What a pleasant surprise this book was. Sometimes a title or cover catches my eye, or a description intrigues me, as happened with this tale.

I thought it might fill a space between books, was more likely one that my wife might enjoy, but i would give it a go.

I sat and finished it in two sessions. It was blinking fantastic! There was enough science, modern history and social commentary to fulfil the reader's sense of a book well rounded, with a really intense and gripping human interest, family relationship plot that just demanded to be read and enjoyed.

This book is well worth investing your time and effort in and it will reward you well for it.

When young mother Sabine checks voluntarily into a mental hospital in the early eighties out of desperation, she never imagines that 'voluntary' immediately becomes signing away her freedom and the right to be with her baby.
Her grandmother, who soon reads about the news from Switzerland, however, is quick to react, flying out to the States, to her rescue.
Everyone knows a Grandmother Inga: domineering, full of the kind of good advice that cuts like a bread knife, Sabine is soon ready to send her packing. Smile, be happy, she tells Sabine. Take a little trouble, show your hubby you really appreciate him. Grandmother also proves to be the best advocate Sabine could possibly have.
For Inga came of age in Nazi Germany, where her own sister Redmor, also suffered from mental illness. This is a Jewish family, but Inga's family is resourceful enough to be one step ahead of the authorities there. But her sister has already been committed to an asylum, by now, with the Nazi drive to rid the world of all those deemed to be a burden on society, now becoming an increasingly dangerous place to be. But will Inga be able to rescue her sister in time?
This novel is based on true historical events. The description of a pilot state-sanctioned murder carried out on three mental patient witnessed by Redmor's psychiatrist, and where he happens on a children's ward where the children are being starved to death, are reported as chillingly as might be expected. There is also the tacit reminder that this inhumanity towards other vulnerable humans still exists in part with the lack of dignity of Sabine's current position. There is little attempt, for example, to examine the stresses a young mother may have to endure if true support is missing for whatever reason. There are only padded cells and imprisonment, alongside stigmatisation.
This is also a tale about family secrets and traumas, and how they come to be reflected in more contemporary times, through the lives of the children, and those children's children. Yet, this story is one about bravery and heroism too, however originally unprepossessing this heroism and altruism may be encased in.

I actually don't know where to start with this book as there is a lot going on (mental illness, anti-semitism, homophobia, euthanasia) and a lot of heartache that could have been avoided if not for the rise of Nazism. But I really enjoyed it (although the subject matter was a bit gruesome at times, although handled with sensitivity) and I will be thinking about it for a very long time. The main character Inga is very headstrong and desperate to help her sister Rigmor. It made me wonder if I would have made the same decisions and with the beauty of hindsight I probably wouldn't have, but at the time (1930s Germany) the threat of Hitler was not clear. What a lovely character Arnold is, desperate to help Rigmor whilst also trying to help others in Sonnenheim and trying to warn the world of Hitler's plans. I wasn't so keen on the 1980s characters, mainly because the love between the family was not as apparent as it was in the 1930s. However the 1980s part is important to allow the truth from the past to come out.
I highly recommend this book if you want to feel grateful that you are alive now and not back then.

This book was... WOW. I have to say, WWII Historical Fiction is a sub-genre that is NOT short on books, and I do my best to read as many as possible. Knowing the context, I don't expect these stories to be light, and I'm often disappointed when they don't seem to fully convey the horror and tragedies that occurred during this time in history.

That said, this book certainly did not disappoint. I cannot claim to be well-versed in the history of mental illness, diagnosis, and treatment, so I won't speak to the accuracy of that. However, the story of these characters, what they went through in 1930's Germany, and the lasting impact those events had on the rest of their lives, was heart-wrenching. I was hooked as soon as this story started and I could hardly put it down until I finished. This is a true testament to the fact that the events of history have an impact on folks for generations, and the specifics of how that happened in this story are just horrifying.

