I am sure this is mostly due to the fact that the author (Flora Rheta Schreiber) was a psychiatrist, and this was one of her first (only?) novels. A little too clinical in the language, and a little lacking in the dramatic elements. (Good thing there was nobody around to hear me except for Magnum).Īs far as writing style, I wouldn't say it was the best. When I was reading the sections describing what she had done to her daughter, I was literally beating my head with the book and saying 'That's so fucked up!' out loud. However, I had no concept of the extent or the perversity of Sybil's mother's abuse which had been the prime instigation for Sybil's dissociations. The name 'Sybil' is very well known, and carries some stigma, in pop culture. I have never seen the movie but, of course, knew what I was in for when I got the book. It's the true story, of the three womens lives, and is factual and much more interesting. Instead of reading Sybil, read Sybil Exposed. It was later proven to be written in 1945, because Shirley said she had been reading a book not published in 1941, and the journal was written in ballpoint.which didn't exist in 1941. Flora was doubting SHirley's story, and to make her stay with the project, Shirley gave her a journal from 1941, with proof that she had been switching personalities before meeting Connie. In fact, when talking to another theripest, Shirley asked if he wanted her to 'act like Marcia,' and when he said no, she said, 'Oh, Connie is always telling me to act like Peggy or Tim, or.' Shirley developed all of her 'personalities' after working with Dr. Extensive research has been done on Sybil's case, and it has been proven that the entire book was fictious. Shirley, or 'Sybil' as she's known, did not suffer from DID. This book was the brainchild of three women: Cornelia Wilbur, Shirley Mason, and Flora Schreiber. For all of you about to read this book, thinking it's a true story, please read the following:

This book is one of the most disgusting books ever written.

Flora schreiber sybil