetic.
Also the extreme depictions of violence and torture the patients went through was too much for me. While I’m sure it’s accurate, it made my stomach turn and made it really hard to read let alone like the book.
🌟🌟🌟
If I were the sort of reader who just tosses books aside and DNF really easily this one would have been gone ages ago. But I do not do that. I finish what I start and this one was rough to stay the least.
That being said IF YOU like historical stories about women breaking the mould and being amazing AND you can stomach very detailed descriptions of torture and beatings, have at it, BUT if not leave this one alone.
Triggers: severe abuse, assault (including beating a pregnant woman and descriptions of how to handle women in a family way) and cheating men
We’ll start with the positives. The writing was very good and I honestly believe that this book is a real representation of what life in an asylum was like in the 1880’s. So the research is impeccable, and I actually believe it all.
What I didn’t like was the character. She’s a tough women, but too much emphasis was put on her relationship with a guy who I figured out after 1-2 encounters was a dog and told my buddy reader and sure enough we find out he’s married. If the book had not had him or the entire flash back to Pittsburg I would have been much happier. Her constant need for reassurance and love from a man she knows she can’t have undermines her credibility as a feminist trying to gain ground as for women as journalists. Frankly this while part turned her into a simpering little girl and was pathetic.
Also the extreme depictions of violence and torture the patients went through was too much for me. While I’m sure it’s accurate, it made my stomach turn and made it really hard to read let alone like the book.
August 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I did find it slow going at first, but once Elizabeth (Nellie Bly) puts her plan into action, it really took off and was completely riveting. The author has clearly done impeccable research and filled in the historical gaps in Elizabeth Cochrane's story in believable ways.
This book is not for the squeamish: there is no sugar-coating what the lives of the asylum inmates were like. What you would expect of a 19th-century insane asylum is what you get: torture, physical abuse, and generally deplorable conditions. Mitchell presents these experiences in vivid detail.
An important feminist book about a courageous young woman who exposed the dark secrets of 19th-century insane asylums.
This book is not for the squeamish: there is no sugar-coating what the lives of the asylum inmates were like. What you would expect of a 19th-century insane asylum is what you get: torture, physical abuse, and generally deplorable conditions. Mitchell presents these experiences in vivid detail.
An important feminist book about a courageous young woman who exposed the dark secrets of 19th-century insane asylums.
December 1, 2020
A must read!!
It is a wonderful historical fiction but you do not need to be a fan to get wrapped up in this compelling story--what a a fascinating woman that I need now to learn more about!!
It is a wonderful historical fiction but you do not need to be a fan to get wrapped up in this compelling story--what a a fascinating woman that I need now to learn more about!!
November 25, 2020
A Feigned Madness is a fictionalised account based on the true story of Nellie Bly (the pseudonym used by Elizabeth Cochrane), a woman journalist in the 1880s who goes undercover in a mental asylum for the chance to gain an employment contract with the biggest newspaper in New York, the World – but she uncovers more than she is comfortable with and, in the end, faces a tough decision.
At the beginning of A Feigned Madness, we meet Elizabeth as a young woman, her head full of dreams of being a professional journalist. But she is on her last few cents, and, having to maintain lodgings for herself and her mother, she is desperate. She is offered a chance of employment, but only if she successfully goes undercover on Blackwell's Island, a mental institution for women, and if her subsequent story proves popular.
In flashbacks, we read about Elizabeth's rise as a local reporter in Pittsburgh. These chapters don't distract from the main plot at all, but rather show us how she got to where she is. Not for Nellie Bly to report on flower shows or fashion, womanly topics that bore her to death! No, she moved to New York to pursue her journalism career in a different way.
She arrives at Blackwell's Island – via a one-night's stay at a boardinghouse for women during which she began her successful ruse by feigning insanity to the extent that the resident women become scared of her – after doctors have attested to it. It was surprisingly easy – scarily so.
Once inside, Elizabeth realises quickly that patients are not treated well. On the contrary, the daily abuse by nurses, covered up by the Superintendent in charge, is widespread. The food consists of stale bread, murky cold tea and other items one could barely call nutritious. Portions were tiny. That soon explained why so many women looked thin, emaciated even.
Speaking to the women, Elizabeth soon discovers how easy it is to become locked up. Not everyone at Blackwell's was insane. On the contrary, many women were brought in because husbands or other relatives wanted rid of them. And no one believed them.
Tonya Mitchell describes the harrowing conditions in great detail, to the point that, as a reader, you could smell the stench, you could feel the women's humiliation at being 'bathed’ (or dunked, rather) in cold water in front of everyone else. At sleeping naked in their dormitories, in late September, without heating and only a thin blanket for cover that did not even cover your whole body.
