Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. "Where Madness Lies" is a compelling story of family and history that weaves together experiences from two different points in time. Inga's struggle to heal and protect her mentally ill sister as the Nazis rise to power in Germany is mirrored years later—though under much different circumstances—as she tries to support her granddaughter who has just admitted herself to a mental hospital in Massachusetts. The story jumps back and forth in time (between 1934/1984) as we slowly learn the events of the past and how they have influenced the future. There's so much heart depicted in the relationships and a compelling depth to all the characters, even those that could be considered secondary or tertiary to the main plot. I would highly recommend this book—it speaks not only to the horrors of the Holocaust and eugenics; it forces the reader to grapple with questions of ethics and complicity. At what point do your actions (or inaction) make you complicit? What secrets do you/should you keep to protect those around you? It's not a light read, but an important one. And it's especially compelling knowing that this fictionalized account is based on events from the author's life. ~ Vanessa Cruz (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This was a powerful, moving story that touches on some very tough topics, while spanning two generations. The story revolves around Inga in a way - she's a link between the 30s and the 80s, the one trying to save the women involved. True does an excellent job of bringing the characters and story to life, and a few times I had to stop and take some deep grounding breaths because I just got too wrapped up in the book. True did a great job with the mental health aspect, without glossing over everything. A novel all women's fiction lovers should read. ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn (Reviewer), NetGalley

Expertly weaving, and yet never once over-accentuating, together two generations - a grandmother who has lived through the horrors of Nazi Germany in 1934 and a granddaughter who is experiencing an episode of mental illness in Boston in the 1980s - the subject matter alone might be a hard swallow for the reader re: mental health, but I would implore you to stick with it, as the book is not a harbinger, but instead shines a light. With the granddaughter of the story unknowing that mental illness is a carefully guarded family secret, this layered story soon becomes a rather masterful tome and, therein, a compelling read from start to finish. For when eugenics and sterilization were important tools in Nazi exterminations of the mentally ill, in order to protect future Germans, Where Madness Lies delivers a rueful nod to a period of history that is rarely written about, whilst at the same time, author True delivers us a series of characters that we quickly become deeply attached to. It will leave you angry, frustrated, fascinated, and oh-so-much more whilst at the same time hopefully teaching you something new about a subject with which you might well have thought you were already deeply familiar. in closing, such descriptions contained of this so-named Nazi cleansing are (and always have been) deeply disturbing, and I would go as far as suggesting stomach wrenching. Ergo, we can only hope that society is finally beginning to understand that mental illness should not be hidden but must be handled compassionately. Therefore, this book, Where Madness Lies by Sylvia True, should be required reading for anyone who has had a family member impacted by mental illness, whether it be linked to these vile acts that sewed the seeds in Germany, or just acts of life, in general. ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A haunting tale that took me a while to read only because I needed to process everything. Loved going from a now to before and the family ties that bind us! 10/10 recommend!! ~ Cynthia Jackson (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Inga and Rigmor are sisters in Germany 1934. Rigmor suffers from mental illness. Igna does research and tries to find ways to treat Rigmor’s condition. It is difficult being Jewish during this time especially if you are dealing with mental health issues. You are considered deficient, and the answer was sterilization. In present time, Sabine is a new mother suffering from panic attacks and depression. Inga is the connection between the past and the present. The story has a steady pace although there was a lot of jumping back and forth. The characters are developed, and it was written in the third person point of view. This was a difficult subject matter for me. have dealt with mental health issues in my family and the thought of what Rigmor went through is appalling. This was a hard but important read. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in historical fiction. ~ Dawn Thomas (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Where Madness Lies is a beautiful and important book about a subject often forgotten about in historical fiction - especially the area of The Holocaust and World War II. Having a focus on eugenics, the sterilization and euthanasia of those mentally ill or otherwise not meeting the “wanted traits” to pass on to future German generations, this area of history is just another one of the darker parts of the Holocaust - equally important to the other previously discussed in historical fiction............The writing in this book is wonderful and with the story being equally as compelling, it was a fast and emotional read. The stories are well developed and keep you reading. It is emotional, you will cry! ~ Kate Anthony (Bookseller), NetGalley

“Where Madness Lies” was a compelling novel: I read its 330 pages during one day on a weekend. In addition to the numerous plot questions raised, the author offers insight into familial relationships. What was particularly fascinating was seeing the very different ways Inga and Sabine viewed their interactions. I did manage to guess some of the family’s secrets, which was very satisfying since readers are given few clues. Book clubs interested in discussing ethical dilemmas should find much to discuss since the novel offers a different view of the suffering that Hitler’s policies caused, in addition to providing a moving and gripping tale of how treatment for mental illness has changed. FULL REVIEW: https://www.thereportergroup.org/past-articles/feature-book-review/feature-book-review-stream/book-review-stream/off-the-shelf-sewers-and-sanitariums ~ The Reporter, Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This is a difficult book to review because how can you say you’ve “enjoyed” a book about mental illness, eugenics, Nazi hatred, ignorance… And yet the book is somehow beautiful. It is heart warming and reassuring and incredibly well written. Ms True has said it is based on her family history and that did give it an additional edge. Thinking even part of this might be “real” - not the eugenics or murder as we all know that is too real - while being written by a descendent is heart breaking. Sabine goes into a mental hospital in 1980’s America and this prompts a visit from her grandmother. The grandmother, Inga, then has her story told and the two timeframes run in parallel. It is very easy to follow and the two stories mesh well. Inga had a sister who was in a psychiatric hospital during World War II and she and a doctor, Arnold, are dedicated to her care. The story unfolds slowly and at all times we are clear who is who. The ending is satisfying and somehow enriching. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for depth and characterisation and damn good storytelling - with an edge of pain throughout. ~ Anne Maguire (Reviewer), NetGalley

Although it is certainly possible to read Where Madness Lies as a warning that Nazism and Fascism could be activated in our day, it is more nuanced than that. It reveals the congealed scars of Nazism in European history across gaps of almost 40 years between the end of the Second World War and the end of the novel, and between the end of the novel and its publication now. And implicit in those gaps is the fact that life goes on and human nature remains fallible but also capable of being touched by storytelling, such as that practised by Sylvia True. Gerald Jacobs is the JC’s literary editor. ~ The Jewish Chronicle, Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I adored this book. The dual narratives create a compelling story, their parallels and differences playing out to create a story I couldn't put down. Sabine, battling crippling panic and depression in 1980s America, triggers an opportunity for her grandmother Inga to revisit and make peace with the tragic story of her sister Rigmor, a Jewish girl in 1930s Germany. Yes, Rigmor's story is a hard one to read. That is deals with mental health and Jewishness in pre-War Germany should be enough to give a clue as to how it will pan out, but the story is by no means straightforward. Sabine, Inga and Rigmor are beautifully drawn and fully formed. Sabine and Inga's relationship is complex, but you genuinely feel the developments as the story unfolds. Ultimately, Inga's journey is one of acceptance and a second chance. There's hope, there's redemption, there's heartbreak and acceptance. And I loved it. ~ Paula Thompson (Librarian) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This book is based on the author’s own family. In my opinion, that makes me more invested in the story, which involves suffering, mental health issues and the inhumanity of the Nazi regime. At first I had a hard time traveling between the two different times as well as the names in the lives of this family. Everything became more clear as the story went on. I thought this book was very well written and interesting. I highly recommend Where Madness Lies. ~ Lorene S (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This was a fascinating book, , at times hard to read, but equally hard to put down. Two women suffering mental illness one during WW11 when Hitler was rising to power and her descendant in the 20th century in the USA. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and commend the writer on a tale well told. ~ Judith Baxter (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I started this book and then had to put it aside. It was not that the writing was poor or the story boring. It was exactly the opposite. I found myself too embroiled in the reality of the tale and had to take a moratorium before I could complete it. Perhaps there were elements of the story that were too close to home but I am glad that I persevered with this disturbing and deeply moving book.......I do give the book five purrs and two paws up, but do not approach it if you are not in the right frame of mind. The story will rock you in so many different ways. ~ Susan Johnston (Reviewer), NetGalley

