A dazzling literary thriller - the story of Sigmund Freud assisting a Manhattan murder investigation. Think SHADOW OF THE WIND meets THE HISTORIAN.
THE INTERPRETATION OF MURDER is an inventive tour de force inspired by Sigmund Freud's 1909 visit to America, accompanied by protégé and rival Carl Jung. When a wealthy young debutante is discovered bound, whipped and strangled in a luxurious apartment overlooking the city, and another society beauty narrowly escapes the same fate, the mayor of New York calls upon Freud to use his revolutionary new ideas to help the surviving victim recover her memory of the attack, and solve the crime. But nothing about the attacks - or about the surviving victim, Nora - is quite as it seems. And there are those in very high places determined to stop the truth coming out, and Freud's startling theories taking root on American soil.
The Interpretation of Murder
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Amazon Review
Experienced readers of crime and thrillers tend to stifle a yawn these days when they encounter a mountain of hype about a new book or author. But the fevered word of mouth that has been generated by Jed Rubenfeld’s The Interpretation of Murder is, for once, justified. This is a remarkably ambitious book, taking on a powerful suspenseful narrative, assiduously researched historical detail and a brilliant evocation of time and character. It's not surprising that the book has already been sold in 20 different countries, and is already something of an international publishing phenomenon. The secret, of course, is in plotting, and few carry this off as adroitly as the author does here. But there is some wonderful historical detail here also, and a conjuring up of real-life characters that is very intelligently done.
Despite the outward success of his visit to the USA, Sigmund Freud always spoke as if some trauma had befallen him there. He blamed the country for physical ailments that afflicted him long before his visit. Freud’s biographers have been bemused by his reaction, wondering whether some terrible unknown event might have happened in America that could explain this. The Interpretation of Murder is strikingly written literary thriller constructed around Freud’s American visit. An attractive young debutante is discovered bound, whipped and strangled in a luxurious New York apartment and another society beauty narrowly escapes the same fate. But nothing about the attacks--or the victims--is as it seems.
--Barry Forshaw
Review
‘This is a bold page-turner that propels us from the start with a driving plot and intriguing characters, but also with ideas – a whole history of ideas. It's a richly motivated thriller that will make you reconsider the mysteries of Freud and Hamlet. Here is a novel that you'll only want to put down in order to think more about the book’
(Matthew Pearl, author of The Dante Club )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Jezza
Format:Paperback
In the end I finished this, though it took two attempts. It's not quite good enough, though there is probably a good book in there somewhere. The plot is interestingly complex, and I'm not sure I even followed all of it. But the writing is clunky, and I was especially put off by the continual shifts in narrative viewpoint. It's OK to flip between characters' stories (everyone does that nowadays) but it seems rather crude and televisual here; and I don't think it makes sense for one of these characters to be a first person narrator, but then for other characters to be described by an ommiscient third person narrator.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I think 3 stars is just about right for this book.Set during Freud's visit to New York around the turn of the last century it works reasonably well,but the writing is at times very clumsy and uninvolving.Every now and then the narrative stops and the author presents us with a great slab of description of a building or a large chunk of local history.That apart,it's a reasonable plot, although not one that will tax your intelligence too much,and the characters are fairly well drawn without ever being compelling.
I have to say that Caleb Carr did this sort of thing far,far, better in The Alienist,where he manages to work both period detail and a brief history of psychology fairly seamlessly into a far better narrative.Given that both books are set in New York in similar periods and with similar protaganists I would certainly recommend Carr's book over this one any day.
Another triumph of marketing over talent I'm afraid,but reasonably diverting nevertheless,although I wouldn't really recommend it.
I have to say that Caleb Carr did this sort of thing far,far, better in The Alienist,where he manages to work both period detail and a brief history of psychology fairly seamlessly into a far better narrative.Given that both books are set in New York in similar periods and with similar protaganists I would certainly recommend Carr's book over this one any day.