The mental abuse is the most harrowing, and the author tells this in tragic detail. Whilst the violence and abuse shown in the novel is not gratuitous at all, the novel reveals clearly the cruel side of the staff, in particular the nurses. I found myself worrying about these poor women, and had to wipe away a stray tear at times. Reading this fictionalised account makes you realise how vulnerable we can be when locked up, with no one to help you. And whilst conditions have no doubt improved, it does make you wonder what goes on behind closed gates.
A Feigned Madness is a tough account of Elizabeth's stay at Blackwell's Island. It shows her own development over the duration of her stay, having been treated like all other patients, including the physical abuse, forced administration of drugs, and humiliation. With the little food they got, and noise and disruptions throughout the night, it was no surprise that patients felt weak and became passive. But through all this, Elizabeth's fighting spirit emerged, and she often defended weaker women to her own detriment.
After the agreed ten days, the New York World got her out. And it was the publication of her account that highlighted the atrocious conditions the women in the overcrowded institution endured, the blind eye turned by management, and the lack of funding and oversight by local authorities.
Tonya Mitchell portrays Elizabeth as curious, daring and outspoken. Her views contradicted the norm at the time, and her character comes across as brave, spirited, and with a social conscience that was rare in those days. We accompany her throughout her stay, we feel the humiliation, the sadness, the frustration that she couldn't risk revealing herself to help fellow patients, and we sensed the dangers she faced whenever she did speak up.
A Feigned Madness is a story that stays in your mind. You can't help but compare her discovery to our present world, and the many injustices that still go on around us. Elizabeth is a forceful, determined character, but she is portrayed with a modern and social outlook that many of us can identify with.
A highly recommended read that I will revisit again.
Note: I received a free ebook copy through the Coffee Pot Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning of A Feigned Madness, we meet Elizabeth as a young woman, her head full of dreams of being a professional journalist. But she is on her last few cents, and, having to maintain lodgings for herself and her mother, she is desperate. She is offered a chance of employment, but only if she successfully goes undercover on Blackwell's Island, a mental institution for women, and if her subsequent story proves popular.
In flashbacks, we read about Elizabeth's rise as a local reporter in Pittsburgh. These chapters don't distract from the main plot at all, but rather show us how she got to where she is. Not for Nellie Bly to report on flower shows or fashion, womanly topics that bore her to death! No, she moved to New York to pursue her journalism career in a different way.
She arrives at Blackwell's Island – via a one-night's stay at a boardinghouse for women during which she began her successful ruse by feigning insanity to the extent that the resident women become scared of her – after doctors have attested to it. It was surprisingly easy – scarily so.
Once inside, Elizabeth realises quickly that patients are not treated well. On the contrary, the daily abuse by nurses, covered up by the Superintendent in charge, is widespread. The food consists of stale bread, murky cold tea and other items one could barely call nutritious. Portions were tiny. That soon explained why so many women looked thin, emaciated even.
Speaking to the women, Elizabeth soon discovers how easy it is to become locked up. Not everyone at Blackwell's was insane. On the contrary, many women were brought in because husbands or other relatives wanted rid of them. And no one believed them.
Tonya Mitchell describes the harrowing conditions in great detail, to the point that, as a reader, you could smell the stench, you could feel the women's humiliation at being 'bathed’ (or dunked, rather) in cold water in front of everyone else. At sleeping naked in their dormitories, in late September, without heating and only a thin blanket for cover that did not even cover your whole body.
The mental abuse is the most harrowing, and the author tells this in tragic detail. Whilst the violence and abuse shown in the novel is not gratuitous at all, the novel reveals clearly the cruel side of the staff, in particular the nurses. I found myself worrying about these poor women, and had to wipe away a stray tear at times. Reading this fictionalised account makes you realise how vulnerable we can be when locked up, with no one to help you. And whilst conditions have no doubt improved, it does make you wonder what goes on behind closed gates.
A Feigned Madness is a tough account of Elizabeth's stay at Blackwell's Island. It shows her own development over the duration of her stay, having been treated like all other patients, including the physical abuse, forced administration of drugs, and humiliation. With the little food they got, and noise and disruptions throughout the night, it was no surprise that patients felt weak and became passive. But through all this, Elizabeth's fighting spirit emerged, and she often defended weaker women to her own detriment.
After the agreed ten days, the New York World got her out. And it was the publication of her account that highlighted the atrocious conditions the women in the overcrowded institution endured, the blind eye turned by management, and the lack of funding and oversight by local authorities.
Tonya Mitchell portrays Elizabeth as curious, daring and outspoken. Her views contradicted the norm at the time, and her character comes across as brave, spirited, and with a social conscience that was rare in those days. We accompany her throughout her stay, we feel the humiliation, the sadness, the frustration that she couldn't risk revealing herself to help fellow patients, and we sensed the dangers she faced whenever she did speak up.
