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Foolish Insanity

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Set in 19th century England, Foolish Insanity focuses on asylum inmate Victoria and how both the positive and negative relationships with the men in her life shaped her. Bookended by following another inmate named Christopher, who befriends Victoria upon his incarceration, the mystery surrounding the intertwined relationships among her, the asylum's owner, and a severely mentally-impaired inmate, gradually unravel before him.

131 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

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Julia Barbee

2 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Bradley Poage.
Author 230 books96 followers
October 28, 2019
While the book has a sad/redeeming ending, I absolutely loved it. It feels like a historical drama/thriller, full of suspense, action, and emotion. I loved the characters, but perhaps my favorite character was Victoria. She really resonated to me as a character and her story was definitely one that resonated very loudly throughout the entire book. Ultimately I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense thriller, with hints of terror and horror. A great Halloween read.
Profile Image for Helen Pugsley.
Author 6 books46 followers
Read
July 30, 2020
TW Rape
I loved how it ended! Christopher is a not-all-men. I dig that someone loved her as a sister. Right.
Profile Image for Jamie Muller.
10 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2019
I received Foolish Insanity as an ARC, and finished it the day I received it! It is a decently paced story that starts quickly and sets up a story line that lets readers come to their own conclusions in a natural pace without rushing the story or ruining big moments. It has aspects of horror, historical fiction, and just the right amount of romance! The characters are tied together smoothly, and introduced with intertwining pasts that bring more understanding to the present situations, and gives a depth to each character. There were twists, unexpected moments, and an ending that tied things together nicely while leaving enough room to wonder!
Julia Siegal draws attention to the abuse that asylum patients are subjected to daily, and portrays the instability and fragility of mental disorders with grace.
She brings Victoria to life in her twisting tale full of societal expectations, enforced and crippling gender roles of the time period, and varying relationship roles, while remaining as a strong willful female lead!
90 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2020
Loved this book! Great read and I just couldn’t put it down
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
December 26, 2019
19th century England, Christopher took quite some time to develop his motor/verbal skills.
Mrs. Margaret “Maggie” Harrington (70, widow) was out shopping when she heard someone yelling at Christopher.
She gladly paid for the apple he was accused of trying to steal.
Maggie invited him to her house for a piece of birthday cake.
Avery Harrington (husband) had died & it would have been his birthday.
Hattie (granddaughter) & Albert Watson (widower/father) later greeted him.

As year’s went by Christopher loved Maggie, got along with Hattie but disliked Arthur.
1 morning Maggie was found in her bed, she had passed away.
The funeral had been held.
Christopher had not moved from Maggie’s bedside.
Hattie came in & was asking him lots of questions.
There was a confrontation & Arthur had Christopher committed to an asylum.

Dr. Oliver Ferguson held his 1st. session with the mentally impaired young man.
Christopher had met Victoria Watson (20+, mentally impaired asylum patient).
Ferris (orderly) informed everyone Johnny (mentally impaired asylum patient) had escaped.
He had previously been a freak in a traveling circus. “The Missing Link”; 1/2 man/animal.
Johnny was severely beaten if he didn’t do what he was told.
Victoria (pianist) had gone on a date with Bertram Myford.
He called on her again.
Bertram proposed to but Victoria had her eyes/feelings for Robert.
It was Victoria’s 23rd birthday & Robert had something special planned for her.
Bertram left work early & had a surprise for her also.
Gideon Roland (painter/artist) was going to make some things for Dr. Ferguson.

Victoria had been released from the asylum again.

Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 19th century historical fiction thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 19th century thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author (s); Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Olive Queen Majestic.
12 reviews
January 31, 2022
“he felt as though they were destined to find each other.”

SPOILERS AHEAD!

This was an atmospheric read filled with many twists and turns appropriately placed. It keeps the reader on their toes and invested in the characters and their lives. The characters were created so realistically, and one cannot help but to truly empathize with them and feel invested in their pasts, presents, and futures, as well as attached to the character themself. I found myself exclaiming aloud for delight when I realized that Gideon was Robert! And I definitely shed some tears when he truly came to an end. Especially with Victoria, the reader is kept hoping and wishing that she will be destined for a greater life and to be treated much better. While the ending was tragic, with Christopher carrying on her legacy and trying to heal her past, is extremely inspiring and refreshing. An amazing read that I would recommend to absolutely anyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
September 13, 2022
I was able to get through this book in 2 days, I'm a fast reader. I definitely see some of the authors quirks shine through the book especially when it comes to relationships. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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