"Madwoman" Will Wreck You (In the Best Way Possible)- "Madwoman" by Chelsea Bieker

Looking for a book to mess you up? Madwoman is the one.

This book was a wild ride for me. You know how some books show up at exactly the right time, just when you’re meant to read them? Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker was that book. I’m in a season where old wounds—particularly the ones inflicted by my mom—are resurfacing, and this story arrived in my hands like a punch to the gut. To make it even spookier, the book is set in Portland, the city I just moved to.

Madwoman does a hauntingly beautiful job of portraying the effects of childhood trauma and growing up around domestic violence. The protagonist’s descent into holistic and wellness practices as a trauma response—an effort to control her surroundings—felt incredibly on point and believable. For me, this book captures the reality of domestic violence far more effectively than It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.

What really stood out in the writing was how the main character would seamlessly converse with her mother, who wasn’t physically there. It felt raw and real, as if she was carrying on the same internal dialogue we often have in our own heads—a battle between the past and present.

The only reason this book lost 0.25 stars for me is the ending. With decades of trauma, grief, anger, and shame laid out so powerfully, the resolution felt a little too neat. I expected something more complex emotionally, but instead, it felt smoothed over. How do you move so quickly from all of that pain to just hopeful?

That said, Madwoman is a deeply impactful read. It’s important to check the trigger warnings beforehand, but if you’re ready to face some heavy themes, this book will leave a mark on you.

Happy reading!

Bobbi

P.S.... You may be wondering why there are tarot cards in this picture. While reading Madwoman, there was a particular scene that struck me deeply and brought a specific tarot deck to mind. I felt compelled to ask the deck: What do I need to know from this novel?

The cards I pulled: Strength, Three of Swords, The Sun, and The Star.

The Strength card represents inner resilience and the courage to face painful truths—something the protagonist embodies as she confronts her trauma. The Three of Swords reflects the deep wounds of grief, heartbreak, and unresolved pain that permeate the story. The Sun serves as a reminder that clarity and hope can emerge even in moments of despair, while The Star symbolizes healing, renewal, and the possibility of finding peace after turmoil.

Together, these cards capture the essence of Madwoman—a raw, haunting, and ultimately hopeful exploration of trauma, survival, and the human spirit.