Where I share my love of books with reviews, features, giveaways and memes. Family and needlepoint are thrown in from time to time.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday: The Listener

The Listener by Shira Nayman

Publisher/Publication Date: Simon and Schuster, Dec 29, 2009

TWO YEARS AFTER THE END OF WORLD WAR II, a mysterious figure, Bertram Reiner, appears at Shadowbrook, a private asylum whose elegant hallways, vaulted ceilings, and magnificent grounds suggest a country estate more than a psychiatric hospital. At first, the chief psychiatrist -- as genteel as his aristocratic surrounds -- considers his charismatic patient to be a classic, though particularly intriguing, case of war neurosis. But as treatment progresses, Dr. Harrison's sense of clarity clouds over, and he is drawn into Bertram's disquieting preoccupations.

Then, late one night, an intruder is sighted on the hospital grounds, the first in a series of uncanny events that appear to the doctor to be strangely linked; clues abound, yet the truth about Bertram seems always to slip away. Meanwhile, Dr. Harrison's own long-buried troubles reemerge with brutal force. As the careful contours of his existence begin to waver, the doctor is plunged into dangerous, compulsive territory.

When Dr. Harrison finds himself spying on his head nurse, Matilda, even following her one midnight through the underground tunnels that join the hospital buildings, he knows there is no turning back. He is desperate to get to the bottom of the intertwining mysteries connecting Bertram, Matilda, and himself, and senses that everything in his life -- and theirs -- is at stake.

Set against the backdrop of the insanity of war, The Listener explores the havoc historical trauma plays with the psyche, and illuminates the uncertain boundary between sanity and insanity. Shira Nayman's storytelling is mesmerizing. The Listener is a riveting tale of madness, mystery, and passion that excavates the dark corners of the human heart and mind. It is a work of rare depth and power.



What are you waiting for? Waiting on Wednesdays is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.



9 comments:

Jill said...

I hadn't heard of this one...and I'm intrigued. Great pick...Happy Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

This sounds good! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

bermudaonion said...

That looks like a good one too!

Alayne said...

Wow this one sounds really good! And the cover is fabulous. Here's my pick: http://thecrowdedleaf.wordpress.com/

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Wow, sounds good!

Marce said...

I'm completely intrigued by this one.

Here is mine
http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2009/11/2010-published-date-books-already-on.html

Jessica said...

Ohh, this one sounds very intriguing! Great pick!

You can check out my WoW post here.

Heidi V said...

Great Pick I'm going to have to keep my eye out for this one.. Happy Thanksgiving!

Becca said...

Great pick, Kristi. I love the cover of the book, too.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...