August Strindberg 
The Inferno 
A Stark Exploration of Mental Illness, Marriage, and Society in 19th Century Sweden

August Strindberg’s ‘The Inferno’ is a powerful and provocative work that explores themes of mental illness, marital strife, and societal norms. Written in a stark and minimalist style, the book mirrors the oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere that the protagonist finds himself in. Strindberg’s use of stream-of-consciousness writing adds to the intensity of the narrative, providing a raw and unfiltered look into the mind of a man on the brink of breakdown. Set in late 19th century Sweden, the book reflects the author’s own struggles with mental health issues and his critique of the restrictive nature of Swedish society at the time. Strindberg’s keen observations on human behavior and his innovative approach to storytelling make ‘The Inferno’ a must-read for fans of psychological literature and Scandinavian classics alike.