Madwoman

Based on a true story, a spellbinding historical novel about the world's first female investigative journalist, Nellie Bly.

1887. Investigative reporter Nellie Bly has faced poverty, a lack of education, and sexism as she worked to become a journalist. Even after years of hard work, the men in charge of the paper refuse to assign her anything but gossip columns and theater reviews. But Bly doesn’t want to capture the he-said, she-said of society news—she’s determined to find the story that will finally make everyone see her for the brilliant reporter she is.

When Bly hears a rumor about patients at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s[RM1] Island facing abusive treatment, she decides to feign madness and become institutionalized for ten days. She will go where no sane woman has voluntarily gone before, and she will come back with a story like no other.

Deeply evocative and richly researched, Madwoman tells the true story of a strong and compelling historical figure and the institutions—from America’s newsrooms to its mental hospitals—she fought to make better for women everywhere. [RM1]Blackwell’s Island is the full correct name (I’m not correcting possessive apostrophe use).

About the Author

Louisa Treger has a PhD in English from University College London, focusing on early-twentieth-century women’s writing. She is the author of The Dragon Lady and lives in London.