Assessment:
Plot: Though it veers dangerously close to an it-was-all-a-dream conclusion, Schulz's story of a protagonist coping with a crippling psychological disorder maintains its mystery elements while dropping enough clues to justify the "reveal" of the last few pages.
Prose/Style: Uncommon turns of phrase and the novel's European setting add a beguiling patina to the story. The dialogue is unforced; apt descriptions of the physical setting heighten the emotional content.
Originality: That a narrative featuring a young woman with obsessive compulsive disorder is penned by a writer with OCD herself contributes considerable eye-opening authenticity to the novel.
Character Development: The author's ability to craft two nicely differentiated personalities for a singular character is admirable. Other characters, even those who are marginal, are well wrought.
Date Submitted: August 12, 2019
This book is awesome! What is even more amazing is that it is this author's first novel and written in English which is not her first language. The voices flow from a traumatised childhood through to a deeply troubled adulthood with an almost naive honesty. OCD (Obsessive, Compulsive Disorder) takes centre stage. The author treats this sensitive subject with the same open honesty which succeeds in portraying for us the debilitating and constrictive existence endured by the sufferer. It is a captivating tale with an explosive and unexpected climatic ending. This book reminds me of Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" in as much as it should, on completion, be placed aside , to settle, and then, in time be 're-read with a new insight and understanding.
“Beautifully written, the author captures the intense warmth of the characters, beyond the OCD and illustrates the utter courage and determination needed to survive this insidious illness. This book will change the perception of how people view OCD forever, as the human cost of OCD is laid bare for the reader to see.”
Ashley Fulwood, Chief Executive of OCD-UK
A journalist from the Washington Post requested a copy last week and I am SO excited about this. Can't wait to hear back from him and what he says about my book :).
