The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters - Review

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Olivia Mead is a suffragist during a time that prefers its girls to be quiet and obedient. Olivia’s father, upset by her lack of femininity, hires a stage mesmerist to hypnotize the rebellion out of her and make her the perfect future wife for a young man. However, Henri, the hypnotist with interesting motives of his own, gives her the ability to see people’s true natures, even though she is unable to speak her mind and verbally express her anger. These challenges only make her all the more determined to speak her mind and fight for women's basic rights as American citizens.

The Cure for Dreaming is only the second book I've read by Cat Winters, but I would say that she is well on her way to becoming one of my favorite authors. I love how she is able to so expertly combine a stirring historical fiction novel with paranormal elements that really enrich and complement the well-researched historical (great selection of real-life photos included) aspect of the novel. I've always been fascinated with this time period and Olivia's story is a fantastic glimpse into the era. As a character, Olivia is a great heroine to take us on this journey. As a modern woman of the 21st century, following Olivia's story makes it quite accessible and her voice is refreshing in the light of those she faces in the novel. Even though the story is set in 1900, the subject matter still feels timely and urgent.

I highly recommend The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters. If you liked her previous release, In the Shadow of Blackbirds, you should not miss her newest book. I, for one, am interested in reading anything and everything she will write in the future. Since I've always been interested in the topics this story revolves around, I also plan on checking out the recommended reading at the end of the book.


I read this novel from February 8 - 12, 2015 and my review is also on Goodreads.