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Hysteria: A memoir of illness, strength and women's stories throughout history by Katerina Bryant
readbycoco_yt's review against another edition
DNF @50%
I really liked the content of this book but the structure was a little jarring for me. The constant back and forth between Katerina's story and her reflection on her research of other women's experiences of depersonalisation was too much for me and interrupted the flow. The author is from my home city so I did find it interesting envisioning her story in the places they actually happened. All together I'd say like 2.5 stars BC the content is interesting but the structure didn't work for me
I really liked the content of this book but the structure was a little jarring for me. The constant back and forth between Katerina's story and her reflection on her research of other women's experiences of depersonalisation was too much for me and interrupted the flow. The author is from my home city so I did find it interesting envisioning her story in the places they actually happened. All together I'd say like 2.5 stars BC the content is interesting but the structure didn't work for me
josephinecatherine's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I was once told I had conversion disorder, or as Katerina Bryant articulates perfectly, the modern day translation of hysteria.
This experience evolved into what is now a professional and personal interest in the enduring myth of hysteria. As a social work student, it has become my research niche and one that is still tied to my experience of the world.
Though I struggled to navigate what Bryant's feelings on hysteria was for much of this book, it did make me navigate the consequences of hysteria outside the emotional invalidation of women's pain. I could not stop highlighting sections.
Byrant's writing was honest and so deeply relatable. I think her point about realising the impact of her personal experience on her support system - family and friends - was amazing. It is a really sobering realisation to have when you're an unwell person.
The points about how hysteria itself is more recognisable as harmful than the legacy it has left is important. Hysteria is a current and real issue for so many people, but to many it is thought of as a non problem because it was removed from the DSM decades ago. It is shocking.
I also loved the comments from a fellow unwell woman about how sharing your illness is a confusing experience. It is often by accident - it spills out of you. It leaves you vulnerable by your own actions, even when you don't remember consenting to that.
Bryant also wonderfully and wisely places her experience among the experiences of hysterical women throughout history.
My general take away is that this memoir was stunning and something I will refer to for years to come, both in my personal and professional worlds.
This experience evolved into what is now a professional and personal interest in the enduring myth of hysteria. As a social work student, it has become my research niche and one that is still tied to my experience of the world.
Though I struggled to navigate what Bryant's feelings on hysteria was for much of this book, it did make me navigate the consequences of hysteria outside the emotional invalidation of women's pain. I could not stop highlighting sections.
Byrant's writing was honest and so deeply relatable. I think her point about realising the impact of her personal experience on her support system - family and friends - was amazing. It is a really sobering realisation to have when you're an unwell person.
The points about how hysteria itself is more recognisable as harmful than the legacy it has left is important. Hysteria is a current and real issue for so many people, but to many it is thought of as a non problem because it was removed from the DSM decades ago. It is shocking.
I also loved the comments from a fellow unwell woman about how sharing your illness is a confusing experience. It is often by accident - it spills out of you. It leaves you vulnerable by your own actions, even when you don't remember consenting to that.
Bryant also wonderfully and wisely places her experience among the experiences of hysterical women throughout history.
My general take away is that this memoir was stunning and something I will refer to for years to come, both in my personal and professional worlds.
iesharuby's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
wtb_michael's review
4.0
Smart and insightful memoir about living with a hard to pin down chronic illness. Bryant bounces off historical case studies of women with broadly similar conditions as she wrestles with her own challenges. She writes brilliantly about the different ways we treat mental illness compared with physical illness, and the ways that searching for diagnoses can strip away your humanity. A really excellent contribution to a growing genre.