Ten Days in a Mad-House

Ten Days in a Mad-House is a harrowing and effective graphic novel adaptation of Nellie Bly's investigation and exposure of the inhumane and horrifying treatment of mental health patients in the late 19th century in America. Due out 19th April 2022 from Simon & Schuster on their Gallery 13 imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in paperback/graphic novel and ebook formats. 

The text is spare and linear and the story is told quite plainly which keeps the horror of the fates of thousands of patients, many of whom were absolutely not mentally ill, in sharp and unflinching focus throughout. I was left with a sense of profound sadness and anger as well as impressed with the bravery and dedication of Ms. Bly's original exposé.

The adaptation is written by Dr. Brad Ricca who does a masterful job turning the difficult source material into a cohesive whole. He allows us to view much of the distressing reality without peeling back the façade entirely and forcing readers to face the very worst of the depredations which undoubtedly occurred. For readers who are very sensitive, there are references to suicide, murder, sexual assault, and horrifying failure of care (including implied infanticide). 

The art, by Courtney Sieh, is crisp and direct and suits the story very well. Stylistically it's mostly in panels with occasional full page frames. The text is spare and the story is told through the pen and ink line drawings. Although the subject matter is distressing, the art isn't graphic at all. 

It's an important story and the original reporting and exposé by Nellie Bly eventually resulted in sweeping changes in the care and oversight of vulnerable patients in a lot of ways. It was bravely done and I found the graphic novel enlightening. 

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.