The Asylum, by John Harwood--my review

I received this book in the mail. I'm not sure why I got it, but no book comes into my house that I don't try to read. Years ago, I would never have stopped reading a book. Nowadays, I don't have time to keep on reading something that hasn't captured my attention in a few pages.

Truly, I did not know what to expect with this book. The cover, which for some reason I've been unable to copy, is that of a black and white photo of a young woman, sad and from an earlier time period. The title and author name are in pale yellow. An arresting cover.

The chapter headings are the names of the POV character for that particular segment. I found that helpful because at times I wasn't sure. One of the reasons is because this is the story of Georgina Ferrars who wakes up in an asylum with no recollection of how she got there. I had no idea where the story was going but immediately was caught up in the horrifying dilemma this young woman found herself in.

All of her pleading that she is not who the head doctor of the asylum says she is not believed.  Her back story is wonderfully told and I was immediately captivated, wanting to learn what happened to this young woman.

Years ago, I loved reading gothic tales and The Asylum has the same atmosphere--but not the standard plot by any means. The publishing company calls in a gothic thriller, but I'm not sure thriller is the best description. To me it was more of a gothic psychological mystery.

The more I read, the more I wanted to read. I loved it, brilliant writing, intriguing characters and a most complicated plot.

Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith