The book About Blanche and Marie, by Per Olov Enquist

Only when you are about halfway through this book do you think of checking on the cover and title page to see whether it is fiction or non-fiction. And it clearly states – “A Novel” and “fiction”. It is a feature of Enquist’s writing that he builds fascinating fiction around fairly small and obscure historical references. In this case the reference is a painting by Andre Brouillet, that depicts a female patient of 19th century Neurologist, Dr. J.M. Charcot. There are two themes, that of Marie Curie, and the diaries of Blanche Wittman, a patient of Dr. Charcot. Enquist weaves these lives together in such an enthralling and infuriating way that the reader wants to believe it is all fact. (Continue reading…)