Where Madness Lies moves between 1934 Germany and the USA in 1984 as it weaves connections between the Holocaust and its lingering impact on the world. It is especially recommended for readers who might wonder at the need for reinforcing Holocaust history in modern times, and considers the lasting legacy of repression and genocide on surviving generations. It should be noted that this is the fictionalized story of Sylvia True's grandmother's world. True has embellished somewhat for the sake of crafting a captivating fictional read, admitting that while some details are how she imagines them, "the bones of the story are true." This realistic feel is part of what makes Where Madness Lies so compelling; but another satisfying reason for its strength is that no singular point of view is the lone capturer of these events. The story opens with a Q&A session in 1947 Germany with Dr. Paul Viktor Bohm - Medical Director of Sonnenstein Psychiatric Hospital and Deputy Director of Action T4. The discussion of 'mercy murders' and why a professional physician would willingly become involved in gas chamber executions of his fellow ordinary countrymen makes for a powerful introduction, injecting moral and ethical examinations from the start: "Q: And you agreed to this because of orders from Bouhler? A: I agreed to it because we were releasing patients from lives of misery." As events move back and forth in time and between different characters, True is careful to include these changing dates in each chapter heading so readers experience no confusion about past and present settings. From the well-known methods of oppression which overtake Germany to the specter of mental illness and how it is handled over the decades, True crafts an involving story of the changing world and how mentally ill patients and people become especially threatened: "I am only thinking that because of the times we live in, I find some of the methods used at the hospital, to be blunt - barbaric." As these different eras fall under True's close inspection, readers receive a discussion that examines concepts of freedom, civil rights, repression, and the lasting impact of social and political changes on generations to come. It was more than a time of genocidal efforts...it embraced the effort to use women's mental health against them as one of the many means of controlling the population and altering their perceptions of right and wrong. This detailed examination of how a horrifying concept became part of the mainstream acceptance of Nazi contentions forms the backbone of a story firmly rooted in family experience and struggle. Any reader of Holocaust history who thinks they already have likely received enough of the typically familiar focus on events should think again - and choose Where Madness Lies. It represents a powerful survey of control, transformative social experiments, and the real struggles the Nazi paradigm brought to ordinary Germans; and it traces these repercussions into today's world, with chilling food for thought. ~ Diane C. Donovan, Mid West Book Review

Sylvia has created interesting, complex characters with a dual timeline helping readers to better understand the relationship between Inga and her granddaughter Sabine who has committed herself into the MacLean Clinic. Sabine has struggled with mental health issues for years but, as with the rest of her family, has tried to cover up her problems. But the recent birth of her child has intensified the psychosis that she has been fighting for many years. The self-admission has horrific, unforeseen consequences and her future is only saved by the timely and somewhat unusual interventions of Inga. Where Madness Lies is a sensitive, powerful, poignant novel, full of sadness for the individuals involved and the tens of thousands more who have been victims of inhumane treatment in what is comparatively recent history. Jill Poet / www.healthylifeessex.co.uk ~ www.healthylifeessex.co.uk, Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Although the topics discussed in this book are awful, they highlight important facts in our world's history...the eugenics program along with the persecution and execution of the mentally ill. Everything was well done and I was engrossed in the novel from beginning to end. ~ Angela Schwach (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Although the subject matter is not a pleasant one, the reality of the Nazi eugenics programs is written about very well in this novel set in 2 time frames, a young woman patient during WWII and a young woman in 1984 battling psychiatric problems. Sensitively portrayed, these characters will stay with you for a long time. Mesmerizing and poignant. ~ Polly Krize (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is an amazing story, following Inga from Nazi Germany, where her mentally ill sister gets caught up in the eugenics scheme of the Nazis, to modern day America, where she fights the same demons for her mentally ill granddaughter. Based on a true story from the authors own family history, it's filled with flawed characters whose quiet strength belie the horrid secrets they must keep, which sometimes hide their love beneath a harsh appearance. ~ Lael Braday (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. What an excellent read! These characters were gripping and the story so heart wrenching! The lives they led were so filled with difficulty made so much worse by the times they lived in. ~ Rebecca MacGillivray (Reviewer), NetGalley

An inherently harrowing and yet fascinating read from cover to cover, "Where Madness Lies" is an extraordinary and compelling approach to how mental illness, authoritarian institutional governance, and the human spirit intersect on a personal and a generational level. ~ James Cox, Mid West Book Review

This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading. ~ BILLIE WICHKAN (Reviewer), NetGalley

An inherently harrowing and yet fascinating read from cover to cover, "Where Madness Lies" is an extraordinary and compelling approach to how mental illness, authoritarian institutional governance, and the human spirit intersect on a personal and a generational level. While especially recommended for community and academic library Literary Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Where Madness Lies" is also readily available in a digital book format. http://www.midwestbookreview.com/ ~ Midwest Book Review, Review

