I certainly wanted to love this novel more than I did; the description is engaging, but the writing itself gave me some trouble entering the text.

It took me quite a bit longer to finish this book than I had intended it to, some of that was my impatience with its nonlinear and fragmented style and some was the way in which this style often assailed the reader with things that can be triggering- particularly to those with sexual trauma, survivors of physical and psychological abuse, and those who endured manipulation and and gaslighting related to the patriarchal roles to which many women are pressured to conform. Death, loss, and grief are also a part of this book and while there is something of a resolution to Noenka's story the reader should expect to be all too aware it comes with a heavy dose of reality to go with it. It's an important book, one that discusses many aspects of how women suffer under the weight of societal, familial, and personal expectation, but it's also one that not all readers may be able tackle due to the subject matter being quite intense throughout.

"On a Woman's Madness" by Roemer delves into the intricate layers of feminine struggles. Roemer's prose, though evocative, can be challenging to navigate due to its experimental style. The book provides a unique perspective on societal norms, but its fragmented narrative may leave some readers disconnected. A thought-provoking exploration of madness and womanhood that demands careful contemplation.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

TW: Domestic abuse

This is a one sitting, can't put down call all of your friends and tell them to purchase this book. It is a translated to English copy so some may struggle. I found myself immersed in the author's world. Noenka is her name.