The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s by Hanna Alkaf is a gripping psychological horror story with a profound social commentary on the silencing of sexual abuse victims.
The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s by Hanna Alkaf is a horror and mystery novel set in a prestigious all-girls school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The story begins with a chilling incident: a girl starts screaming for no apparent reason, then more follow, triggering a wave of hysteria among the students. As the phenomenon spreads, some of the screamers mysteriously disappear.
The story unfolds through the perspectives of two protagonists: Khadijah, who stopped talking after being sexually abused by her stepfather, and Rachel, a straight-A student struggling under the weight of her overbearing mother’s expectations. Khadijah, determined to protect her sister who is among the screamers, begins to investigate the cause of the hysteria. Meanwhile, Rachel, a sceptic of the paranormal, starts exhibiting strange behaviours. As they delve deeper into the mystery, both girls find their lives increasingly at risk.
This novel isn’t a traditional horror story but a tension-filled psychological one. It offers a profound social commentary on the silencing of sexual abuse victims, and how real-life monsters can be more terrifying than supernatural ones. I love that the story is set in Malaysia, making its characters and cultural context even more relatable for readers hlin this part of the world. However, I did wish the ending was less rushed. Still, I enjoyed and highly recommend this gripping and thought-provoking young adult read.
The publisher’s age recommendation for this book is 14 years old and older. Thank you Definitely Books (Pansing) for sending this advance reader's copy for my review and the lovely matching tote bag!. This book is now available at all good bookstores. Receive this free mini tote bag with your purchase at these bookstores (while stocks last) - Singapore: Kinokuniya, Wardah Books. Malaysia: Lit Books, Popular, Kinokuniya, Bookalicious, Tsutaya, MPH.
Disclaimer: The book was provided by Pansing for our review. As always, all opinions are ours.
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