The Mad Women’s Ball by Victoria Mas

The Mad Women's Ball, set in 1885 Paris, is one of the most hyped French books in recent years. It is a brief piece of feminist historical fiction inspired by the centuries-long abuse of women by the European patriarchy.

The first character is Geneviève, a nurse who works at the Salpêtrière institution in Paris. Geneviève is a firm believer in Dr. Charcot's research, which is advancing psychology and psychotherapy in the hopes of curing the disturbed minds of the women who enter his asylum. Eugénie, the young daughter of a bourgeoise and a traditional Parisian guy, is the second protagonist. Eugénie is a fiery, outspoken feminist who despises marriage and traditional gender norms. She wishes to live her own life according to her own set of rules. Her father does not approve of this, nor does he approve of her ability to see and hear ghosts.

Eugénie is admitted to the Salpêtrière institution by her father and brother after convincing her grandmother that she can see her grandfather's spirit. She demonstrates it as well, but her father doesn't care whether it's real or untrue. In any case, she belongs in a mental institution.

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56969561-the-mad-women-s-ball