Sybil Exposed

The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case

By: Debbie Nathan

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Journalist Debbie Nathan reveals the true story behind the famous case of Sybil, the woman with sixteen different personalities.

©2011 Debbie Nathan (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Leveling a steady eye on her oft-sensationalized subject, Nathan serves up a tale just as shocking as the famed original," ( Publishers Weekly)

my mind is blown

Sybil was the story that peaked my interest in abnormal psychology when I was young and the research presented here says it's all a lie. Loved the book, couldn't stop listening

Fascinating and educational

Very interesting book with solid research. Readers who questioned "so was it all a hoax?" after listening have missed the incredible depth and nuance of the story. I learned a lot about multiple personality disorder and gained a greater understanding of the mental health system.

An Impressive Look Into MPD/DID

I added this book to my library after binge watching a variety of YouTube videos from creators who allegedly have DID. My suspicion of the condition came from the "Alters caught on camera" videos as these videos seemed to perceive DID as a circus act. What began as a curious look into the life of the woman known to the world as 'Sybil' became an extensive look into how vanity destroyed the lives of many women. The ways in which many psycho-analyst treated their patients felt in a way like the YouTubers I watched portrayed themselves, like circus acts. Despite the horrific acts recalled in Sybil Exposed, Debbie Nathan did an excellent job gathering her sources and presenting the information in a neutral manner. Sybil Exposed is a great non-fiction novel and I would recommend it to everyone especially those who perceive themselves as mental health advocates.

Truthful and well researched

Provides insight to a time when psychiatric science was done poorly and egos got in the way. The story does start out slowly, as the author provides important background information.

WOW! This Book is a Revalation!

I have spent a lifetime as the only child of a mentally ill woman who has a similar story of abusive childhood and histrionic behavior. I’ve read every psychology book I could get my hands on trying to deal with her. This book completely unraveled so much of what I have long suspected with my own mother. My mom also had a childhood diagnosis of anemia, fainting, blackouts. She has been full of disappearing acts and became a parasitic parent. She lived in San Antonio as a young g mom to me, during the years that Sybil was released as a newspaper periodical. All of the social media and promotion mentioned in this book were things that directly influenced my mom and she no doubt fes off of. I am so grateful to the author for her research and disection of the truth behind this story.