This is a deliciously unique story written in 1892. As I understand it, the author suffered from depression and used her illness in her writing. This is the story of a woman who has recently had a baby (maybe post-partum depression?). Her physician husband (and physician-brother) think that she needs peace and quiet to quell her anxieties.

Before useful mental illness treatments were available, doctors believed that the mentally ill just needed rest. This is the anthesis of what the depressed really need - stimulation and interaction with others. By leaving the narrator in seclusion for hours at a time, she dwells on her thoughts. There is no one there to divert her from her ruminating thoughts - which makes the situation worse.

When the story opens, the narrator is intelligent and thinks she needs to go visit some lively friends/relatives. However, the doctor thinks he knows best and does not allow his wife to do so. Someone else takes care of the baby, so she doesn't even have that diversion. I thought it was worrisome that the gender of the child was not disclosed by our narrator.

Although (as a therapist), I knew what was going to happen, I admit I was stunned by the ending. Brilliant writing, well worth your time. A classic.

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