'Sybil' by Flora Rheta Schreiber is a gripping account of the life of Sybil Dorsett, a woman who suffered from dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder. The story delves into the treatment of Sybil by her psychoanalyst, Cornelia B. Wilbur, chronicling her journey of coping with 16 distinct personalities. explores the complexities of this psychological disorder and the impact of severe childhood abuse on Sybil's mental well-being.

The writing style of 'Sybil' is described as a mix of heartbreaking narrative and psychological analysis. presents a detailed account of Sybil's experiences, including her struggles, therapy sessions, and gradual healing process. While some readers found the clinical language and psychoanalysis to be overwhelming, others appreciated the depth and insight provided into Sybil's condition and the treatment she received.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a mixture of clinical prose and in-depth psychological analysis that can be challenging and sometimes tedious for the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on Sybil's traumatic experiences during childhood and her resultant dissociative identity disorder, detailing her complex journey through therapy and integration of her multiple personalities.

Setting:

The setting includes mid-20th century America, focusing on therapy environments where Sybil's treatment unfolds against a backdrop of societal views on mental illness.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, often slow due to detailed analysis and repetitive explanations, yet includes moments of quicker progression during significant psychological breakthroughs.

Nancy Lou Ann Baldwin (date undetermined): interested in politics as fulfillment of biblical prophecy and intensely afraid of Roman Catholics; fey; her physical characteristics resemble those of the P...

Genres:

nonfiction

psychological case study

biography

Topics:

dissociative identity disorder

multiple personalities

psychological recovery

Notes:

Sybil had sixteen distinct personalities due to childhood trauma.

Her mother, Hattie Dorsett, was abusive both sexually and mentally.

Many critics doubt the validity of the case study presented in the book.

Sybil's therapy lasted over a decade, focusing on 'integration.'

Some personalities, like Vicky, were aware of the existence of others, while Sybil was not.

The book illustrates the deep psychological impact of child abuse.

The terms used in the book reflect outdated psychological practices.

The story was later adapted into a mini-series featuring Sally Field.

Reading the book is an emotional journey that highlights the struggles of mental illness.

There's controversy around whether the book is a true story or exaggerated fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains triggers for child abuse, psychological trauma, and themes surrounding mental health struggles.

From The Publisher:

'How are you today?' the doctor asked. 'I'm fine', was the reply. 'But Sybil isn't. She was so sick she couldn't come. So I came instead.' Sybil is the story of a woman with sixteen separate personalities, and was instrumental in influencing the definition and diagnosis of multiple personality disorder.

Sybil's diagnosis has since been called into question - but, forty years after it was first published, her story remains a gripping and disturbing account of one woman's struggle for mental stability and happiness. 'Astonishing book . . . It forces you to look at yourself and the people around you in a new way.' Doris Lessing

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (5)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (22):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (3)

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Sybil: The Classic True Story of a Woman Possessed by Sixteen Personalities

Flora Rheta Schreiber