19th century.....Blanche Monnier........misery beyond imagination (case, criminal, news)

[snowmountains]

Locked up by her own mother since she was 25 for falling in love with someone the mother disapproved of, only to be discovered 25 years later, weigh only 55 pounds, living in her own filth.

Is there anything sadder than this?!

Yet the criminals--mother and brother got away with it.

By the way, if there is anyone good in French, would really, really appreciate if you could type that handwritten anonymous letter for me (see picture of the letter in the following link, also attachment). I could get translation from somewhere, but I can't make out all the words/spellings.

Link to the article here:

French socialite Blanche Monnier who vanished for 25 years locked in attic | Daily Mail Online

[goodmockingbird]

Her "mother" was arrested and died soon after being jailed.

The brother was imprisoned but later released after claiming Blanche could have walked away at any time.

I keep wondering why the young woman couldn't figure out some way to either trick her way out or slowly and carefully whittle away at the doorframe, hinges, or even the roof itself, with something -- anything -- even the tiniest shred of metal or glass. 25 years is a long time.

There must have been some incredible pathology in that whole family.

[snowmountains]

Originally Posted by goodmockingbird

Her "mother" was arrested and died soon after being jailed.

The brother was imprisoned but later released after claiming Blanche could have walked away at any time.

I keep wondering why the young woman couldn't figure out some way to either trick her way out or slowly and carefully whittle away at the doorframe, hinges, or even the roof itself, with something -- anything -- even the tiniest shred of metal or glass. 25 years is a long time.

There must have been some incredible pathology in that whole family.

That's why I said the mother and brother got away, without due punishment that they deserved.

Unlike those few infamous prison escapees, the young woman was alone, with no resources, tools or otherwise, no help (from friends, relatives , or prison guard, and no physical power. An ordinary padlock was enough to keep her locked. The only people who were supposed to be concerned for her was the very ones that put her in such situation. The lawyer couldn't have communications with her. Just imagine!

[Cliffie]

I hope they adjusted the laws after this deplorable case so that it's harder to orchestrate something like that.