Explores contemporary Latin American realities through madness narratives by prominent women authors. Close reading of these works reveals a pattern of literary techniques employed by the writers to represent conditions that defy language, make sociopolitical crises tangible and register cultural perceptions of mental illness through literature.

Elvira S�nchez-Blake's shattering testimonial novel Spiral of Silence (Espiral de Silencios) depicts the impact of Colombia's civil war on three women: Norma, an upper-class army wife; Maria Theresa, a young rebel and mother; and Amparo, who comes of age at a critical moment in the country's history.