True manages to convey a heartbreaking story without adding any sense of false sentimentality to the narrative. She wisely lets the reader encounter the drama without sensationalizing it, as it’s a tale that hardly needs rhetorical embellishment. Her prose style is simple and matter-of-fact, and it’s a manner of writing that’s suitable to the subject matter. Overall, this is a wrenching story that’s both historically scrupulous and artistically nimble—an impressive and rare combination. A dramatically captivating and historically edifying novel. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sylvia-true/where-madness-lies/ ~ Kirkus Reviews , Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Amazing amazing amazing book!! The description had me wanting this book and once I got it I dove right it and WOW! The story was so unique and powerful. I also was so glued to the two different time periods. I also feel this book really tackled mental illness in a eye opening way. I highly recommend this book! ~ Stephanie Showmaker (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Well written and an incredible story. Sometimes difficult to read but the subject matter is so important. I highly recommend that everyone reads this book. ~ Helen Doroszkiewicz (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I found Sylvia True's Where Madness Lies to be a great read. I was hooked right from the start. Highly recommended. Five stars. ~ Amy Campbell (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A beautifully written story about the sad topic of mental health This book explores all the horrors of the Hitler era and how even the basics of mental health was dealt with. The story spans two timelines, one being the story and Inga and her sister Rigmore and the other is Inga's granddaughter's story. Although parts of this book I found harrowing I still really enjoyed reading it, this is one of those books that will stay in my mind for a long time. ~ Gemma Deary (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Such a beautifully tragic and heart-wrenching tale of hope and redemption, a lesser-known slice of WWII, combining intergenerational trauma, mental illness, secrets, more. I was absolutely struck by the themes and ideas in WHERE MADNESS LIES (TopHat Books, February 1 2021) by Sylvia True, which is a gorgeous and devastating voyage into the madness of madness, tracing the Nazis' view of the morally disgusting idea of racial hygiene, but also eradicating 'any life not worth living,' such as those deemed feebleminded, mentally ill, sexually degenerate, more. Alternating between the 1980s Massachusetts, and 1930s Germany, with a brief stint in Switzerland, WHERE MADNESS LIES is so beautifully rendered. I was in awe at the breadth of this book--in terms of historical accuracy, emotional intelligence, compelling voice/characters, how it's based on a true story, and so much more. This story is hauntingly compelling, devastating, and horrifying, yet there's a glimmer of hope dangling from a pearl. WHERE MADNESS LIES is achingly honest and and masterful, a page-turner with fully developed characters and timelines, each section was equally compelling. I worried about these characters, gasped aloud, and marveled at True's lyrical prose, her attention to detail, all of it. Truly an eye-opening, chilling tale. A quick note on themes explored: WHERE MADNESS LIES is not your typical WWII book. It deals with mental illness and psychiatry, and often presents a very derogatory--early--approach to the science, (but Dr. Arnold Richter is fabulous; loved him). There are tough scenes including gas chambers and neglected children, euthanasia, sterilization, eugenics, more. If these may be triggers, please proceed with caution. It's also about family, dysfunction, secrets, power, truth, redemption, hope. On a personal note, I am a daughter of a mentally ill mother who died by suicide and this book, these themes, completely resonate. So masterfully done, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this. Readers may recall Diane Chamberlain's book, NECESSARY LIES, also about eugenics, which I found to have similar echoes to WHERE MADNESS LIES, but also Margaret McMullan's WHERE THE ANGELS LIVED may also resonate. For all my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com|Always with a Book ~ www.leslielindsay.com, Review

An ending that will bring tears to your eyes. WHERE THE MADNESS LIES: Is a powerful, heartbreaking novel based on the family of the author. FULL REVIEW: https://tillie49.wordpress.com/2021/02/08/where-the-madness-lies-sylvia-true/ ~ Foreword Reviews, Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars...............In many ways, a book like this, which deals with mental health and some of the darkest facts of human history, is very much a 2020 book. It was just the right time for it somehow...........You know a book is good when the characters and situations move you, cause an emotion, whether it was empathy for Arnold, affection for Inga, a deep sorrow for Sabine and Rigmor, disgust for Bohm or anger for Tanner. This book touches on the hidden truths of Holocaust and how no one was truly safe, even with the most pristine background and reputation. That is an important message that doesn't get out enough, in my experience. ~ Teresa Brito (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. ................................Sylvia True has based the story of real events and real people. Her writing is exquisite and rich with so much empathy and hopes while describing very dark times. All the characters, especially Inga and Sabine, are so well drawn that I felt as if I not only knew them, but that they were my friends. Inga’s love for both her sister and then later for her granddaughter is so strong it pulsates through the pages. Any mistakes she’s made have been made from love. I must say before I close this review that it shocks me how little I know about conditions in Germany when Hitler came to power. Before he declared war, the years were spent perfecting how his fellow Nazis would use the gas chambers. They started by first eradicating society of the weak, the insane, and the disabled. They also insisted that anyone in a mental institution was sterilised. Sylvia True also shares early psychiatry treatments. Some were barbaric. We can thank science for moving on in rapid leaps and bounds to the present day. People like Rigmor’s condition would be entirely under control, thanks to the fantastic medicines available today. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to read the book. I’ve learnt so much. Thank you Sylvia True to opening my eyes.. ~ Rony Campbell (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Sylvia True returns following The Wednesday Group (2016) with a stunning and emotionally charged multi-generational historical/psychological fiction, WHERE MADNESS LIES. Eye-opening and heartbreaking real truths about mental illness. The author expertly intertwines history and matters of the heart. Based on the author's family and inspired by real events, the writing is lyrical and beautifully rendered; I found this to be one of the top historical fiction books of 2021! I could not put it down, and these characters will haunt you long after the book ends. It will chill you to the bones. WHERE MADNESS LIES alternates between the 1980s' Massachusetts and 1930's Germany. From injustice, mental illness, the powerful, eugenics, and cruelty of human lives. Two women, both stories equally as compelling across generations...........................................This is a gripping story about loss, hope, and redemption, and parallels with our world today. What I loved about this story is the way it was told so as to hear from the members of the family and their need to protect. A perfect title. Thank you, Sylvia, for writing this close to your heart story about the shameful secrets that cross three generations of a once-proud aristocratic family. Written with compassion, emotion, and heart, I think this author has found her calling, and I hope we see more historical fiction from her soon. A compelling story about the horrors of our past generations: sadly, today, our world has not learned from past mistakes.................Highly recommend! Top Books of 2021. ~ Judith D. Collins (Media), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Where Madness Lies is a wonderfully written book. It is a tale of a family dealing with mental illness. The characters are very well developed and pull you into the story right away. One woman, Inga, is determined to help her sister that suffers from some form of mental illness and save her from the Nazi's that want to rid Germany of mental illness. Years later, her granddaughter has depression and Inga must relive the past to help her granddaughter deal with the depression and overcome the stigma that comes with it. The story itself will tug at your heart, but knowing that it is based on a true story makes it heartbreaking. ~ Lori Johnson (Reviewer), NetGalley

...........................I loved the last few chapters, which brought the threads together without seeming twee or convenient. The last page was the perfect ending. Thank you Sylvia True for allowing the past of your own family's story to breathe life into this one. It was not a comfortable read, but a compelling one all the same.. ~ Hannah Gordon (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. One woman links two stories together fifty years apart, both revolving around mental health issues. In 1934 Germany Inga’s sister Rigmor suffers from bouts of severe depression, so her wealthy Jewish mother agrees to her being committed to a mental institute partly because of embarrassment and because she wants her daughter to get better. Paperwork and lies soon entangle Rigmor in the system that won’t let her go as doctors are heading down the path of experiments, sterilisation and extermination of those not perfect for the new German dream of Adolph Hitler. In the present day, 1984, a much older Inga comes to the aid of her granddaughter Sabine who has signed herself into a clinic because of postnatal depression she thought she was in control of and didn’t realise that she had signed away the rights to her baby. The story jumps between past and present and had been hushed up all these years, until now..........................The story is based on events that happened to the author’s family. Some things should never be forgotten. ~ Susan Hampson (Reviewer), NetGalley

