The Painted Bridge by Wendy Wallace

In 1859 England, Anna Palmer’s husband, a minister, declares her psychologically unfit and admits her into a shoddy private asylum known as Lake House. There Anna is subjected to terrifying and destructive treatments, the acceptable psychiatric practice of that day. Nearly broken, Anna discovers hope in relationships with fellow patients and in a visiting doctor who longs to prove his theory that his photographs of the patients will aid in the diagnosis of their mental illnesses or prove their sanity. How Anna survives and surmounts her troubles is the subject of this riveting novel, which also subtly contrasts the misuse of the Bible and religious power with the authentic message of the One who says, “Come to me.” (Scribner)