The Medea Complex
Rachel Florence Roberts, 2013
R. Roberts
273 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781493651177
Summary
Based on a true story . . . Anne wakes up in a strange bed, having been kidnapped from her home. Slowly, she realizes she is in a lunatic asylum. 1885.
Anne Stanbury—Committed to a lunatic asylum, having been deemed insane and therefore unfit to stand trial for the crime of which she is indicted. But is all as it seems?
Edgar Stanbury—the grieving husband and father who is torn between helping his confined wife recover her sanity, and seeking revenge on the woman who ruined his life.
Dr George Savage—the well respected psychiatrist, and chief medical officer of Bethlem Royal Hospital. Ultimately, he holds Anne’s future wholly in his hands.
The Medea Complex tells the story of a misunderstood woman suffering from insanity in an era when mental illnesses were all too often misdiagnosed and mistreated. A deep and riveting psychological thriller set within an historical context, packed full of twists and turns, The Medea Complex explores the nature of the human psyche: what possesses us, drives us, and how love, passion, and hope for the future can drive us to insanity.
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Author Bio
• Birth—January 26, 1984
• Where—Liverpool, England, UK
• Education—R.G.N., Southampton University
• Currently—lives in Malta, European Union
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Book Reviews
5/5 stars, one of the best books of the year. Gripping, flawless, unique.
Readers Favourite (Blog)
This is a writer with a promise of becoming a major contributor to literature.
Fabulosity Reads (Blog)
For the reader who enjoys their historical mysteries to be well plotted, with a firm grip on the newest ides of the time, this is well worth a read. An accomplished debut novel.
Cleopatra Loves Books (Blog)
A stunning piece of story telling. Easily one of the best books Ive read in 2013.
Lost in Dandyland (Blog)
You will find it a fascinating read, with a "gasp, I cant believe it!" kind of ending. Rachel Roberts has done a stellar job.
Piece of My Mind (Blog)
AMAZON REVIEWS
A real eye opener. Very interesting, and well written. (5 stars)
Christine Walker
An amazing story, best I've read in ages. (5 stars)
Dawn Heald
Hooked from start to finish. (5 stars)
Charlotte
A fast paced roller coaster ride of a novel. Once I started, I could not put it down. (5 stars)
S. Graham
Intriguing, interesting, easy to read...loved it! (5 stars)
Dr M
This book had me hooked with some brilliant twists at the end. I highly recommend this book. (5 stars)
Kate
Loved this book, loved the plot. Kept me at the edge of my seat, couldn't put it down! (5 stars)
Hazel Bartlett
This book is a "tour de force"' in the exploration of the human psyche and in its ability to transport the reader, with such authenticity and in-depth knowledge of subject matter. Powerful and chilling. (5 stars)
Dolphin
An early night kind of book...just to read it! (5 stars)
Julie Ann Evans
A stunning piece of story telling, every player pulls his or her's weight in accomplishing a multilevelled, consistent novel, the twist to which, I expect few people will see coming. (5 stars)
Gin Oliver
Gripping. Couldn't put it down near the end! (5 stars)
Dunner
The more I read, the more I was pulled in with all the twists and turns. Rachel's writing style is quite unique. An historical novel which beautifully perfects the language and atmosphere of those times. The narrative is also spot-on making this story easy to follow and never dull. Rachel manages to inject much humour into an otherwise chilling tale—I laughed out loud at certain parts and then felt guilt because of Anne's dilemma. I don't think I have ever encountered so many surprises and twists in a novel before. (5 stars)
Linda
Read in one day. Couldn't put it down. Fantastic book really recommend it. Very historically accurate. Have rarely read one as fast as this. (5 stars)
Teresa
Discussion Questions
1. Who was the "victim" in this story? Discuss.
2. What do you think of the Doctor? Was he negligent in his duties, or was he constrained by the medical knowledge at the time?
3. Everyone had their own reasons for their actions in the novel. Do you think they were all justified?
4. The girl on the road. Discuss.
5. Was Anne wrong in what she did? Legally, morally, ethically? Or did she simply defend herself in an untenable position?
6. This is a story that would never work in the 21st century. Do you think we have a better quality of life, and rights, now as opposed to then?
7. Do you think postnatal depression is an "excuse," or a real medical condition? What do you think should be the treatment of women suffering from it now, who are a danger either to themselves, or others?
8. Do you have any questions of your own that have been raised by the reading of this story?
(Questions provided courtesy of the author.)