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One of Amazon’s Best Books of 2022 So Far! “Gloriously recommended.” —Historical Novel Society A gripping and compelling novel based on the true story of fearless reporter Nellie Bly, who will stop at nothing to prove that a woman’s place is on the front page.
In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for women.
For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets herself committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Once inside, Nellie befriends her fellow patients who help her uncover shocking truths about the asylum. It’s a story that promises to be explosive—but will she get out before rival reporters get the scoop?
From
USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a witty, energetic and uplifting novel about a woman who defied convention to become the most famous reporter in Gilded Age New York. Perfect for fans of hidden histories about women who triumph.
About the author
Maya Rodale
Summary
One of Amazon’s Best Books of 2022 So Far!
“Gloriously recommended.” —Historical Novel Society
A gripping and compelling novel based on the true story of fearless reporter Nellie Bly, who will stop at nothing to prove that a woman’s place is on the front page.
In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for women.
For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets herself committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Once inside, Nellie befriends her fellow patients who help her uncover shocking truths about the asylum. It’s a story that promises to be explosive—but will she get out before rival reporters get the scoop?
From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a witty, energetic and uplifting novel about a woman who defied convention to become the most famous reporter in Gilded Age New York. Perfect for fans of hidden histories about women who triumph.
Additional text
"A riveting piece of Herstory, told in Maya Rodale's gripping, witty, observant voice that makes Nellie Bly come alive on the page and kept me by her side from the first chapter to the last—highly recommended for every reader interested in Women Who Dared."—USA Today bestselling author Evie Dunmore
“Rodale’s whip-smart and compelling story, rich in Gilded Age detail, takes us along on Nellie Bly’s incredible crusade to shine a light on injustice and make her mark in a male-dominated world.”—USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe
“Rodale’s trademark sass and charm showcase Bly’s willingness to take risks and to save a soul. Rodale will endear Bly to a new generation of readers.”—Bestselling author of Island Queen, Vanessa Riley
"A lively reimagining of Nellie Bly’s first and most famous “stunt”: infiltrating the infamous Blackwell’s asylum—as an inmate. If it sounds mad... well, it just might have been. Rodale vividly portrays the desperation and the daring, the determination and the sheer terror of Nellie Bly's bid to force her way through the male-guarded doors of New York journalism, as well as the heart-wrenching conditions she brought to light. A tale of the dark side of the Gilded Age and the women who wouldn't take no for an answer."—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig
