Wildthorn was inspired by a true story I came across in a book called Against Therapy by Jeffrey Masson. I learned that Hersilie Rouy, a nineteenth century French woman, was incarcerated in asylums for fifteen years despite the fact that she was sane. She was deprived of her true identity and the more she protested about this and about her treatment, the more this was taken as evidence of her insanity.
How terrible, I thought. And then, What must it have been like for her?
The injustice of what happened to Hersilie appealed to something deep in me and directly inspired my depiction of Louisa.
I’ve always been interested in and moved by stories of psychiatric patients, those who perhaps did need help, but often weren’t treated in helpful ways. My own mother was diagnosed as a ‘manic depressive’ as it was called then and spent years in and out of hospitals eventually lapsing into a state of depression.
I think part of my motivation in writing Wildthorn was to give voice to all those poor lost people down the years who couldn’t speak for themselves. I’ve tried to do this through the other inmates, especially Beatrice.
The asylum is a dark place and what Louisa experiences there is frightening. But despite the secret that threatens to undermine her confidence, she has courage. I hope you enjoy accompanying her on her journey as she struggles to face up to the truth about herself and at the same time tries to unravel the mystery that lies behind her imprisonment.
If you’d like to make a comment about the book, please do.
Reviews
“A bold and thrilling read”
Amanda Craig, The Times
“A thought-provoking and shocking story for teenagers and adults”
Lovereading
“A thrilling adventure in Victorian intrigue”
The Daily Mail
“Jane Eagland’s thrilling novel Wildthorn will have you reeling from the treachery and basking in the romance”
“I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”
“How I can properly describe the amazingness of this fantastic book.”
“Read this if you want an amazing story.”
“So dramatic and moving it brought me to tears.”
“The mystery of who sent Louisa to Wildthorn and why kept me racing through the pages of the book.”
13 Comments
I met Jane in September and bought Wildthorn for myself, and Whisper My name for my mother. I was beyond happy, I had not read a story in several years and this had me gripped for 7 hours, I could not put it down. Thoroughly enjoyable, yet hard hitting story. Excellent work. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Peter! I’m glad you enjoyed Wildthorn. And it was nice meeting you! Jane
Last summer, I was at the library looking for a good read. Wildthorn immediately caught my eye. A beautiful Victorian-esque cover (UK version, of course) and a peculiar title. I decided to read it, and I was amazed! Victorian novels are now my favourite. Jane’s style of writing is just entrancing. I am completely enamoured by it! Whisper My Name was even better! At the end, for some reason, I caught myself crying a bit, and I don’t cry reading stories. Ever. Anyway. Her books are amazing!
From, a 15 year old Canadian girl. :]
I happened to pick up “Wildthorn” at the local library in Gainesville. It was utterly amazing. You painted such an amazing story with your beautiful words and it was so heartwarming to see a story with not just a strong protagonist, but to also have her be a strong lesbian lead as well was just fantastic. I love how it doesn’t appear to be the main focus, though their love is what makes Louisa press on. It’s hard for me to express what makes this book so great without sounding cliche. I aspire to write books the way you do: meaning, I really want to write things that make me think, that tackle current issues and shed a positive light on them, and give others something good to find safety in.
Thank you so much for such an amazing novel. I’ll be writing a review on my book reviews blog soon. (:
I just finished Wildthorn, and loved it! Weeks makes a very convincing Nurse Ratched. It was very reminiscent of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (I have actually read the book not just watched the movie). I am recommending to this book to evry one of my friends!
Hello!
I’m currently reading -almost finishing- wildthorn and I love it!
If you are thinking: Why she is writing this?
I have your answer well,… I am Spanish -Barcelona- and I have the wish that a spanish publisher buy your book and translate it
because I think that Spanish people are losing a great book.
Kisses, from a girl from across the pond ;D
Thank you, Mireia. I too would be happy if a Spanish publisher bought my book! Jane
Your book is too amazing i really feel like I am Louisa, that does not happen often! I experienced many emotions but in the end it was love! Love for you writing this book love for me buying it! This book has impacted me soo much I feel like I should be a writer, just because of you. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece with me. Sincerely a 13 year old girl Lenice
Lenice, I’m so glad you enjoyed Wildthorn so much. If you decide to write yourself, I wish you all the best.
Wildthorn was a very enjoyable book to read, a story told very well. I find it amazing to think how intelligent women in those eras could possibly have stood not being able to be something better, to aspire to being a Doctor or any profession they have interest or aptitude in. I am happy to be born in an age where I can be the person I am, live openly and proudly with the person I love and be respected as the successful professional that I am.
Thanks for a great read Jane.
Julie-Anne
Yes, it was the injustice of it all that prompted me to write the book. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
A lovely and intelligent read I enjoyed this book very much. A friend gave me this book as a birthday present 3 years ago and I have re read it again and again it was such a good book.Eliza and louisa were well built characters that you felt you could connect with so much. I enjoyed it so much and so did my sister when i reccomended it to her
Katy, I’m delighted that you and your sister have enjoyed ‘Wildthorn’ so much. Thanks for letting know.
One Trackback
[...] If you like mysteries, historical fiction, a touch of romance, and want a surprising ending (it was a shock to find out whose treachery sent her to Wildthorn!) give this book a try. Wildthorn by Jane Eagland is now available at the library. Also, check out the author’s website. [...]