I have read reviews of folks that did not like the main character, Inga, which impacted their opinion of the entire book. While Inga certainly wasn't lovable, I found myself sympathizing with her as she did anything and everything she could to try to help for those that she cared for. All in all, I absolutely recommend this book for a different and devastating look at this time in history.

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

"Where Madness Lies" by Sylvia True is a fabulous book about a subject largely overlooked in historical fiction,. There are many books written about the Holocaust and the extermination of over six million Jewish people by the Nazis. This book deals with another, but lesser known, evil perpetrated by the Nazis; the sterilization and euthanasia of the mentally ill in order to assure that their "undesirable traits" won't be passed on to future generations of Germans.

The story is told through two timelines. In the 1930's, the book focuses on Rigmor, a young woman institutionalized for her mental illness. In the 1980's, the book focuses on Sabine, also a young woman coping with mental illness. The two timelines are linked by Inga, Rigmor's sister and Sabine's grandmother.

This is not a light read, but it is beautifully written with well-developed characters. The characters are imperfect and flawed and so very real. Readers will find themselves confronted with questions about ethics and the difference between being complicit and just following orders. This book is well researched and I loved all of the strong woman characters, especially those diagnosed with mental illness. The author does an excellent job showing that mental illness does not equate with weakness. This is a powerful and emotional novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Many thanks to NeetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this fabulous book in exchange for my honest review.

Whilst I have read a lot of books set partially or fully in the Nazi era, this one is different. In my opinion, this book deals with fundamental issues in history that often get overlooked--and still manage to get overlooked a lot of the time now. This book is memorable and has some staying power. I'm still thinking about it weeks after finishing it.

One of the things that impressed me about this book, was that it unabashedly delved into topics that are still seen as taboo today. Dealing with the issues of eugenics, forced sterilisation, and mental health are easy subjects to cover, but I found that this author did so with grace. This book is very historically based, and although it is fiction, it is strong fiction based on facts.

The overall effect of this novel on me was very powerful. I felt as though I knew the characters personally and that the author's voice was speaking to me as a reader. If you are looking for something with some depth to read, this would be an excellent choice. I'm hoping for more from this author.

This review is based on a digital copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely loved this book! What a fascinating, wonderful, heartbreaking tale. 10/10 fabulous! A well woven tale of mental illness and how it was misunderstood and abused. Brilliant!

The Nazis are coming into power, and Inga is struggling to help her mentally ill sister. Inga narrowly escapes the fate of the rest of Jews only to be back in the mental hospital decades later. It's 1984 and this time she's in a mental health facility to support her granddaughter who's checked herself in voluntarily. Now, Inga has to revisit the events of the past to understand how they've influenced the future.

My top three thoughts on 'Where Madness Lies':
1. Every once in a while I'm completely thrown off by a book because I start it thinking it's going to be one thing and it turns out to be something completely different from what I initially assumed. I was expecting this book to be a light read. I don't know WHY I thought it because certain keywords like Nazi, madness, mental health should have been a dead giveaway that this book demands full attention. Even though the premise is heavy and talks about Nazis, Mental Health and abuse, this is still a fascinating read, especially since real events inspire most of the book.
2. 'Where Madness Lies' looks at hope, responsibility, family, forgiveness, and redemption. The writing is simple, and the story is one of fiction based on situations from the author's life. It looks at the Holocaust as well as the fictionalized account of a family drama. There are several settings in the novel that draws attention to questions around ethics, decisions and actions. I especially loved the focus on passing traits, thoughts and mindsets on to the next generation both genetically and culturally.
3. For a book based around very few characters (most of them were battling severe mental health conditions), it was tough to connect with the protagonist, Inga. I'm not sure if her circumstances painted her in that hostile and selfish light or it was the generation she was born in. It was hard to feel any empathy for her and look past her flaws.

Thank you to Netgalley, John Hunt Publishing and Sylvia True for the opportunity to read this book. I'm a big fan of dual timeline stories and this one intrigued and delighted me. Never before have I read a story on mental illness set in Nazi Germany. It's raw, emotional and heart-breaking. The depth of characters is fierce. It's a STUNNING book.