....................I can't even imagine how the Nazis could euthanise the mentally ill people who they called feeble minded. The dual timeline flipped back and forward seamlessly. The characters were intriguing. The story is based on true historical events which can be heartbreaking to read about. This addictive read is hard to put down. ~ Louise Wilson (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Found this book to be a real page turner. The parallel accounts dive harrowingly and mysteriously into the dark, murky waters of how mental illness can affect people and families. The unravelling of such family secrets are discovered though character accounts taking place in late 1930s Germany and the 1980s USA which adds depth to the story and characters. Would recommend this book for those who enjoy gradual reveals but with satisfying and rounded endings. ~ Daisy Makin (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This was one emotional read and it was so beautifully written. I fell in love with all the main characters as they were all so hurt and distressed. I new of the atrocities inflicted by the Nazi’s n the death camps but this introduced a start that I had no knowledge of. I do not know who I felt the sorrier for nor who I just wanted to give a big hug to.....I had never thought about mental illness before I read this book but it opened my eyes to a new world billed with people who need help. It has always been said that the best writing comes from your own experiences and this is certainly true here , how sad it must have been to have unearthed this true story about your own family and I can only hope that it has helped with any healing and delayed emotional stress. Highly recommend this book to all readers. ~ Sandra Miller (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I read a lot of historical fiction and I have never came upon a story like this one. Before I begin, this novel has some major triggers in regards to those with or know someone with a disability or mental health. To be straight forward Where Madness Lies takes a microscope to the years leading up to Hitler signing the euthanasia decree to the ripple effect it caused immediately and for generations to come. So in other words, approving "mercy killing" any and all who were thought to weaken the future race by having a disability or had any form of mental health problems. Not your typical female espionage or handsome RAF fighter story. As much as this was hard to read I valued and appreciated its voice. There was a great balance in the alternating timeline that gave you a break from the hard reality of the propaganda and just the horrible things that were happening during the second world war. When I reflect on this novel I look at it as a whole, not a specific character or time period but the message and takeaway the entire novel brought. Overall, it is hard to recommend this one because it is heart crushing and you will need to take breaks in between but I say with full assurance that I love literature that speaks to topics like Where Madness Lies did. ~ Elizabeth M (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars............................The horrors of Hitler's racism never seem to have a bottom. I had no clue that experiments performed on mentally ill or depressed people in that era were the precursor to gas chambers. Forced sterilizations are not in the too-distant past of the US either. While mental illness treatment has come a long way, there is still much stigma involved. Certainly the characters in this book suffered that stigma, being put down and threatened with losing their children because of seeking treatment. This book is wonderfully written and is based on the author's true family experiences. You will be drawn into this story of strong women in a time of unbelievable horrors. It's also a cautionary tale about family secrets serving no one. Let's hope that bringing these stories to light helps prevent the atrocities of the past.. ~ Sharon May (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Sylvia True writes a crisp tale covering an aspect of WWII in Germany that is not often addressed. Actually, Where Madness Lies is a timeline of the growth - and lack thereof - in psychiatric care in the last century both in Europe and in the U.S. This was a hard book to read, especially in these pandemic days when we can't picture going on like this for much longer without going crazy. Watching our president stumble around like a madman. It is however essential that we do all keep abreast of the growth and expansion of the care of the mentally ill. And Sylvia True takes us there. Read it, please, and keep in mind that every family has a member who is just that little bit 'off'. Who is yours, and how are they thriving? ~ Bonnye Reed Fry (Reviewer) , NetGalley

..........................The author has based this novel on her own family, and I applaud her for sharing this story with others. Her detailed, rich, complex, and nuanced characters make the story come alive and I found it quite easy to relate to the pain and struggles of each of them. It was fascinating to read about this subject from the WWII perspective. Of all the WWII novels I have read, this is the first to address the topic so directly. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical novels and family sagas. A wonderful read!! ~ Kathy Fuchs (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the traveling eugenics exhibit that was displayed at my local science museum. Up until that time, I had not read much about eugenics in regards to the United States and Germany. To say I was shocked by the horrific details presented would be an understatement. When I read the synopsis of “Where Madness Lies” I knew I had to read it. This dual timeline story shaped from the author’s own family history takes place in 1934 and 1984. In 1984, we follow Sabine who is being admitted to a mental facility following the birth of her daughter. In 1934, we follow Frieda and her daughters Inga and Rigmore. Rigmore suffers from an unknown mental illness and Inga and Frieda will do anything to see that she is taken care of even going so far as to having her admitted to psychiatric institution known as Sonnenstein. Back in 1984, we find out that Sabine is Inga’s granddaughter and Inga feels she must help her in anyway that she can and not allow the past to be repeated. This chilling and heartbreaking story details atrocities that were perpetrated on the mentally ill all for the sake of a great race. I was moved to tears numerous times while reading this book. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in historical fiction and eugenics as I have not seen many fiction books focus on this topic before. As a World War II historical fiction fanatic, I wholeheartedly give this book 5 stars and it will be on my Best List of 2021. ~ Jennifer Bass (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars........................This was a very emotional read. However, there were so many beautiful moments within the horror that was Nazi Germany...... I loved this author's style of writing and would definitely try another book by her. ~ Petal Montague-Sylvester (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The Nazis extermination of between 275,000-300,000 disabled and mentally ill people is a subject largely overlooked by society, and I’ve never before seen it as a subject for historical fiction. I only knew because it formed part of my degree dissertation on literature and disability. I’m really pleased to see someone bring it to light in this way. We follow three generations of a family, linked by Inga who survived WW2 to pass on family history to her daughter Sabine. In one timeline we see Sabine struggle with depression and an anxiety disorder, to such an extent she voluntary agrees to treatment in hospital. Only too late, realising this will mean giving up her baby as she can’t go with her into the institution. These events take Inga back to Germany when her sister Rigmor, was also struggling with her mental health. She becomes a patient at Sonnenstein, a progressive treatment facility, to get well. However, Inge becomes swept up in the rise of eugenics and ideas of regression, popular within the Nazi party. Inga desperately tries to save her. Years later, Inga must now fight for her granddaughter. I truly enjoyed that, although this is a serious subject, there is hope underlying Sabine’s quest. I could tell how close the writer was to this story - part of her own family history. Underlying the story are interesting questions about mental health and it’s prevalence in some families, whether this it learned or is there a genetic aspect? How we sometimes need to excavate the past in order to understand the present. The reader has to confront deep ethical questions about following orders or being complicit. Despite these tough subjects, the book is beautifully written and very accessible. I will be writing a fuller review for my blog soon. ~ Hayley Baxter (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is a book about sibling love and mental illness both in Germany and in the eighties in America. This is the story of 2 sisters Inga, Rigmour and their overbearing mother and granddaughter Sabine. Rigmour suffers from mental illness and her sister and mother will do anything to make her well again , so with help from their psychiatrist friend Arnold, Rigmour voluntarily enters a private psychiatric clinic with deadly consequences. This is also the story of eugenics and forced sterilization of people with mental illness in Nazi Germany. There is also a family secret which involves Sabine ‘s own history of mental illness and her grandmother Inga’s mission to save her granddaughter from Rigmour’s fate.. This book is a well written story of love and hope for the two sisters in a hopeless horrific situation and eventually redemption. ~ Gillian Evans (Educator), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. A tender, raw and poignant story regarding mental health, eugenics and the unfolding of the terrible consequences of this in Germany (& other areas) during the second world war, and the correlation to more modern understandings of psychology and mental illness. The ripples felt through several generations from the 1930s through to the 1980s of one family and the consequences of actions taken and secrets held, is very carefully and intricately told through the perspectives of Inga, her granddaughter Sabine and a doctor /family friend called Arnold. If you are not already aware of the Nazi eugenics campaign against those who had mental illness or disabilities this is a story based very much on true events well documented from this era and also based on the author's own family history. It is heartbreaking, terrifying and a clear warning of how these kinds of terrible events and beliefs rise in a society, not through some sudden force but slowly seeping in as prejudice, propaganda and pseudoscience convincingly masquerades as a saviour for humanity. The trauma and guilt from her past comes back to haunt Inga as she sees her granddaughter struggling with a familiar illness and she becomes determined to step in and make things right, but along the way inevitably her own secrets are revealed. ~ Gem Fletcher (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Whenever you pick a book covering this type of topic you know it is not going to be a light read, but this one, very eloquently covers mental illness, the early stages of Hitler’s brutal plan for the perfect race, and how a family lives with their secrets. The author does it all, very very well. I came to love Inga, she was a force in her own right, Rigmor, Arnold, Agnes and of course Sabine, they each had their struggles but they loved each other and their devotion was remarkable, especially Arnold and Rigmor. We go back and forth between the 1930’s and 1985. The description of both time periods was done so well, you could picture the inside of the institutions, and you could feel how the mental illness affected them. Not only is this a personal family saga it is also a great representation of the Nazi’s process of eliminating the mentally ill, legalizing sterilization and manipulating everyone to cover it up. I am still aghast during this time period that we had so much evidence but didn’t want to believe and chose to ignore it was really going on. The ending was absolutely remarkable. I gave a big sigh when it was over and could see Inga smiling. This book may not be for everyone, but it certainly was for me an awesome read. ~ Teresa Young (Reviewer), NetGalley

