Official Review: Nightmares and Other Therapy by D W Carver

[SarahPapesh]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Nightmares and Other Therapy" by D W Carver.]

I have always been fascinated with the human psyche. The human mind is phenomenal in how it works, and it takes understanding for an author to be able to incorporate that into a story. Nightmares and Other Therapy by D.W. Carver is a psychological thriller based in the 1960's, at a time when mental illness was still quite taboo. In this book , Carver uses the setting to provide a forbidden quality to the human condition that is portrayed in this book. The story on the surface is engaging, but there is also subtext below which can be quite provocative.

The reader is introduced to Michael, a young man who struggles with violent thoughts and a weird obsession. His character is quickly explained as one of being unstable when, because of a “fit” of sorts, Michael faces legal problems and is forced to register himself at a local mental hospital. Throughout the book, the reader is left to wonder who Michael truly is, as his character continues to change. The reader also sees him wrestle with his “enemies,” both real and imagined.

Although there is limited symbolism, it is still prevalent in the story. However, the most interesting aspect of the story is the way Carver uses a story set in the past to get the reader thinking about the present and future. The author could have set Michael in present day, but would not have had the ability to really explore the psyche as much as he has been able to with it being set in 1960's. The reader gets an opportunity use a modern window in which to view a period story with very period-appropriate ideals.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The story line was interesting and intriguing, and the protagonist, Michael, is a complex character who is very well-written. If the author did not have a background in mental health counseling, I don’t think that the story would be as interesting as it is. His knowledge helps to create characters that are realistic and believable, and not just what the layman would imagine as someone with mental illness. The author is able to take a character like Michael and actually make the reader feel protective over him, all the while wanting to see Michael understand his mental illness and overcome it.

What I did not particularly like about the book was the constant sexual references and situations. Without giving away any “spoilers,” future readers should be forewarned that the author does go into some very uncomfortable subject matter. It is by no means pornographic, but the subject matter would constitute this as something suitable for adults only. The subject matter as it was discussed was very direct and candid and made me feel uncomfortable, especially since I was not expecting it when I read the book. However, it is relevant to the story line, so it should not be removed or altered – just made me uncomfortable. The author does a good job to help relieve the reader of some of this discomfort, though, by using humor and sarcasm when appropriate – good placement.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I liked it, but the ending was too forced and came too soon. I would have liked to have learned more about Michael at the end with more detail. It was such a shame to have so much detail and then come to an abrupt ending with very little detail – very disappointing.

***
Buy "Nightmares and Other Therapy" on Amazon