Hysterical: A Memoir

Elissa Bassist's memoir "Hysterical" explores how women internalize directives about their voice, making it hard to emote or speak up. She encourages women to unmute their voice, listen to it above all others, and use it again without regret.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Hachette Books

Between 2016 and 2018, Elissa Bassist sought the help of over twenty medical professionals in an attempt to alleviate a multitude of enigmatic ailments that plagued her body and mind. Like millions of American women, Bassist endured persistent pain that defied conventional medical explanations, a physique that eluded scientific comprehension, and a psyche that perplexed human understanding. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when an acupuncturist suggested that some of her physical discomfort might be rooted in the suppressed expression of caged fury. Intrigued by this notion, Bassist embarked on a unique treatment regimen that focused on addressing her voice. To her astonishment, the treatment proved effective, alleviating not only her physical pain but also the underlying emotional turmoil that had been plaguing her for years.

Growing up, Bassist's family, romantic partners, educational institutions, workplaces, and the media perpetuated a narrow and restrictive notion of what a woman's voice should entail. She was frequently labeled as dramatic and unstable for expressing her opinions, accused of overreacting and playing the victim for experiencing unexplained physical pain, and disregarded or reprimanded for using her voice inappropriately, particularly when expressing emotions such as sadness, suffering, anger, or joy. As a result, Bassist internalized these societal expectations and learned to suppress her true emotions, resorting to saying yes when she meant no, refraining from tweeting #MeToo, and constantly fearing the consequences of being perceived as too emotional.

Despite the internalized rage simmering within her, Bassist, like many women, felt compelled to repress it, adhering to the societal norms of femininity and restraint. However, the repression of her emotions took a toll on her well-being, leaving her feeling depleted and disconnected from her authentic self. In her memoir, Hysterical, Bassist delves into the intricate ways in which girls and women internalize and perpetuate directives about their voice, hindering their ability to emote and advocate for change. She argues that the suppression of women's voices has been a longstanding issue that has contributed to the perpetuation of patriarchal structures and the marginalization of women in society.

Bassist's personal journey serves as a testament to the power of reclaiming one's voice. Through her own experiences and introspection, she has learned to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and embrace her true essence. She encourages others to do the same, urging them to unmute their voices, listen to them above all others, and use them without fear or regret. By doing so, Bassist believes, we can create a world where women's voices are heard, valued, and celebrated, and where true equality and empowerment can be achieved.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780306827372