A Feigned Madness is a story that stays in your mind. You can't help but compare her discovery to our present world, and the many injustices that still go on around us. Elizabeth is a forceful, determined character, but she is portrayed with a modern and social outlook that many of us can identify with.
A highly recommended read that I will revisit again.
Note: I received a free ebook copy through the Coffee Pot Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
Nellie Bly, a.k.a Elizabeth Cochrane, has been vibrantly resurrected in Tonya Mitchell’s “A Feigned Madness.” The book is a fictional retelling of Elizabeth’s endeavor of going undercover as an inmate in order to gain access to the infamous and most-feared Blackwell’s Island asylum. In order to secure a position at New York’s most revered newspaper, the New York World, she is tasked with spending ten days in the asylum. Inside, Elizabeth, parading as Nellie Brown, an amnesiac, witnesses unspeakable horrors and abuse at the hands of the nurses and doctors. What at first was just another assignment becomes a daring crusade to save over 1,500 souls from becoming yet more victims of Blackwell’s dark depths. With help from both the outside, and with the faith of several of her fellow inmates and newfound friends, Elizabeth would prove that not only are women just as suitable for a journalism career as men, but that courage, honor and dreams have the power to change not only one life, but the lives of many, for the better.
“A Feigned Madness” hooked me right from the start. Mitchell captured the voice of Elizabeth Cochrane so tangibly, it felt like I was actually reading Nellie Bly’s own reports. I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Nellie Bly and Blackwell’s Island, and the book delivered more than I ever thought possible. Though categorized as biographical fiction, it is evident that the author spent a lot of time and effort endlessly researching her subject matter, so that the account that emerged was ring as true as possible. I think that this results in a poetic homage to Elizabeth Cochrane herself, as the author took it upon herself to learn as much as possible about her protagonist and immerse herself in Elizabeth’s world. Even the supporting characters, such as George McCain, Colonel Cockerill, and Erasmus Wilson have very obviously been meticulously researched. Not a stone seems to have been left unturned in the author’s efforts to deliver this story.
“A Feigned Madness” comes on the scene in the midst of a United States population that is continually re-evaluating and fighting for women’s rights and equality. While much progress has been made since the late 19th century, there is still a lot of discrimination and implicit bias against what was once deemed the ‘fairer sex.’ Some of this is blatant, and some is unintentional. Regardless, reminding us of the feats of past historical actors such as Elizabeth Cochrane and the famed Nellie Bly helps reinforce the solid truth which is that all people, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or socioeconomic background, are capable of exhibiting profound strength and courage. It is that strength and courage that will continue to change society for the better, and keep hope alive for future generations that more equal opportunities will become available for more and more people around the world.
“A Feigned Madness” is recommended to any readers with an interest in women’s rights, historical and biographical fiction and history. I would not recommend it for readers younger than 16 or 17, as there are some graphic scenes and details that might be frightening. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book and plan on shouting from the rooftops for friends and family to give it a go, it is not a light read. The heavy weight of the subject matter really presses down on you as you keep going further into the book, which I think only adds to the authenticity of the story, however, this can understandably be hard for some readers to wade through emotionally.
The bottom line is that “A Feigned Madness” is an astounding, invigorating historical tale that will surely leave the reader breathless once the final page is turned.
“A Feigned Madness” hooked me right from the start. Mitchell captured the voice of Elizabeth Cochrane so tangibly, it felt like I was actually reading Nellie Bly’s own reports. I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Nellie Bly and Blackwell’s Island, and the book delivered more than I ever thought possible. Though categorized as biographical fiction, it is evident that the author spent a lot of time and effort endlessly researching her subject matter, so that the account that emerged was ring as true as possible. I think that this results in a poetic homage to Elizabeth Cochrane herself, as the author took it upon herself to learn as much as possible about her protagonist and immerse herself in Elizabeth’s world. Even the supporting characters, such as George McCain, Colonel Cockerill, and Erasmus Wilson have very obviously been meticulously researched. Not a stone seems to have been left unturned in the author’s efforts to deliver this story.
“A Feigned Madness” comes on the scene in the midst of a United States population that is continually re-evaluating and fighting for women’s rights and equality. While much progress has been made since the late 19th century, there is still a lot of discrimination and implicit bias against what was once deemed the ‘fairer sex.’ Some of this is blatant, and some is unintentional. Regardless, reminding us of the feats of past historical actors such as Elizabeth Cochrane and the famed Nellie Bly helps reinforce the solid truth which is that all people, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or socioeconomic background, are capable of exhibiting profound strength and courage. It is that strength and courage that will continue to change society for the better, and keep hope alive for future generations that more equal opportunities will become available for more and more people around the world.