I found this story disturbing in a good way if that is possible. Very believable and true to what happened in this type of facility. Even today I think the stigma of mental health is worrying. As this story shows there are no easy fixes for people disabled by these problems. Well written.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC in return for a honest review. When I saw the description of Where Madness Lies I was very intrigued and was hopeful to be able to read this ARC. The book did not disappoint. Going between the 30's and 80's and sharing the lives of two young women with mental health issues. The story is told from the standpoint of Inga (the sister and grandmother) and Sabine. I enjoyed learning about the history, although very disturbing and sad, of how individuals with mental health issues were treated during the time of Nazi rule in Germany. Also seeing the hereditary factors at play that continue through out the years. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this fantastic author. Thank you so much!

I was really looking forward to reading this book. The description had me very intrigued. It’s a great story about mental illness in the time of Nazi Germany. A good depth to all characters and a brilliant storyline. I felt it started slow but I think the author was trying to give you as much information about all the characters to build that big picture. I really enjoyed the duel time aspect. A really great read.

I’m finding it difficult to begin to explain the experience this book has taught me, a true story from the authors own family.
It is an inter generational story about mental illness and the treatments available set in Germany in the 1930s and America in the 1980s. An extremely compelling story of a Jewish aristocratic family living in Germany during the rise of the nazi regime with insightful facts of how mental illness was viewed and the horrific tragedy that decided the fate of its victims.
Alongside this was the story of the granddaughters voluntary admission to a mental health facility in America and the way she was treated.
The struggles of the individuals is very real and some of the narrative is heartbreaking but I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to read it.

Synopsis

Rigmor is a soft spoken jewish woman struggling with mental illness in Nazi Germany. Her family is desperate to get her treatment, especially her sister Inga. Inga is a strong willed practical woman used to getting what she wants. She believes in educating herself and readily makes her opinions known- loudly. Arnold is a psychiatrist at odds with his profession and their handling of people with mental health issues under the Reich.Sabine is struggling with post partum depression in the wake of her first child’s birth. When she seeks help she does not realize how her family’s past plays a role.

Review
What follows is a tragic story about the mental health crisis in Germany at the beginning of the Nazi’s reign and how the people directly affected were treated. The story moves between past and present POV across Rigmor and Sabine’s metal health issues and their time spent in asylum’s seeking treatment. Interwoven is a story of a family run by 2 iron willed women and their relationships with men, with each-other, and the family ties that bind them.
I am a huge historical fiction fan and so immediately I was interested in this book. I appreciate how the author depicted the symptoms of depression. The reader is provided with a glimpse into what it must be like to endure feelings of despair on an ongoing basis. I loved the blunt forthright tone of Inga and her mother. I loved how naive Arnold and Sabine are about the world in general and their insistence on giving people the benefit of the doubt. A fabulous read!

Highly recommend for people who loved Cilka’s Journey, Still Alice, The German Midwife.

This book had me interested from the first time I read the description and it did not disappoint! It wasn't your usual WWII novel because it focused on mental health care at the time. It was so interesting and well done. I loved the characters and the plot flowed so naturally. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I received a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

"Where Madness Lies" by Sylvia True is the fictionalized retelling of a horrific piece of the author's own family history. Set primarily in 1930 Germany, we meet the Blumenthals. Frau Frieda and her two adult daughters, Inga and Rigmor, live a privileged "fairytale-esque" life. Aristocracy cast in the old European style. Very rich. Very influential. Highly educated and progressive in many of their world views. Revered and admired by many within their community. And very clearly Jewish at an extremely dangerous time and place to be so.

