Butcher by Joyce Carol Oates is a gripping and unsettling novel that delves into the dark history of medical practices in the 19th century. The story centers around Dr. Silas Weir, dubbed the "Father of Gyno-Psychiatry," who conducts brutal experiments on women at the New Jersey Asylum for Female Lunatics. Weir's character is a blend of historical figures, and his horrific treatments are based on real procedures from the time.

The narrative is presented through a series of testimonies compiled by Weir's son, Jonathan, providing multiple perspectives on Weir's life and work. This format allows Oates to explore not just Weir's twisted psyche but also the experiences and voices of his victims, particularly Brigit, a young Irish servant who becomes central to the doctor's experiments and ultimate downfall.

Critics have praised Oates for her ability to create a vivid, harrowing world that feels both distant and disturbingly relevant. The novel is noted for its gothic atmosphere and its commentary on the abuses of patriarchy, women's rights, and social inequalities. While the content is intense and often gruesome, Oates's skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged to the very end.

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