Set This House in Order

Set This House in Order follows Andrew Gage, a man with multiple personality disorder (MPD) who has achieved a functional arrangement with the many souls inhabiting his mind. He works as a software tester in Seattle and maintains order among his internal population through a sophisticated mental architecture he calls "the house." Andrew's structured existence faces disruption when he meets Penny Driver, a new coworker who also has MPD but lacks awareness of her condition. Their connection leads Andrew to confront unresolved aspects of his past while trying to help Penny navigate her fractured identity. The narrative alternates between Andrew's present-day experiences and revelations about his history, including the events that shaped his multiple personalities. The story moves between Seattle and Andrew's hometown in Missouri as both central characters pursue answers about themselves. This novel explores identity, trauma, and the ways people construct meaning from chaos. Through its examination of multiple personality disorder, the book raises questions about the nature of consciousness and what constitutes a unified self.

Readers found the book's portrayal of multiple personality disorder thoughtful and well-researched. Many noted the complex narrative structure worked effectively to show different personalities' perspectives. Several reviews praised the balance between serious subject matter and moments of humor. Likes: - Character development, especially the relationship dynamics - Accurate depiction of DID/MPD according to readers with clinical experience - Engaging mystery elements woven throughout - Clear writing style that makes complex concepts accessible Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers struggled to track multiple personality shifts - Several mentioned the ending felt rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (280+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common reader quote: "Handles a sensitive topic with respect while still telling an engaging story"

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🧠 Matt Ruff spent six years researching and writing "Set This House in Order," including extensive interviews with people diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). 📚 The book's title comes from a line in "A Prayer Before Birth," a poem by Louis MacNeice which deals with themes of identity and self-preservation. 💫 The novel won the James Tiptree Jr. Award and the Washington State Book Award, garnering praise for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of DID. 🎯 Unlike many fictional portrayals of DID, Ruff chose to focus on the day-to-day reality of living with multiple personalities rather than sensationalizing the condition. 🏠 The "memory house" system used by the protagonist Andrew to organize his multiple personalities is based on actual therapeutic techniques used by some people with DID.