Title: Hysteria
Author: Megan Miranda
First published February 5, 2013
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780802723109 (ISBN10: 0802723101)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
When Mallory’s boyfriend, Brian, was killed, she couldn’t recall the details of that night. But she was never charged because everyone believed it was self-defense.
Even so, Mallory still senses Brian’s presence in her life. Is she going mad, or is there a more sinister explanation?
In search of a fresh beginning, Mallory is sent to Monroe, an elite prep school where she can start anew. But her secrets and the feeling that she’s being followed come along with her.
Then, one of her classmates is found dead, and Mallory finds herself the prime suspect. Now, she must remember the events of both deadly nights and prove her innocence to herself and others.
In this gripping story of life, death, and the fine line between the two, Megan Miranda’s remarkable storytelling takes readers on a journey to the brink of insanity and back.
About the Author
Meet Megan Miranda, a talented author who has made her mark in the literary world. With her impressive credentials, it’s no surprise that she’s a New York Times bestselling author.
Her books include All the Missing Girls, The Perfect Stranger, The Last House Guest, The Girl from Widow Hills, Such a Quiet Place, and The Last to Vanish. She’s also written several books for young adults.
Megan grew up in New Jersey and is an MIT alum. She now resides in North Carolina with her husband and two children.
Her next thrilling novel, The Only Survivors, is set to be released on April 11th, 2023.
If you want to stay updated on Megan’s writing journey, you can follow her on Instagram at @MeganLMiranda or on Facebook at @AuthorMeganMiranda. You can also visit her website for more information.
Editoral Review
In Megan Miranda’s 2013 debut novel, “Hysteria,” readers are introduced to a world of secrets, lies, and the tortured psyche of a teenage girl struggling to come to terms with the traumatic events of her past. Miranda, known for her thrillers and suspenseful plots, does not disappoint with this haunting and intricately crafted story.
“Hysteria” is a young adult novel that explores the themes of mental illness, family dysfunction, and the dangers of keeping secrets. The story is set in a small coastal town in Maine, where protagonist Mallory has spent the last three years grappling with the aftermath of an accident that killed her best friend and left Mallory with no memory of what happened.
Returning to school after a stint in therapy, Mallory must navigate the intricate web of lies and half-truths that the people in her life have spun around her, while also wrestling with flashbacks and panic attacks that threaten to overwhelm her at any moment. Miranda’s writing style is beautiful and evocative, with lush descriptions of the natural world forming a vivid backdrop to the dark and unsettling events of the story.
Mallory is a complex and compelling character, sensitively drawn and deeply sympathetic, as she tries to piece together the fragments of her memory and uncover the truth about what really happened on the night of the accident. Along the way, she encounters a cast of intriguing and unpredictable characters, including her troubled ex-boyfriend Reid and the enigmatic new girl at school, Colleen.
The pacing of the book is masterful, with Miranda expertly controlling the flow of information and building tension throughout the story. While the twisty plot is full of surprises and reveals, the strength of the book lies in its exploration of mental health and the complex interplay between trauma and memory.
Miranda is able to capture the disorienting experience of living with mental illness in a way that is both nuanced and empathetic, while not shying away from the darkness and complexity of the subject matter. One criticism of “Hysteria” might be that the ending feels a bit rushed and tidy, with all loose ends neatly wrapped up and resolved.
Some readers may find this resolution a bit too pat, given the complexity of the issues the book addresses. However, this is a minor quibble in a book that is otherwise a stunning and thought-provoking debut.
Overall, “Hysteria” is a must-read for anyone interested in young adult fiction that tackles big themes with sensitivity and intelligence. Fans of Miranda’s other work will not be disappointed, and newcomers to her writing will be drawn in by the novel’s captivating characters, haunting setting, and intricate plot.
With its strong voice, engaging characters, and powerful exploration of mental health and trauma, “Hysteria” is a book that will stay with readers long after the final page. The Washington Post gives it a score of 4.5 out of 5.