Another triumph of marketing over talent I'm afraid,but reasonably diverting nevertheless,although I wouldn't really recommend it.
87 of 96 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
OK I'll admit it I'm a fan of the Richard and Judy book club! When I heard the review of this book I knew that I would have to read it, as it deals with three of my favourite things: - Freud, Murder literature and New York (not necessarily in that order). The author is the current Robert R. Slaughter Professor of Law at Yale University. At Princeton he wrote his senior thesis on Freud and at the Juilliard School of Drama studied Shakespeare. Both of these influences are clearly seen in this his first novel. The title is a play on Freud's famous work `The Interpretation of Dreams', the central character Nora, is modelled on the case study of `Dora' and many references are made to the Oedipal explanation of Hamlet.
This book is a work of fiction, but there are some historical truths. Freud did indeed make his one and only visit to New York in 1909, along with Jung. His biographers have long puzzled over the trauma that must have happened there as he refused to speak about it and in fact labelled Americans `savages'.
The story begins with Freud's arrival in New York, the very next morning a beautiful heiress is found bound and strangled in her apartment. The following night another, Nora Acton is discovered bound and wounded, but still alive. The attack has left her unable to speak or remember anything about her ordeal. Freud and a young American, Stratham Younger are enlisted to help Nora Action recover her memory in order to catch the killer.
Being a thriller, the story has numerous twists and turns and, of course, the obligatory twist at the end. However, along the way it beautifully blends fact and fiction, psychoanalytical theory and a vibrant picture of New York society and history. Read more ›
This book is a work of fiction, but there are some historical truths. Freud did indeed make his one and only visit to New York in 1909, along with Jung. His biographers have long puzzled over the trauma that must have happened there as he refused to speak about it and in fact labelled Americans `savages'.
The story begins with Freud's arrival in New York, the very next morning a beautiful heiress is found bound and strangled in her apartment. The following night another, Nora Acton is discovered bound and wounded, but still alive. The attack has left her unable to speak or remember anything about her ordeal. Freud and a young American, Stratham Younger are enlisted to help Nora Action recover her memory in order to catch the killer.
Being a thriller, the story has numerous twists and turns and, of course, the obligatory twist at the end. However, along the way it beautifully blends fact and fiction, psychoanalytical theory and a vibrant picture of New York society and history. Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Simon T.
Format:Paperback
Reading this book is like watching a Sunday night ITV drama, it's easy going, mildly distracting, you'll probably stick it out to the end if you start, and features some rather cliched plot points and characters.
However, once you're finished, it's instantly forgotten.
However, once you're finished, it's instantly forgotten.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was recently selected by my local Book Club, so I more or less had to read it. The title and subject including Freud's only visit to New York in 1909 are intriguing and I read through the first two hundred pages or so fairly quickly. The book then goes haywire and loses all credibility. The plot becomes convoluted and at times almost ludicrous, the characters shallow and unbelievable. The narrative darts from one situation to another, I could hardly keep up with what was happening. It is a shame because the descriptions of the New York social scene and the construction of the Manhattan Bridge are interesting. I am afraid overall I found this a disappointing read about three hundred pages too long.
38 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By Sonia
Format:Paperback
Although I am not much of a reader of crime novels, I found myself devouring this book in a matter of days. Rubenfeld has a weaved a captivating and complex plot, placed it in a highly interesting context, added some effective suspension techniques, hereby creating a compelling narrative that is difficult to put down.
Set in New York City during the early 1900's, this book involves Sigmund Freud and his revolutionary psychoanalysis movement, bringing the reader not only suspense but also food for thought.
The author has clearly performed meticulous research on the novel. There are many historical details of New York City, involving not only major architectural changes such as sky scrapers and suspension bridges, but also the goings on in high society, and the poor living and working conditions of the less fortunate. Also impressive is his knowledge of psychoanalysis, which he successfully breaks down into basics, educating the reader in the process.
