Mon Vrai Nom Est Elizabeth/My Real Name is Elzabeth by Adèle Yon was a French literary hit last year, with translations in English and German, among other languages and the recipient of many prestigious French literary prizes.
The story is built around a personal history: searching for traces of life of her great grandmother, who spent 17 years in a mental institution as diagnosed with schizophrenia, the author is revealing a story of abuse and manipulation, where medical science - Betsy/Elizabeth was one the first to undergo a lobotomy in 1950 - was used for oppression aims.
The book has the authenticity of ´MeStory´ with a touch of documentary authenticity. The story is compelling because it goes beyond the individual account, as it reaches out to the longer duration of the history of mentalities.
Yon uses the investigative base, with a very clear objective - the fear of being tainted by the same mental condition - allowing space though for meditation on women history and the tragical fate of those who refused to submit. In the very specific case of the book, the Catholic milieu - not often portrayed, but very much real, because France means more than just the laic anti-religious Paris - plays a very important role in shaping the family interactions, the medical interpretations as well as the reactions of the family members.
The choice and approach of the topic did not surprise me: I was aware from the very few lines where the conclusion will lead to. However, the story is individual and is worth reading it for its uniqueness. By fiercely gathering personal memories, letters, fragments of conversations, Elizabeth´s fate may not be changed, but her personal story can be rewritten. The story of the many Elizabeths can be rewritten as well, hopefully.
Rating: 4.5 stars
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