The Book I Love
The Mad Women's Ball (Le Bal des Folles) by Victoria Mas is a novel set in the 19th-century in Paris, focusing on the lives of women at the Salpêtrière hospital. In this institution, women labeled "hysterical" or mentally ill are confined and treated by male doctors who misunderstand or misuse their power.
The story centers on Eugénie, a young woman who can see spirits. When her conservative family discovers her ability, they commit her to the Salpêtrière. There, Eugénie meets other women with varied backgrounds and reasons for being institutionalized, from genuine illness to simple nonconformity.
A key event in the novel is the annual "Mad Women's Ball," where wealthy Parisians attend to observe the patients as a form of entertainment. This event underscores society’s objectification and misunderstanding of these women. However, it also becomes a moment of resistance and unity among the women.
Mas’s novel offers a critical look at historical treatment of women, particularly those who defied expectations. Through Eugénie’s story, The Mad Women's Ball highlights themes of resilience and the strength found in female solidarity.
The film I Enjoy
The Green Mile is a drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on Stephen King’s novel. The story takes place in an American prison in the 1930s, on death row, where prisoners wait for their execution.
The film follows Paul Edgecomb, a kind and fair prison guard, who meets John Coffey, a very large but gentle prisoner accused of a terrible crime. Paul soon discovers that John has a mysterious gift: he can heal people by touching them. This special ability makes Paul question whether John is truly guilty of the crime he was convicted for.
Through this relationship, The Green Mile explores themes like justice, compassion, and forgiveness. Paul and his colleagues start to see John as an innocent man, a victim of society’s fear and prejudice. The film also critiques the death penalty and shows the impact of mistakes in the justice system.
The prison, called “the Green Mile,” becomes a place for reflection on life and death. The Green Mile is a touching story about kindness, suffering, and redemption, showing how one man can change the lives of those around him.
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