Top 8 Feminist Faves: YANF's 8th Anniversary Episode Pt. II

Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" follows the adventurous journey of Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman, who wagers he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Accompanied by his French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a thrilling race against time, encountering various challenges and exciting adventures along the way. The novel explores themes of adventure, determination, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Verne's detailed descriptions of different cultures and landscapes add to the story's immersive quality. The novel's enduring popularity stems from its captivating plot and timeless themes.

In "Ten Days in a Mad-House", Nellie Bly, a pioneering journalist, fearlessly exposes the brutal conditions of a mental asylum from the inside. Undercover at Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum, Bly feigns insanity to investigate the treatment of patients. Her gripping account reveals the horrific neglect, abuse, and unsanitary conditions endured by the vulnerable. She uncovers the stories of sane women wrongly committed and the systematic degradation of human dignity. Bly's courageous reporting sparks public outrage and leads to significant reforms in mental healthcare. This landmark work of investigative journalism remains a testament to the power of empathy and the fight for social justice.