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megmcardle's review against another edition
2.0
The premise of this historical first novel is that Sigmund Freud visited America in 1909 to deliver a famous series of lectures (all true). This was his only visit to America, and supposedly he did not form a favorable opinion of the country. The author imagines that while visiting, Freud and his party get involved in a murder investigation, using the still relatively young discipline of psychoanalysis to investigate the crime. Using actual historical figures in literature is a tricky business, especially when a great deal is known about them. The author wisely uses Freud sparingly, as an advisor to his protagonist, who is a young American psychoanalyst. As Freud's party (which includes his protege Carl Jung) arrives in New York, there is a sensational murder of a young socialist. Another woman was found alive, but with no memory of the attack. As the young psychologist begins to work with this woman, with the guidance of Freud, we get a glimpse of the working methods of early psychologists, including Freud's then very controversial ideas that all adult neuroses have their roots in inappropriate sexual feelings, i.e. his Oedipal Complex theory.
The books narration alternates between the first person narration of psychologist Stratham Younger, and the third person, which is a suppressions jarring technique. Suspects to the sadistic attacks pile up, most promisingly a viscous but wealthy business man who supposedly beats his wife and was obsessed with the victim. But there are far too many others, including even the mentally unbalanced Carl Jung who gets very strange treatment here. All of the suspects and misdirections that the author strews about are ultimately distracting. I was dodging red herrings like I was in the middle of a Seattle fish market! The period detail is good, especially in the authors description of the building of the Manhattan Bridge. There is also an interesting running sidebar about the psychology of Hamlet and the meaning of the "To be or not to be" soliloquy. Still, it could not make up for the lack of strong narration and the too convenient solution to the mystery. If a reader wants to read something like Carr's The Alienist, they would be better served by Anne Perry or Iain Pears, or better yet, re-reading The Alienist.
The books narration alternates between the first person narration of psychologist Stratham Younger, and the third person, which is a suppressions jarring technique. Suspects to the sadistic attacks pile up, most promisingly a viscous but wealthy business man who supposedly beats his wife and was obsessed with the victim. But there are far too many others, including even the mentally unbalanced Carl Jung who gets very strange treatment here. All of the suspects and misdirections that the author strews about are ultimately distracting. I was dodging red herrings like I was in the middle of a Seattle fish market! The period detail is good, especially in the authors description of the building of the Manhattan Bridge. There is also an interesting running sidebar about the psychology of Hamlet and the meaning of the "To be or not to be" soliloquy. Still, it could not make up for the lack of strong narration and the too convenient solution to the mystery. If a reader wants to read something like Carr's The Alienist, they would be better served by Anne Perry or Iain Pears, or better yet, re-reading The Alienist.
tuomosuominen's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent! Couldn't say it better than the about.com Contemporary Literature review by Brenda Hadenfeldt.
lindsaymay92's review against another edition
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
guinevere_s1994's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kimlaurr's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A book mixed with psychology, crime, and mystery. I enjoyed it a lot, and it is entertaining. This book has kept me anticipating what will happen next, and the twists and turns of events at the end are impressive. The pace in the beginning was kind of slow for me, but it kept me entertained through the end when the thorough investigations started.
Detective Littlemore is definitely my favorite. He's funny, clever, and cool, and I'm just glad he didn't leave Dr. Younger in the caisson. As for Dr. Younger, I just didn't like his relationship with Nora or how he feels for her. As for the Banwells and Nora's parents, I can't describe my hatred for them. I just hate them. So much. However, I feel a bit of pity for Clara.
Overall, I loved it. I absolutely love the psychology parts. I was able to learn a lot from it.
Overall, I loved it. I absolutely love the psychology parts. I was able to learn a lot from it.
thelaurasaurus's review against another edition
3.0
A little heavy on the Freud and Hamlet in places, but generally pretty good. Certain aspects of the conclusion didn't make sense to me, and the way the conclusion was explained grated a little, but other than that it was a pleasure to read.
duskk_novels's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
5/5 inspired by Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis, this is an intense, intriguing murder mystery where a sadistic killer is savagely attacking Manhattan's wealthiest heiresses. An intricate tale of murder, taking you to the most dark and dangerous places of the human mind.
A young woman is found dangling from a chandelier, whipped, mutilated and strangled. 24 hours later, the rebellious Nora Acton narrowly escapes the same fate. Left traumatised and hysterical, she loses her memory of the attack. Dr younger, a Freudian analyst is committed to helping her regain her memory whilst using Freudian theories to guide him through the subterfuges of the human mind.
This was elegantly crafted. A harrowing thriller that integrates Freudian theories and Shakespearian literature to explain human behaviour and uncover truths that are just as deadly as the people. Simple, enthralling writing style, brilliant characters with mind shattering plot twists. Although the world building was a little complicated and confusing.
Dr Younger and Detective Littlemore were my favourites. I loved Younger's 'chill' attitude whilst dealing with a murder mystery. He's a sweet, decent, trusting character, a stark contrast against the men preying on Nora's downfall. Littlemore's dedication and ingenious methods to find the killer was admirable, uncoiling a mass of unfathomable, evil secrets. (Also they're so hilarious). This strays from a typical murder mystery, combining literature and psychology to better understand inhumanity and providing a clearer link between psychoanalysis, literature and human evil. A suspenseful, gripping, fantastic read !
Definitely for thriller fans and people who love/study/have studied psychology.
A young woman is found dangling from a chandelier, whipped, mutilated and strangled. 24 hours later, the rebellious Nora Acton narrowly escapes the same fate. Left traumatised and hysterical, she loses her memory of the attack. Dr younger, a Freudian analyst is committed to helping her regain her memory whilst using Freudian theories to guide him through the subterfuges of the human mind.
This was elegantly crafted. A harrowing thriller that integrates Freudian theories and Shakespearian literature to explain human behaviour and uncover truths that are just as deadly as the people. Simple, enthralling writing style, brilliant characters with mind shattering plot twists. Although the world building was a little complicated and confusing.
Dr Younger and Detective Littlemore were my favourites. I loved Younger's 'chill' attitude whilst dealing with a murder mystery. He's a sweet, decent, trusting character, a stark contrast against the men preying on Nora's downfall. Littlemore's dedication and ingenious methods to find the killer was admirable, uncoiling a mass of unfathomable, evil secrets. (Also they're so hilarious). This strays from a typical murder mystery, combining literature and psychology to better understand inhumanity and providing a clearer link between psychoanalysis, literature and human evil. A suspenseful, gripping, fantastic read !
Definitely for thriller fans and people who love/study/have studied psychology.
thebookishepicure's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lorenabachii's review against another edition
5.0
I was referred to this book by my sister-in-law and I am extremely glad that she told me about it. There was a lot of different plot twists that I did not see coming. Especially near the end of the book when everything comes out about who did what. Jed Rubenfeld does a remarkable job in describing details and getting us to understand the story line of all the characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes murder and has an interest in Freud.
miaabreu's review against another edition
5.0
Um policial tremendamente fantástico, com um trabalho de investigação detalhado e curiosamente atractivo! Dos melhores livros que li até hoje!