A Cure for Madness

A Cure for Madness by Jodi McIsaac

Rating: 🍁🍁🍁

Link to Blurb

Overall: I really enjoyed this book. It was poignant, chilling and a little too real to be an entirely comfortable read. But a good one nonetheless.

The Good Stuff:

1) What a chilling, fascinating premise - the more so because I can actually picture it happening. It raises some interesting questions as well. How would our perceptions of mental illness change if it became a communicable disease? What rights do the mentally ill have, and to what extent are we as a society willing to defend those rights?

2) I really appreciated the respect and honesty with which Wes was treated. It's far too easy to use a character with a mental illness as a prop for the story, or a caricature, but Jodi instead gives us a real, impactful window into the life of someone with a mental illness, as well as the lives of those who love them.

3) I've seen some negative comments about the ending, but I honestly don't understand them (though everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I respect that). I don't want to give anything away, but I found the ending appropriate, if unexpected, and a serious punch to the feels.

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

1) At times the pacing felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end when so much was happening. I felt like I wanted a little more insight into why all the things were happening, but none was really provided.

2) Did anyone else really not like Kenneth? The addition of a romantic subplot felt unnecessary, and distracted from rather than added to the story for me.

Caveat the First: I was provided with a copy of A CURE FOR MADNESS in exchange for an honest review.

Caveat the Second: The author is my cousin. What you read was still an honest review, though, I promise. She can't get mad because our grandmother won't let her. :)