“A Feigned Madness” is recommended to any readers with an interest in women’s rights, historical and biographical fiction and history. I would not recommend it for readers younger than 16 or 17, as there are some graphic scenes and details that might be frightening. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book and plan on shouting from the rooftops for friends and family to give it a go, it is not a light read. The heavy weight of the subject matter really presses down on you as you keep going further into the book, which I think only adds to the authenticity of the story, however, this can understandably be hard for some readers to wade through emotionally.
The bottom line is that “A Feigned Madness” is an astounding, invigorating historical tale that will surely leave the reader breathless once the final page is turned.
February 18, 2021
I grew up in Nellie Bly's hometown of Apollo, PA, so I knew of her journalistic success and her infamous ten-day stay at Blackwell's Island, but I had no idea how traumatic her experience at the insane asylum was until I picked up this riveting novel. The descriptions of the deplorable conditions inside the asylum are horrifying, but even more disturbing is the inhumane treatment patients suffered at the hands of the cruel nurses, doctors, and superintendent.
Mitchell's fictional account of Nellie's ordeal is suspenseful, moving, and thoroughly researched. The therapies and medications used on Nellie and her fellow patients are laughable, if not unconscionable—reminders that mental illness was very poorly understood in the late 19th century. The ideas that freezing cold baths "restore the humors to the body and equilibrium to the mind" and that purgatives "cleanse the body" and have "a positive effect on the insane" are absurd. But even if contemporary mental health professionals could excuse their predecessors at Blackwell's Island for their ignorance and lack of scientific research, the ridicule, beatings, isolation, and use of the "rotating chair" are simply barbaric.
Nellie Bly is a hero for exposing Blackwell's Island as a torturous prison for both the insane and for women whose existence became inconvenient for their husbands, families, or employers. It is heartbreaking that so many young girls and women were left to languish for years with no hope of release. Mitchell's novel is consequential in that it sheds light on the horrors the mentally ill once endured and shows the barriers women once faced in journalism and society at large.
Mitchell's fictional account of Nellie's ordeal is suspenseful, moving, and thoroughly researched. The therapies and medications used on Nellie and her fellow patients are laughable, if not unconscionable—reminders that mental illness was very poorly understood in the late 19th century. The ideas that freezing cold baths "restore the humors to the body and equilibrium to the mind" and that purgatives "cleanse the body" and have "a positive effect on the insane" are absurd. But even if contemporary mental health professionals could excuse their predecessors at Blackwell's Island for their ignorance and lack of scientific research, the ridicule, beatings, isolation, and use of the "rotating chair" are simply barbaric.
Nellie Bly is a hero for exposing Blackwell's Island as a torturous prison for both the insane and for women whose existence became inconvenient for their husbands, families, or employers. It is heartbreaking that so many young girls and women were left to languish for years with no hope of release. Mitchell's novel is consequential in that it sheds light on the horrors the mentally ill once endured and shows the barriers women once faced in journalism and society at large.
October 12, 2020
Having read a lot of research about British asylums for a book I wrote some years ago I was fascinated to read about the abuses that occurred within American institutions told in the fictional narrative of Nellie Bly, a real undercover investigative journalist, a female no less, using a pseudonym, during the Victorian era. When women struggled to do get a job doing anything except nursing or teaching . 'Nellie' is a strong female character who chooses bringing injustices to light over wifedom, motherhood or homemaking. At least initially.
The way Mitchell has researched this story, plotted it, written it, and developed the psychology of her characters is exemplary. It's an informative and entertaining read hence why I've labelled it a piece of historical literary fiction.
I look forward to seeing what Mitchell comes up with next because this is a fantastic novel.
The way Mitchell has researched this story, plotted it, written it, and developed the psychology of her characters is exemplary. It's an informative and entertaining read hence why I've labelled it a piece of historical literary fiction.
I look forward to seeing what Mitchell comes up with next because this is a fantastic novel.
February 16, 2024
Wow. After reading this, I am ever thankful to be born in this time and place. And, I am grateful for all of the brave women who have come before me to champion women’s rights.
I’m also grateful that the understanding of mental illness has come a L O N G way since the 1800’s “lunatic asylums” described in the book. I’m interested to now read the book by Nellie Bly - this story in her own words.
This book is excellent and fascinating. Highly recommend!
I’m also grateful that the understanding of mental illness has come a L O N G way since the 1800’s “lunatic asylums” described in the book. I’m interested to now read the book by Nellie Bly - this story in her own words.
This book is excellent and fascinating. Highly recommend!
August 25, 2025
Excellent book that is yet another reminder of the importance of learning history. At times hard to read, this book shines a light on the challenges and discrimination faced by women in the 19th century who not only had mental illness, but who also had the misfortune of being born poor and female. So many lessons learned, and yet we still do not adequately support the disadvantaged members of our communities
December 12, 2020
Good transition between setting up the characters in 1885 and the heart of the story in 1987. I’m usually not into historical fiction/biography but I enjoyed this read (and felt smarter for having read it and learned about Blackwell Island).
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