The Mad Women's Ball

A darkly sumptuous tale of wicked spectacle, wild injustice and the insuppressible strength of womenEMMA STONEX, author of THE LAMPLIGHTERS

An essential story of women resisting the unjust exertion of male power SUNDAY TIMES

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The Salpêtrière asylum, 1885. All of Paris is in thrall to Doctor Charcot and his displays of hypnotism on women who have been judged mad or hysterical. But the truth is much more complicated - for these women are often simply inconvenient, unwanted wives or strong-willed daughters. Once a year a grand ball is held at the hospital. For the Parisian elite, the Mad Womens Ball is the highlight of the season; for the women themselves, it is a rare moment of hope.

Geneviève is a senior nurse. After the death of her sister, she has shunned religion and placed her faith in science. But everything begins to change when she meets Eugénie, the 19-year-old daughter of a rich family. Because Eugénie has a secret, and she needs Genevièves help. Their fates will collide on the night of the Mad Womens Ball...

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In this darkly delightful Gothic treasure, Mas explores grief, trauma and sisterhood behind the walls of Paris infamous Salpetriere hospitalPAULA HAWKINS, author of A SLOW FIRE BURNING

A beautifully written debut...I have absolutely no doubt it will be one of my favourite novels of 2021.AJ PEARCE, author of DEAR MRS BIRD

Essential readingCOSMOPOLITAN

A deftly woven tale of hope and pain, judgement and redemption, cruelty and kindness. Utterly captivating and profoundly affecting.Sunday Times bestseller, MIRANDA DICKENSON

Enter the dance of this little masterpiece and let yourself be dazzled. Assured of hitting the bestseller listsTHE PARISIAN

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AN AMAZON PRIME ORIGINAL FILM STARRING MÉLANIE LAURENT