Inconvenient People

This book reveals the shocking stories of the Victorian era, focusing on false lunacy accusations and societal pressures. Inconvenient People exposes the darker side of the time.

In Inconvenient People, Sarah Wise delves into the hidden narratives of the Victorian era, revealing twelve shocking stories that have remained untold for over a century. These tales expose the darker aspects of the upper and middle classes, including their complex sexuality, fears of inherited madness, and the financial greed that often led to fraudulent accusations. The book paints a chilling picture of the motives behind the phenomenon of the 'inconvenient person,' shining a light on the societal pressures and personal vendettas that fueled these tragic events.

The narrative explores the unsettling reality of false allegations of lunacy, where individuals could be unjustly confined to asylums due to the whims of family members or acquaintances. With the rise of the 'mad-doctor' profession, the threat to personal liberty became increasingly pronounced, as medical professionals often acted in collusion with unscrupulous relatives. Wise's work not only recounts these harrowing tales but also critiques the societal structures that allowed such abuses to flourish.

Through gaslight tales of rooftop escapes, daylight abductions, and the existence of fanatical cults like the Abode of Love, Inconvenient People immerses readers in a world where sanity was often a matter of perspective. Wise's meticulous research and compelling storytelling provide a fine social history that highlights the struggles of those who fought against their confinement and the broader implications for society at large.