Since her brother took his life after WWI, Ruth Emeraldine has had one goal: to help those suffering from mental illness. Then she falls in love with charismatic Robert Apter-a brilliant doctor championing a radical new treatment, the lobotomy. Ruth believes in it as a miracle treatment and in Robert as its genius pioneer. But as her husband spirals into deluded megalomania, Ruth can't ignore her growing suspicions. Robert is operating on patients recklessly, often with horrific results. And a vulnerable young mother, Margaret Baxter, is poised to be his next victim.
Margaret can barely get out of bed, let alone care for her infant. When Dr. Apter diagnoses her with the baby blues and proposes a lobotomy, she believes the procedure is her only hope. Only Ruth can save her-and scores of others-from the harrowing consequences of Robert's ambitions.
Inspired by a shocking chapter in medical history, The Lobotomist's Wife is a galvanizing novel of a woman fighting against the most grievous odds, of ego, and of the best intentions gone horribly awry.
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Margaret looked around at the gaggle of her friends and neighbours occupying her living room. PROLOGUE
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(Lake Union Publishing, 1 February 2022, 320 pages, ARC from the publisher via # NetGalley)
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I read a lot of historical fiction but The Lobotomist's Wife sounded like something very different than the usual books I read which tend to be sent on or around war's. It sounded quite grim. I was yanked into the story from the opening page and didn't want to stop turning the pages because I was so engrossed. The book is quite dark at times and full of suspense and some of the events described are quite unpleasant. This is a riveting read.