However, I found the unraveling of the plot a little too farfetched. Furthermore, I believe the characters are not well enough developed; even though this book is full of psychological theories, the characters remain flat as a board. I would therefore not call this a psychological thriller, but a crime novel with psychological aspects.
Also I found Rubenfeld's description of the scenes a little poor. He focuses mainly on what can be seen or heard, but he hardly describes how the characters feel, what they smell, etc., making this more an account of events, herein failing to bring the reader a sense of presence and creating distance between the story and the reader.
So my conclusion is that this book is definitely interesting enough to pick up, it is a very entertaining and educational read, though by no means is it groundbreaking or revolutionary.
Set in New York City during the early 1900's, this book involves Sigmund Freud and his revolutionary psychoanalysis movement, bringing the reader not only suspense but also food for thought.
The author has clearly performed meticulous research on the novel. There are many historical details of New York City, involving not only major architectural changes such as sky scrapers and suspension bridges, but also the goings on in high society, and the poor living and working conditions of the less fortunate. Also impressive is his knowledge of psychoanalysis, which he successfully breaks down into basics, educating the reader in the process.
However, I found the unraveling of the plot a little too farfetched. Furthermore, I believe the characters are not well enough developed; even though this book is full of psychological theories, the characters remain flat as a board. I would therefore not call this a psychological thriller, but a crime novel with psychological aspects.
Also I found Rubenfeld's description of the scenes a little poor. He focuses mainly on what can be seen or heard, but he hardly describes how the characters feel, what they smell, etc., making this more an account of events, herein failing to bring the reader a sense of presence and creating distance between the story and the reader.
So my conclusion is that this book is definitely interesting enough to pick up, it is a very entertaining and educational read, though by no means is it groundbreaking or revolutionary.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
The interpretation of Murder
Freud's voyage to America is spoilt by murder, conspiracy and an author who has no real ideas of his own. Read more
Published 20 days ago by Rich
4.0 out of 5 stars
ALL IN THE MIND
"America is a mistake." Entertainingly Jed Rubenfeld suggests how Freud came to believe this.
1909. New York. Freud and Jung have just arrived to deliver lectures. Read more
1909. New York. Freud and Jung have just arrived to deliver lectures. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. D. L. Rees
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Blend of Crime, Psychology, History and Place
I loved this book, it really evoked a cinematic sense of place whilst keeping control of the story. Too often books get setting right at the sacrifice of story, or vise-versa but... Read more
Published 3 months ago by M A Tierney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing content and perfect condition.
I ordered this book as a replacement for one I had lost most unfortunately but when the book arrived I was exhilarated, it looked brand new even though it was sold as used! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Hajar
4.0 out of 5 stars
Psychological crime with a dash of Shakespeare!
I absolutely loved this book! Being a student of psychology I found it very interesting to read the Freudian theories in a context with such accuracy of events, despite the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Milly
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Interpretation of Murder
Set in 1909, this novel is a mix of actual and fictional events. Taking the real-life visit of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to the US it jumps off into a murder mystery using... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Steve D
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well written but not gripping
I quite liked the idea of this book, but somehow it didn't work. The book itself was well written but the story failed to hold my attention, and it ended up taking me bout 6 months... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Miss S
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
Bought as a gift but went on to read book myself. Good "who done it" with plenty of twists meaning you revised your opinion on just "who had done it" right to the end. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Ronnie
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Intricate Plot
Jed Rubenfeld's The Interpretation of Murder establishes four story lines: a murder mystery, Sigmund Freud's visit to the USA, Hamlet's inability to act, and the building of modern... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Ken Brimhall
3.0 out of 5 stars
Clever And Thought-Provoking But Pretentious Too
I found this book very clever but it was almost as though it was deliberately trying to be clever for effect, and not because that was the story. Read more
Published 7 months ago by suggsygirl
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