46 pages • 1 hour read
Ten Days In A Mad-House
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Book Brief
84
Book • Nonfiction
Blackwell's Island • 1880s
1887
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Ten Days In A Mad-House is a groundbreaking work by journalist Nellie Bly. It chronicles her undercover investigation at the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island in 1887. Bly feigned mental illness to expose the appalling conditions, mistreatment, and neglect faced by the individuals there, resulting in significant social reforms and awareness.
Mysterious
Challenging
Informative
Unnerving
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Nellie Bly's Ten Days In A Mad-House is praised for its groundbreaking investigative journalism and vivid depiction of 19th-century asylum conditions, highlighting societal reforms. Critics commend its courage and impact, though some note its lack of depth and modern context. Overall, it's a compelling and important historical document, albeit somewhat one-dimensional.
Who Should Read Ten Days In A Mad-House?
A reader interested in Ten Days In A Mad-House by Nellie Bly might enjoy investigative journalism and historical accounts of women’s rights. Comparable to those who appreciate The Jungle by Upton Sinclair or The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, they value social justice and insight into institutional reform.
Mrs. Stanard
Mrs. Stanard
The assistant matron at the Temporary Home for Women, whose suspicions about Bly's behavior led to a recommendation for a psychiatric evaluation, culminating in Bly's admission to Bellevue Hospital.
Mrs. Caine
Mrs. Caine
A compassionate resident at the Temporary Home who provided comfort and support to Bly during her stay.
Judge Duffy
Judge Duffy
A court figure at Essex Market Police Court who tested Bly’s feigned mental distress and whose treatment of her highlighted the patronizing attitudes women often faced in the legal system.
Miss Tillie Mayard
Miss Tillie Mayard
A fellow patient at Blackwell's Island, originally admitted as a convalescent, who suffered from inadequate care and harsh conditions, illustrating the asylum's neglect.
84
Book • Nonfiction
Blackwell's Island • 1880s
1887
Adult
16+ years
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