Where Madness Lies is an utterly compelling historical novel about the Nazi genocide, told from the perspective of psychiatric patients who reveal the generational impact of mental illness. The two-part story begins in 1934 in Germany, where Inga Blumenthal and her sister Rigmor live with their demanding mother. Rigmor is beleaguered with anxiety and sleeplessness, hallucinations, and debilitating fear, but doctors are unable to diagnose and treat her. Inga decides to study psychiatry on her own. Then Rigmor is institutionalized, placed under the care of Arnold Richter at the Sonnenstein Psychiatric Hospital. The two become close. A Nazi eugenics program leads to terrifying developments for Rigmor, despite Inga’s best efforts to cure her. In 1984, Inga lives in Switzerland. She receives word that her granddaughter, Sabine, has checked herself into McLean Psychiatric Hospital in Boston. Sabine, a new mother, has found herself unable to cope. Inga travels to the United States to help her granddaughter, leading her to unravel the story of Rigmor’s fate. These tragic revelations help Sabine and Inga to forge a stronger bond. The book’s chapters are brief and their details close, and its characterizations are complex. Inga’s aristocratic Jewish family is subjected to cruelty in Nazi Germany; in the 1980s, Sabine is riddled by anxiety that she can’t control. Clear parallels are drawn between Rigmor and Sabine, despite their separate psychiatric institutions and differing periods. Though they are considered more fragile than society at large, they are shown to be courageous. Hereditary mental health is at the fore of the novel’s search for understanding, as are the consequences of eugenics movements. Where Madness Lies is an illuminating story about how so much about mental health is beyond the individuals’ control. ~ Foreword Reviews, Review

Historical fiction based on WWII is very popular but this book is unlike any historical fiction I have read before. The subject of mental illness during this time period is very fascinating and definitely eye-opening. Sylvia True writes so well and the jumping between time periods really worked for this book. ~ Kelly Long (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. The generational gap stories always hold my attention because they tie the past with the present (even if the present isn't TODAY's time, it's still a present timeline) Tying the past/present in a generational time gap both shows differences in the times, but also similarities between the times and its characters in both. Truly a wonderful read. ~ Kensley Lewis (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. It is the year 1934 in Germany. Inga’s sister Rigmor is suffering from depression and psychosis. It’s a time in which people suffering from mental illnesses are frowned upon. Inga and her mother Frieda have tried several doctors and treatments, but to no avail. Then Inga comes up with a new plan. They have to find Rigmor a friend, someone she can talk to and perhaps even fall in love with. Inga chooses psychiatrist Arnold for this. Hesitant at first he accepts and gets involved in Rigmors life, leading up to her being institutionalized at Sonnenstein Castle in Pirna. Will Rigmor be okay? Then it is 1984. Inga flies to the United States after hearing that her granddaughter Sabine has been admitted to a mental hospital. Sabine is also suffering from depression and psychosis. Inga desperately wants to help her granddaughter and make sure that she escapes the fate that her sister Rigmor had to endure. Even if it means bringing back tormenting memories. At the hospital she meets her greatgranddaughter Mia. Will Sabine be able to hold on to Mia? This is the gripping story told by Sylvia True in Where Madness Lies. I was entranced by it from the beginning to the end. The incredible sadness of it all, but still leading to that hopeful ending. .................This is a book everyone needs to read to get a better understanding of people suffering from depression. The combination of the historical point of view and the more recent developments give a great insight in what those people go through. It doesn’t only show the symptoms of their mental illness, but it also paints a clear picture of the distrust and scepticism other people show towards their illness. Trust me, it has been like that and it still is. ~

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Let me start by saying I am not a fan of historical fiction but I found myself entranced by this book. I struggle with mental health issues and the way the subject was delicately handled by the author was a breath of fresh air, especially in a book that presented how individuals with mental health issues were so horribly treated in the past. The main characters are likable and easy to relate to - my favorites being Sabine and Inga. I don’t often cry when reading books but I felt such a connection to these characters I found myself emotional at times. Switching between time periods worked extremely well - the author did this flawlessly. The atmosphere and settings were beautifully and sometimes disturbingly described. I felt like I was there with the characters and I will miss them. I was touched by this book and shown that true love can conquer brutal hatred from outside forces and even quiet inner demons. Thank you to Sylvia True for sharing a bit of your wonderfully beautiful family with us. ~ Rachel Ogden (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’ve read a lot of historical books about World War 2 but nothing quite like this before. This book looks at mental health and the way people with any sort of differences were viewed by the Nazi Party. It is quite an eye opener and a stark reminder to us all how easily things can change as policies were put in place during the 1930s without much notice from the wider population or the outside World.. Reading this book you also get an insight into the wider impact that living with mental health problems has on the whole family both in terms of how it effects everyone’s lives and also how it influences future generations genetically. This book is a really good and interesting read made even more amazing by the fact that it is based on the author’s very own family story. Whilst the subject matter is quite difficult to read about the author has managed to write about it in a really sensitive and accessible way.................. ~ Lynne Packer (Reviewer), NetGalley

