75 pages • 2 hours read
Flora Rheta SchreiberSybil
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber follows Sybil Dorsett's journey through therapy with Dr. Wilbur, uncovering her struggles with multiple personality disorder, which emerged due to severe childhood trauma. The narrative details her progression from grappling with "blank spaces" in her memory to confronting and integrating her many distinct personalities, ultimately achieving a semblance of normalcy in her adult life. This story includes accounts of childhood abuse and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber offers a gripping exploration of multiple personality disorder, praised for its detailed narrative and psychological depth. Critics appreciate the compelling storytelling and the book's ability to humanize mental illness. However, some reviewers question the accuracy and ethical aspects of the case history. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, albeit controversial, read.
Who Should Read Sybil?
Readers who enjoy a combination of psychological intrigue and real-life drama, akin to The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes, will be captivated by Flora Rheta Schreiber's Sybil. The book appeals to those interested in complex psychological case studies enhanced by a compelling narrative.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
940LBook Details
Psychology
Mental Illness
Science / Nature
Values/Ideas: Music
Psychology
Biography
Classic Fiction