Spoilers for “A Madness So Discreet” – Published October 6, 2015, by Katherine Tegan Books
“Madness has many layers in this beautifully written historical fiction novel. The story begins in Boston, where Grace Mae finds herself in an asylum, pregnant and silent. She keeps her thoughts and keen memories locked away, trying to forget what led her there. Observing the cruel staff who treat patients inhumanely, Grace prefers to stay in the asylum, hiding the secret of her pregnancy instead of returning to the outside world.
A dinner with other ‘manageable’ patients becomes too much for Grace, triggering memories of her trauma when the head doctor, Heedson, speaks. She reacts violently, stabbing his hand with a fork. Her punishment is severe mistreatment, which causes her to lose the baby, landing her in solitary confinement in the cellar. In this dark place, she befriends another patient, Falsteed. Meanwhile, Doctor Thornhollow, who is called to perform brain surgeries on difficult patients, arrives at the asylum.
Thornhollow, unlike Heedson, does not abuse his patients. Grace overhears him talking and considers asking for a surgery to erase her traumatic memories. However, after several interactions, Thornhollow sees Grace’s intelligence and convinces her he can help her escape the asylum and Boston without surgery. They trick Heedson into thinking Grace has been left brain-damaged by a botched surgery. Fearing retaliation from Grace’s senator father, Heedson allows her to leave, and Grace and Thornhollow depart Boston together.
Their journey takes them to an asylum in Ohio where patients are treated more humanely. Grace becomes Thornhollow’s assistant, still pretending to be a patient damaged by surgery. She befriends two other girls, Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Nell. Lizzie is in the asylum for talking to an imaginary friend named String, while Nell has syphilis but remains optimistic. Feeling guilty for leaving her sister Alice behind, Grace writes to her as an imaginary friend, hoping to reconnect.
In Ohio, Grace and Thornhollow begin investigating a series of murders targeting women. Grace, deemed insane, gains access to crime scenes others can’t. Thornhollow admires her ability to pick up clues from people’s reactions. Together, they piece together information to try to understand the killer’s motivations.
The victims have a certain pattern: ankles crossed, eyes open, and hands folded. Suspecting a doctor, Grace and Thornhollow visit local doctors to find someone who fits the profile. As they delve deeper into the mystery, the story becomes even more captivating.
Mindy McGinnis’s writing beautifully brings Grace’s world to life without being overly gruesome. The friendships Grace forms with Lizzie and Nell help her come to terms with her past, playing a crucial role in her journey. Grace and Thornhollow treat each other as equals, and their dynamic adds depth to the story. Although there is no explicit romance, their passionate interactions are compelling. The novel’s pacing is a bit slow at times, but it doesn’t detract from the overall story.
The cover of the book is gorgeous and captures the essence of the novel.
Adaptation Recommendation
“A Madness So Discreet” would make an intriguing film, capturing the contrast between Grace’s life in the asylum and her detective work with Thornhollow. The visual elements of light and darkness could be beautifully portrayed. The story shares some similarities with “An American Haunting,” but has a unique feel reminiscent of Jane Campion’s films.
For casting, Rachel Hurd-Wood would be perfect as Grace, bringing a quiet strength to the role. Tom Hiddleston could play Thornhollow, portraying his brilliance and angst. For Lizzie, Greer Grammar would fit well, and Maisie Williams would be excellent as Nell. Michael Shannon would be a great choice for Grace’s father, given his ability to play charismatic yet menacing characters.
Overall Rating
“You had me at hello.”
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