Excellent read from Sylvia True, a tough subject I’m drawn to, the holocaust and mental health. A comparison between Rigmor a woman of Jewish descent and jumping forward to 1984 and a descendant admitted to a psychiatric institution with anxiety and depression. Rigmor’s sister Inga is the strong character holding them both together, trying to protect them both from being stigmatised and with Rigmor from the primitive psychiatric treatments and the rising Nazi power with their discriminations against those who are “undesirable”. A novel built on confidence and a cheerfulness that will prevail the horrors of the war and the separation of a mother and child. ~ Diane Dunn (Reviewer), NetGalley

.............................. I wish that I could force the people who I have known to read this novel but I fear that they would be too stubborn and close minded in their deep beliefs. If by this author's choice to share this story educates just one person to not stigmatize those who have suffered from mental illness than she has succeeded in bringing kindness and compassion to archaic thinking. ~ Karen Murphy (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Sylvia True presents the sort of story that is hard to forget. Heartbreakingly beautiful, Where Madness Lies tells the story of three generations of women and the illness that haunted them. Against the backdrop of the Nazis plans for racial purity, two sisters face insurmountable odds in the search for proper psychiatric care. Time jumps between the 1930s and 40s to the 1980s where a young relative fights her own battle with the same mental illness. Family is reconciled, hurt is healed and hope is found once more through this beautiful story. Along with the personal accounts of the characters, much is explained about the state of psychology through the decades and how dark its history truly is. I fell in love with the characters almost immediately and shared their sorrow, horror and hurt. There was a sense of camaraderie with the women in the story and a deep desire to save them from their circumstance. In the end, I cried for the characters, the history and the terrible things so many endured throughout those difficult times. This story will stay with me forever without a doubt. ~ Katie Robbert (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars..................An absolutely riveting read, Loved it, Love it ! ~ Michael Steed (Reviewer) , NetGalley

......................Sylvia True pulls no punches in her writings. The Nazis executing people they deem unfit to live in Germany and an unreasoning law in Massachusetts allowing a doctor to take away a woman's baby without further recourse are linked together in terms of harm done by authority to those that are suffering from mental illness. Descriptions of the politics prevalent in 1934 Germany and in 1984 Massachusetts are discussed as causes of what is described, but the novel is first and foremost about the devastation of mental illness in a family and the possibility that it will not stop at affecting only one generation. Ms. True does indicate that the story has a basis in the history of her own family which may have allowed her to present the cases so eloquently. A novel very different from most that I have read due to showcasing scenarios that are not that commonly written about in novels. One that does indicate an author that is well worthwhile looking for in the near future. ~ PAUL LANE (Librarian), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is a story based on true events. It is the tale of two sisters, one with a mental illness in rising Nazi Germany and the sister who will do anything to protect her. I haven't read any books dealing with those diagnosed with mental illness in Nazi Germany and this was the first. I couldn't put it down. ~ Tiffany Rose (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. WHERE MADNESS LIES explores the effects of mental illness on two women in the same family, a grandmother and granddaughter in different times and in two countries. Rigmor, the grandmother lives in pre-war Frankfurt, while her granddaughter ( though we don’t know this right away) Sabine lives in 1980s Massachusetts. The link between them is Inga, who will stop at nothing to get help for her sister Rigmor who suffers from depression and psychotic episodes. Despite wealth, influence, and determination, Inga is unable to save her sister. She enlists Dr, Arnold Richter, who becomes doctor, friend, and one-time lover to Rigmor. In caring for her, he gets first hand knowledge of Nazi plans to put the sick and “feeble minded” to death, but his cries fall on deaf ears. Riddled with guilt, Inga then becomes determined to help Sabine, who is institutionalized in 1984. Happily, Sabine’s treatment is more successful given the advances in mental health treatment. Although fiction, the book is based on the author’s own experience and that of her grandmother. It’s a sobering read, but the story is always interesting and moves very quickly. It’s an important book in that it can perhaps help some readers to view mental illness differently. ~ Ronni Krasnow (Librarian) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.............This is beautifully, tragically written and as soon as I grew to identify and recognise the characters my heart and mind raced: it was clear what was going to come, alarm bells resounding ‘Run, Run’ - the inevitability of it all is heartbreaking. I read with horror of the development of the ‘solution’, the description of the shower and for the poor children – babies just neglected, left to die. A powerful, powerful book, perhaps made even more so because it is so understated in places – the place of privilege the family lived in, the position of influence and wealth – in the end, it mattered not. ~ Margaret Duke-Wyer (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A story based on true family history. It made me cry to think of the suffering of forcing sterilisation on people with mental health problems. It’s a powerful read that will stay with me for a long time. I totally recommend this book whilst it’s not a book to ‘enjoy’ it is a worthwhile read. ~ Antonella McFadyen (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. What a pleasant surprise this book was. Sometimes a title or cover catches my eye, or a description intrigues me, as happened with this tale. I thought it might fill a space between books, was more likely one that my wife might enjoy, but i would give it a go. I sat and finished it in two sessions. It was blinking fantastic! There was enough science, modern history and social commentary to fulfil the reader's sense of a book well rounded, with a really intense and gripping human interest, family relationship plot that just demanded to be read and enjoyed. This book is well worth investing your time and effort in and it will reward you well for it. ~ Simon Alphonso (Reviewer), NetGalley

