In the old science building at my college there was a little room off to the side of the women's restroom with couches in it. This is because women going to college in the 1950's and 60's were encouraged to nap between classes so that their small, inferior brains didn't get overstimulated and so that they didn't make themselves ill or tired with too much studying. 
 This book reminds me of that. 
 (view spoiler)[ The woman in the story is essentially locked up by her husband shortly after the birth of their child because she is suffering from postpartum depression. She is separated from her child and deprived of stimulation and human interaction so that her tiny female brain can heal. I call bullshit. (hide spoiler)]