"Blanche and Marie" is a novel written by Per Olov Enquist that tells the story of the friendship between two women, Blanche Wittman and Marie Curie. Blanche Wittman was a patient at the Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, where she was treated by the famous neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Marie Curie, on the other hand, was a renowned scientist who won two Nobel Prizes for her work in physics and chemistry.
The novel explores the complex relationship between the two women, as they navigate their respective worlds of science and medicine. Blanche, who suffers from hysteria, finds solace in her friendship with Marie, who is struggling with the challenges of being a female scientist in a male-dominated field.
As their friendship deepens, Blanche and Marie confront their own demons and insecurities, finding strength in each other's company. Through their bond, they discover the power of friendship and the importance of supporting one another in the face of adversity.
Overall, "Blanche and Marie" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge. It sheds light on the lives of two remarkable women who defied societal expectations and forged their own paths in a world that sought to limit them.