.............This book explores eugenics in an extremely nuanced way; through the story of two women that feels immediate and relevant even today. It also details the history of the creation of gas chambers and complexities of the mental health system in Nazi Germany that doesn't feel too far-off from today. It is a story about people trying their best under extreme circumstances, of the privilege afforded to wealthy Jews fleeing Germany, and of the ongoing stigma of mental illness. Between mandatory sterilization in the 1930s and child custody removal in the 1980s, this novel shows how little changes in the perception and treatment of the mentally ill, even when, in both of these cases, the women were self-admitted to institutions. This is a book that I have not stopped thinking about and that will stay with me for a long time. ~ Erin Vance (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars...............I was moved many times and the fact this was based on a true story increased the affect of the storytelling. Despair, atrocities, mental health issues and suffering ran throughout but it was all overshadowed by the love and care that one human gives another. Fabulous read and highly recommended ~ Keely Robertson (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars...................I highly recommend this book if you want to feel grateful that you are alive now and not back then. ~ Emily Sheppard (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars............This is also a tale about family secrets and traumas, and how they come to be reflected in more contemporary times, through the lives of the children, and those children's children. Yet, this story is one about bravery and heroism too, however originally unprepossessing this heroism and altruism may be encased. ~ Lynda Stevens (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Whilst I have read a lot of books set partially or fully in the Nazi era, this one is different. In my opinion, this book deals with fundamental issues in history that often get overlooked--and still manage to get overlooked a lot of the time now. This book is memorable and has some staying power. I'm still thinking about it weeks after finishing it...... Dealing with the issues of eugenics, forced sterilisation, and mental health are easy subjects to cover, but I found that this author did so with grace. This book is very historically based, and although it is fiction, it is strong fiction based on facts........ I'm hoping for more from this author. ~ Ionia Froment (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars........ This book deals with another, but lesser known, evil perpetrated by the Nazis; the sterilization and euthanasia of the mentally ill in order to assure that their "undesirable traits" won't be passed on to future generations of Germans. The story is told through two timelines. In the 1930's, the book focuses on Rigmor, a young woman institutionalized for her mental illness. In the 1980's, the book focuses on Sabine, also a young woman coping with mental illness. The two timelines are linked by Inga, Rigmor's sister and Sabine's grandmother........ The author does an excellent job showing that mental illness does not equate with weakness. This is a powerful and emotional novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. ~ Kimberly Kieser (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.............This is a story about hope and redemption, about what we pass on, both genetically and culturally. It is about the high price of repression, and how one woman, who lost nearly everything, must be willing to reveal the failures of the past in order to save future generations......................I was utterly engrossed by this book and its subject, probability and its writing. This book was skillfully conceived and as a result, is utterly readable - once I started it I could not put it down. This is a great book club pick as there is so much to discuss here: war, atrocities, mental health, sisters and failure to name a few. Buy this book and read it!! ~ Janet Pole Cousineau (Librarian) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This book was... WOW. I have to say, WWII Historical Fiction is a sub-genre that is NOT short on books, and I do my best to read as many as possible. Knowing the context, I don't expect these stories to be light, and I'm often disappointed when they don't seem to fully convey the horror and tragedies that occurred during this time in history. That said, this book certainly did not disappoint. I cannot claim to be well-versed in the history of mental illness, diagnosis, and treatment, so I won't speak to the accuracy of that. However, the story of these characters, what they went through in 1930's Germany, and the lasting impact those events had on the rest of their lives, was heart-wrenching. I was hooked as soon as this story started and I could hardly put it down until I finished. This is a true testament to the fact that the events of history have an impact on folks for generations, and the specifics of how that happened in this story are just horrifying.................... ~ Meaghan McCoy (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Absolutely loved this book! What a fascinating, wonderful, heartbreaking tale. 10/10 fabulous! A well woven tale of mental illness and how it was misunderstood and abused. Brilliant! ~ Katherine Whitfield (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.................... I'm a big fan of dual timeline stories and this one intrigued and delighted me. Never before have I read a story on mental illness set in Nazi Germany. It's raw, emotional and heart-breaking. The depth of characters is fierce. It's a STUNNING book. ~ Kim McNamara (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I found this story disturbing in a good way if that is possible. Very believable and true to what happened in this type of facility. Even today I think the stigma of mental health is worrying. As this story shows there are no easy fixes for people disabled by these problems. Well written. ~ Tracy Wilson (Bookseller), NetGalley

................A beautiful story of the bonds of family. Sylvia True’s writing style seamlessly took us from the story of Inga and Rigmor - learning from the past for Inga with Sabine. It was heart wrenching and heart warming all at once. I was intrigued from start to finish. I found it fascinating to learn more about mental illness diagnosis and treatments in the 1930s and how it coincided with the Nazi Party. The dynamic between the characters made you feel right in the story with them. It was refreshing to see how all of them grew - understanding that family is most important and communicating the past can draw them even closer. ~ Mollie Wright (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. When I saw the description of Where Madness Lies I was very intrigued and was hopeful to be able to read this ARC. The book did not disappoint. Going between the 30's and 80's and sharing the lives of two young women with mental health issues. The story is told from the standpoint of Inga (the sister and grandmother) and Sabine. I enjoyed learning about the history, although very disturbing and sad, of how individuals with mental health issues were treated during the time of Nazi rule in Germany. Also seeing the hereditary factors at play that continue through out the years. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this fantastic author. Thank you so much! ~ Robyn Renzy (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars......................If you are unfamiliar with the concept of eugenics and how this medically supported (in the early part of the twentieth century) philosophy laid the groundwork for the larger global horror of the Nazi regime's systematic executions within the concentration camps, True's novel provides a personal look at its early applications. We see clearly how its practitioners were able to spin a web of pure evil over the world. Through her story development the reader is able to see how insidiously evil can seep into our world, especially when in the guise of "enlightenment" and advancing the "greater good" its entrenchment is supported by the complicit. ~ Beth Nugent (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This book had me interested from the first time I read the description and it did not disappoint! It wasn't your usual WWII novel because it focused on mental health care at the time. It was so interesting and well done. I loved the characters and the plot flowed so naturally. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. ~ Amy Steeves (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. What follows is a tragic story about the mental health crisis in Germany at the beginning of the Nazi’s reign and how the people directly affected were treated. The story moves between past and present POV across Rigmor and Sabine’s metal health issues and their time spent in asylum’s seeking treatment. Interwoven is a story of a family run by 2 iron willed women and their relationships with men, with each-other, and the family ties that bind them. I am a huge historical fiction fan and so immediately I was interested in this book. I appreciate how the author depicted the symptoms of depression. The reader is provided with a glimpse into what it must be like to endure feelings of despair on an ongoing basis. I loved the blunt forthright tone of Inga and her mother. I loved how naive Arnold and Sabine are about the world in general and their insistence on giving people the benefit of the doubt. A fabulous read! Highly recommend for people who loved Cilka’s Journey, Still Alice, The German Midwife. ~ Jenn Houser (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I’m finding it difficult to begin to explain the experience this book has taught me, a true story from the authors own family. It is an inter generational story about mental illness and the treatments available set in Germany in the 1930s and America in the 1980s. An extremely compelling story of a Jewish aristocratic family living in Germany during the rise of the Nazi regime with insightful facts of how mental illness was viewed and the horrific tragedy that decided the fate of its victims. Alongside this was the story of the granddaughter's voluntary admission to a mental health facility in America and the way she was treated. The struggles of the individuals is very real and some of the narrative is heartbreaking but I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to read it. ~ Loraine Philliban (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A captivating, heart wrenching read as the author weaves between multi generations in this outstanding book. The reader experiences the horror of how mental health illness was experienced and treated historically, and hope for the present. and future. The strength and the resilience of the women in this book is truly inspiring. ~ Sandy Hollan (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. There is much "heart" in True's writing of this tale of two generations of women who suffer mental illness. Therefore, it is no surprise that the novel connects with events from the family history of this author. The novel feels immediate, that we are experiencing the life of Inga, the woman who links these two generations of women. Redemption plays a large role in this novel set in times and places of madness, not only in the minds of the two women Inga attempts to save and bring to a normal life. ~ Carol MacArthur (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Sylvia True's Where Madness Lies is an inter-generational look at mental illness focusing on Germany in the 1930's and America in the 1980's. The story focus is on a young jewish women in 1930s Germany who has mental health problems and in the 198os her sisters granddaughter suffering from severe post natal depression. From a woman who also suffered from severe PND i did find it a difficult story to read at times. But this is a story of hope and redemption and well worth a read. ~ Maggie Bermann (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. One can only imagine how people must have felt in 1930s Germany with the Nazis' move towards euthanasia for mentally ill patients, or those they called feeble-minded.. Heart-breaking, frightening and a true account of the brutality of this dreadful regime. Inga does all she can to save her sister, Rigmor, who is chronically depressed. She is thwarted at every turn, even by their own mother. who blamed Inga for Rigmor's plight. The ending has a satisfying conclusion, but I think it will stay in the mind for some time. ~ Andrea Hicks (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. A different look at the mental institutions and their decimation during World War II in Germany with the Nazi ideology. True shows us the family and its decisions that lead up to an unhappy ending. A family who only wants to help their loved one to be disappointed over and over, with one last effort, not only does it not go well, but ends horrifically with the Nazi party. Highly recommend to historical fiction readers. ~ Janette McMahon (Librarian), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Wow what a book! It really makes you think about mental health practices and how much they have developed over the years. Thank goodness we live in an age now where people who have a mental health illness are not dismissed or tortured or starved to death. The story is set in two time points - the 1930's as the tension with the second world war begins and also in the 1980's. It's clear to see that between these two time points practices have moved on, but they are still very different to what we have today..............It is shocking to think about some of the practices that were seen as normal and acceptable, that those who were mentally unstable were just deemed unfit for life and it would be OK to torture them, to starve them, to relieve their families of the stigma. A very thought-provoking book with a lot to discuss. It would be ideal for book groups. I really enjoyed reading it and stayed up until the early hours devouring the pages as I began to really care for the characters and find out what happened to them. ~ Lor B (Reviewer), NetGalley