Told primarily in alternating chapters, we learn much from Inga's retrospective recollections of pre-war Germany, as well as through her desperate attempts in the 1980's to rectify the unexpected and potentially devastating consequences of choices made in that time that have influenced the lives of her descendents. The terrible personal impact of Hitler's far-reaching madness to "purge" Germany of anyone and everyone deemed "inferior" or "defective" is heartbreakingly retold utilizing examples, both large and small, of how this cruel and evil ideology played out in real ways in the real lives of the people of Germany.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of eugenics and how this medically supported (in the early part of the twentieth century) philosophy laid the groundwork for the larger global horror of the Nazi regime's systematic executions within the concentration camps, True's novel provides a personal look at its early applications. We see clearly how its practicianers were able to spin a web of pure evil over the world. Through her story development the reader is able to see how insidiously evil can seep into our world, especially when in the guise of "enlightenment" and advancing the "greater good" its entrenchment is supported by the complicit.

I'd like to thank NetGalley, as well as the author Sylvia True, for offering me the opportunity to receive an advanced digital copy of "Where Madness Lies." I offer my review with honesty and gratitude.

"NetGalley
#WhereMadnessLies

A captivating, heart wrenching read as the author weaves between multi generations in this outstanding book. The reader experiences the horror of how mental health illness was experienced and treated historically, and hope for the present. and future. The strength and the resilience of the women in this book is truly inspiring..

There is much "heart" in True's writing of this tale of two generations of women who suffer mental illness. Therefore, it is no surprise that the novel connects with events from the family history of this author. The novel feels immediate, that we are experiencing the life of Inga, the woman who links these two generations of women. Redemption plays a large role in this novel set in times and places of madness, not only in the minds of the two women Inga attempts to save and bring to a normal life.

A different look at the mental institutions and their decimation during World War II in Germany with the Nazi ideology. True shows us the family and its decisions that lead up to unhappy ending. A family who only wants to help their loved one to be disappointed over and over, with one last effort, not only does it not go well, but ends horrifically with the Nazi party. Highly recommend to historical fiction readers.

Where to start with this? Perhaps with something of a caveat: as someone with a history of depression and a baby daughter, it was very difficult for me to read this narrative, about two women from the same family, separated by 50 years but linked by their depression, one of whom is separated from her baby daughter at the beginning of the book when she enters a mental health hospital. Had I not been reading this as a NetGalley copy in exchange for a review, I think I would have taken a lot longer to read this in order to give myself a little breathing space from the subject matter.

And the subject matter is certainly bleak. I knew from the blurb that this would be the case, but it is, at times, unrelenting: Sabine, the patient of the 1984/5 narrative, is not only depressed but in a loveless, perhaps bordering on abusive, marriage with a rather unpleasant man, and Rigmor, the patient of the 1930s, has about as miserable a life as can be. I gather the story is based on members of the author's real family; were this not the case, I might accuse it of being overly tragic to the point of implausibility.

The two narratives are linked by Inga, who watches her sister and her granddaughter undergo the same essential experience - institutionalisation for depression - but in very different ways, one in the infamous Sonnenstein in Nazi Germany, and one in the US in the 1980s. Inga as a character is a little inconsistent - is she a firebrand who disregards convention, or does she consider men superior to women? - but it's clear in the earlier narrative how much she cares for her sister, to the point she essentially becomes a self-taught psychiatrist in order to discuss her treatment. The star of the 1930s plot, though, is Arnold, the psychiatrist who treats, and forms a deep friendship with, Rigmor. Despite being ostensibly a secondary character to Inga, Arnold was, for me, the most well-developed and interesting character.

In terms of plot, aside from my earlier comments about the bleakness, the plot is generally engaging. The 1980s narrative is slow to get going and at times I was tempted to skip those chapters in favour of the more compelling 1930s ones, but it picked up in the second half of the novel. The 1930s narrative is consistently interesting, covering an aspect of the Nazi atrocities too-often glossed over, as well as giving some insight into the development of psychiatry at the time.

Overall, this was a good book, though it feels wrong to say that I enjoyed it given the subject matter. I found it compelling and interesting, and would recommend it, but would probably recommend reading it at a slower pace than I did, especially if, like me, you have a history of depression yourself.