The Cure for Dreaming

Olivia Mead is a suffragist in 1900s Portland, Oregon, who encounters a mesmerizing stage hypnotist named Henri Reverie. Her father hires Henri to hypnotize Olivia into becoming a proper, obedient young woman who will reject her progressive ideas about women's rights. Henri's hypnosis has an unexpected effect - it allows Olivia to see people's true natures and the harsh realities of her world. She must navigate her changing perceptions while continuing to fight for women's suffrage, despite her father's attempts to control her. The novel combines historical fiction with supernatural elements to explore themes of women's rights, power, and the battle between societal expectations and personal convictions. The backdrop of early 20th century America provides both social commentary and a window into the suffragist movement.

Readers praise the historical accuracy and feminist themes, noting how the book connects women's suffrage to modern gender issues. Many appreciate the gothic atmosphere and supernatural elements that enhance rather than overshadow the historical narrative. Common praise points: - Strong character development of protagonist Olivia - Integration of real historical photographs - Clear parallels between 1900s and present-day feminism - Educational value about suffrage movement Main criticisms: - Plot pacing slows in middle sections - Romance subplot feels underdeveloped - Some found the ending too abrupt - Several readers wanted more exploration of hypnotism element Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (80+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 "Perfect blend of history and supernatural" - Goodreads reviewer "Great for teens learning about women's rights" - Amazon reviewer "Wanted more from the ending" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🎯 The book's main character, Olivia Mead, is named after suffragist Olivia Langdon Clemens, who was Mark Twain's wife. 🎭 The hypnotism scenes in the novel were inspired by actual stage hypnotists who performed throughout America during the Victorian era, including the famous Annie De Montford. ⚡ Author Cat Winters conducted extensive research on Portland, Oregon's anti-suffrage movement, discovering that the city had particularly strong opposition to women's voting rights in the early 1900s. 🗳️ The novel is set in 1900, exactly 20 years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which finally gave American women the right to vote. 🌙 The book's Victorian-era Portland setting features real historical locations that still exist today, including the Pittock Mansion and Pioneer Courthouse Square.