"Where Madness Lies" is a compelling story of family and history that weaves together experiences from two different points in time. Inga's struggle to heal and protect her mentally ill sister as the Nazis rise to power in Germany is mirrored years later—though under much different circumstances—as she tries to support her granddaughter who has just admitted herself to a mental hospital in Massachusetts. The story jumps back and forth in time (between 1934/1984) as we slowly learn the events of the past and how they have influenced the future. There's so much heart depicted in the relationships and a compelling depth to all the characters, even those that could be considered secondary or tertiary to the main plot. I would highly recommend this book—it speaks not only to the horrors of the Holocaust and eugenics; it forces the reader to grapple with questions of ethics and complicity. At what point do your actions (or inaction) make you complicit? What secrets do you/should you keep to protect those around you? It's not a light read, but an important one. And it's especially compelling knowing that this fictionalized account is based on events from the author's life. ~ Courtni Kopietz (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This is a true story based on the author's family and their experience of mental health during the war and also in 1984.. It is beautifully written and I would definitely recommend this as a great read. I found myself drawn to the main characters in this book that follow Inga, Rigmor and Sabine in their quest to understand and treat mental illness. Although the subject matter is difficult, the way in which this story is told is also about strength, love and hope. The story revolves around Rigmor, who suffers with depression in 1934 during Nazi Germany and also of Sabine in 1984. The story jumps from one generation to the other throughout, offering the reader the chance to link together the two different experiences and allows you to really feel the emotion of both stories throughout. It never fails to shock me, however many books I read about Nazi Germany the horrendous, heinous way that people were treated and I did wonder what this book would offer that is different to others. The author has written this true story about her family and she has done this so well. I genuinely felt the emotions that Inga must have felt, the desperation of wanting to help her sister and doing everything in her power to do so and also the feeling of helplessness and guilt and how this affected generations to follow. Definitely worth a read. ~ Kerrie Spooner (Reviewer), NetGalley

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I was eager to follow along the story of Inga, Rigmor and Sabine. As someone who has been struggling somewhat with depression from time to time I found it interesting seeing how it has been dealt with previously. However the book is not mainly about mental illness, but more so about the people, their relationships and their way of dealing with someones mental illness and how that changes. Looking back in time at how psychiatry has changed and how horrific it was acted out in Nazi Germany makes me really thankful for being alive today...... ~ Elin Söderlund (Reviewer), NetGalley

A gripping book, all the more so because it is based on the experiences of the author's own family. This book serves as a reminder of just how persuasive Nazi propaganda was to many, and the evils that were enacted in the quest to create the master race. The extermination (or in the words of the propaganda 'disinfection') of anyone who did not fit the ideals is hard to comprehend, but it happened. The other facet of the story is around the inheritance of mental illness - early genetic theories are touched on, as is the difference between the treatment of mental health problems now and then. Although much has changed and treatments are now humane and often effective, the stigma surrounding mental illness remains for many - a topic dealt with well in the book. A really thought-provoking read. ~ Katharine Lang (Educator), NetGalley

Touching and captivating, Where Madness Lies by Sylvia True, is a tale of love for family portrayed in many forms. Through 3 generations, beginning in pre-war Germany and ending in modern-day Boston, the strength of this love is tested. ...............Written clearly, that portrays the heart and soul of two women bound by the ties of a family secret. The honest and frightening scenes describing the smooth yet, horrifying, invasion of Germany by the Nazi Regime leaves a feeling of deep compassion for those that suffered. Sylvia True weaves a beautiful tale of pride, love, fear and hope into a well-written novel that keeps the reader engaged throughout ~ Sandra van Rooyen (Reviewer), NetGalley

Sylvia True has written a masterful novel. Where Madness Lies unfolds against the backdrop of the Holocaust and seamlessly reflects back to us our own perilous times. With lyrical Prose and keenly observed detail True takes a heartfelt and chilling look at what makes us human. Where Madness Lies is a story of illness and power, of regret and hope, fragility and strength and Sylvia True has told it with utter insight and beauty. ~ Annie Weatherwax, author of All We Had, now a major motion picture

Sylvia True’s novel is a voyage into the madness of madness, tracing the Nazis’ seduction of Germany into the moral catastrophe of racial hygiene. The author shows us not only how the eugenics of race hygiene threaten a family held hostage by its cruelty, but how echoes of this struggle resonate years later in the safety of postwar America. The narrative is written in the voices of two women you can’t stop caring about. True tells a story of urgent and deeply consequential familial love across three generations. ~ Alex Rosenberg, author of The Girl from Krakow

Alternating between 1980's Massachusetts and 1930's Germany, Where Madness Lies is an intimate page-turner that is full of heart. This brave novel explores a little-known and horrifying footnote of the Holocaust, as well as longtime patriarchal tendencies to use women's mental health against them, especially as a means of gaining power and control. Engrossing and devastating, Where Madness Lies reminds us of how much is at stake today, as democracy is threatened and fascism looms large. It also reminds us of the power of human connection and the inherent goodness of most people. ~ Heidi Pitlor,author of Daylight Marriage; Series editor for Best American Short Stories

Absorbing and intelligent, Where Madness Lies is a brave and uplifting reflection on an ever-sensitive subject. With deftly-rendered characters, True illustrates just how strong the connections are between past and present. ~ Maryanne O’Hara, Author of Cascade

Brave, heartbreaking and utterly compelling, Sylvia True’s new novel portrays the cost of a shameful secret across three generations of a once proud aristocratic family. Moving seamlessly between prewar Germany and Reagan-era Boston, Where Madness Lies is at once a tragedy of well-meaning actions that lead to devastating consequences and a story of redemption and the healing power of truth. Written in clear and at times chilling prose, this book captured me on the first page and stayed with me long after I finished. ~ Stephanie Kegan, author of Golden State