August

Dr. Lulu Shinefield, a New York psychoanalyst, takes on Dawn Henley as a patient in what becomes a complex therapeutic relationship. The narrative alternates between Lulu's personal life and her sessions with Dawn, spanning multiple years of treatment. Dawn Henley arrives in therapy carrying the weight of a complicated family history and adoption story, while Dr. Shinefield navigates her own challenges as a mother, wife, and daughter. The therapeutic process unfolds against the backdrop of New York City and the annual August break, when analysts traditionally leave their patients to vacation. The story examines the boundaries between professional and personal life, as both women confront their individual struggles with identity, relationships, and the past. Through their evolving therapeutic alliance, Rossner's novel explores themes of maternal bonds, professional ethics, and the intricate nature of healing psychological wounds.

Readers found this book slower-paced and less gripping than Rossner's "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," with many noting it takes time to become invested in the story. The psychological depth and complex mother-daughter relationships drew praise, particularly the exploration of therapy dynamics. Likes: - Detailed portrayal of psychotherapy sessions - Authentic character development - Nuanced handling of eating disorders - Raw emotional honesty Dislikes: - Slow beginning - Dense, sometimes confusing narrative structure - Time jumps between scenes - Abrupt ending that left questions unanswered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (307 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Several readers mentioned abandoning the book before finishing due to pacing issues. One reviewer noted: "The therapy scenes feel real but the plot meanders." Another said: "Worth pushing through the slow start for the rich character study."

Looking for Mr. Goodbar by Judith Rossner A story of a woman's descent into New York City's dangerous singles scene parallels August's exploration of therapy and psychological complexity.

In Treatment by Rodrigo Garcia The structure follows multiple therapy sessions between a psychiatrist and patients, revealing the intricate dynamics of doctor-patient relationships.

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering The narrative tracks a toxic relationship's psychological impact through therapy sessions and personal revelations.

The Patient by Steena Holmes A therapist becomes entangled in her patient's life while confronting her own past trauma and professional boundaries.

Lying on the Couch by Irvin D. Yalom The interweaving stories of multiple therapy relationships expose the complexities of psychological treatment and human connection.

🔸 "August" was published in 1983, a decade after Rossner's breakthrough novel "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," which was later adapted into a film starring Diane Keaton. 🔸 The novel's August setting refers to the traditional practice of psychotherapists taking vacation during this month, a custom that originated in Freud's Vienna and continues in many practices today. 🔸 Judith Rossner conducted extensive research for the book by interviewing numerous psychiatrists and psychoanalysts to ensure accuracy in her portrayal of therapeutic relationships. 🔸 The author drew partial inspiration from the real-life murder of psychotherapist Tanya Tarasoff, which led to the establishment of the "Tarasoff Rule" regarding therapist-patient confidentiality. 🔸 Like her character Dr. Lulu Shinefield, Rossner was a longtime resident of New York City's Upper West Side, where much of the novel's action takes place.