In HYSTERIA, we meet a young woman an hour into yet another alcohol-fueled, masochistic, sexual bender at her local bar. There is a new bartender working this time, one she hasn’t seen before, and who can properly make a drink. He looks familiar, and as she is consumed by shame from her behavior the previous week— hooking up with her parents’ colleague and her roommate’s brother— she also becomes convinced that her Brooklyn bartender is actually Sigmund Freud. They embark on a relationship, and she is forced to confront her past through the prism of their complex, revealing, and sometimes shocking meetings.
With the help of Freud—or whoever he is—she begins to untangle her Oedipal leanings, her upbringing, and her desires. Jessica Gross’s debut is unflinchingly perceptive and honest, darkly funny, and unafraid of mining the deepest fears of contemporary lives.
Let me take you on a journey through the wild and unfiltered world of Hysteria. It’s a narrative that dances on the edge of chaos, echoing the bold spirit of Fleabag while carving out its own unique path. As I delved into its pages, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions, navigating the turbulent waters of desire, rage, and self-discovery.
I’ll be honest, this isn’t a book for everyone. It’s raw, it’s intense, and it’s definitely not afraid to push boundaries. For me, it was like stepping into the mind of a protagonist who’s equal parts captivating and infuriating, struggling to make sense of her own tumultuous existence.
In many ways, this book feels like it was written for those who find solace in the messiness of life. It’s a narrative that speaks to the complexities of female identity, grappling with daddy issues and mental health battles with an unapologetic fervor. It’s for those who see themselves as both the manic pixie dream girl and the one battling depression, finding beauty in the chaos of it all.
That being said, while Hysteria held moments of brilliance, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me overall. I found myself drawn in by its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of female sexuality, but at times, the narrative felt disjointed, leaving me longing for more cohesion.
So, I’ll give it three stars—a solid effort with flashes of brilliance, but ultimately falling short of its full potential. If you’re looking for a read that’s equal parts captivating and cathartic, ‘Hysteria’ might just be worth diving into. Just be prepared for a wild ride.”
The Queen Reads♕ 