Books/films/people who mistreat wives and label them insane

[Fishboneschokus]

Am I wrong in thinking that this is a common theme?
I don't think that I have read enough books to give examples.
The only thing that I can up with was the recent docudrama about Lucan, who wanted to divorce his wife so tricked her into going to a 'health spa', which turned out to be a sanatorium.

I have looked up gas lighting but NOY 100 percent if I have it right.

Hi there,

We're moving this thread over to our Adult Fiction topic for safekeeping.

Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for, but The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry deals with the mistreatment of a woman, who was then confined to a psychiatric hospital for having a baby.

Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes has domestic violence and emotional abuse at its heart.

Some great suggestions here.

I was going to suggest a film 'The Changeling'. I don't remember there being a husband but it was very disturbing.

This novel Wildthorn by Jane Eagland is excellent aimed at YA audience and very detailed. It is based on a true story as explained on her website. Not well known but well worth reading.

janeeagland.com/books/wildthorn/

I studied this theme at university and it can greatly affect you. I studied The Yellow Wallpaper and The Shitter of Snow (Emily Holmes Coleman). This was related to PND and is screaming to be made into a film.

Do read The Madwoman in the Attic anyone interested in the theme - they give you such a detailed analysis of the Victorian novels and poems which introduce the themes later taken on by more modern authors.

The Pocket Wife by Susan Crawford has a bit of this sort of thing going on.

The Nearest Thing to Crazy by Elizabeth Forbes also might be worth a look.

The Magpies by Mark Edwards is good and has similar tones and themes.

Who Is Sarah Lawson by KJ Rabane is another good one with similar themes going on. A woman goes home to find a strange family living in her house, insisting she is not who she claims to be.

I watched a film recently with this kind of story, it was one of those American films that didn't make it to the big screen so can't remember the title.
In the end the young woman was having a baby and the Mil drugged her so that she could take the baby from her. anyone know it?

sorry just gave huge chunk of the story away but the rest of film is very good with twists etc

Films that spring to mind:

Suspicion (Hitchcock)
What Lies Beneath (Harrison Ford was one of the actors)
Gaslight (of course)
Stepford Wives
Rosemary's Baby
Dial M for Murder (sort of)

Haven't seen it in a while but "Sorry, Wrong Number" a famous film and radio play I think is along these lines.

You're right, it's a popular plot device.

Another film is Midnight Lace starring Doris Day and Rex Harrison. Certainly fits the criteria. I remember loving this film when I was younger but not sure it's a particularly great film

Oh yes, I loved Midnight Lace as well! It's not perhaps the greatest filmmaking ever but quite entertaining for a couple of hours. "Mrs. Preston...." that eerie voice!