A professor I know is fond of evaluating a project by saying, "It speaks for itself." While I usually avoid this phrase myself, it's a fitting way to talk about Jed Rubenfeld's debut novel, The Interpretation of Murder. This inventive book is so carefully crafted and engagingly written that it is its own best recommendation, and fans of historical fiction and intricate mysteries alike will enjoy it.
In 1909 New York City, when skyscrapers were first popping up and lavish apartment living became all the rage, two young and beautiful heiresses are victims of an unknown killer with a penchant for knives, silk ties, and a riding crop. Although the second survives, traumatized, she remembers nothing. Help is sought from psychoanalyst Stratham Younger, who is temporarily in New York to meet Sigmund Freud on Freud's only visit to America. Younger soon finds himself caught up in a complex mystery, complete with wealthy New York society, a lovely and puzzling patient, a rivalry between Freud and protégé Carl Jung, a conspiracy against Freud's theories, corruption in the New York police force, a seedy era in Chinatown, the construction of the Manhattan Bridge, even his own changing theories about the motivations of Hamlet.
In 1909 New York City, when skyscrapers were first popping up and lavish apartment living became all the rage, two young and beautiful heiresses are victims of an unknown killer with a penchant for knives, silk ties, and a riding crop. Although the second survives, traumatized, she remembers nothing. Help is sought from psychoanalyst Stratham Younger, who is temporarily in New York to meet Sigmund Freud on Freud's only visit to America. Younger soon finds himself caught up in a complex mystery, complete with wealthy New York society, a lovely and puzzling patient, a rivalry between Freud and protégé Carl Jung, a conspiracy against Freud's theories, corruption in the New York police force, a seedy era in Chinatown, the construction of the Manhattan Bridge, even his own changing theories about the motivations of Hamlet.
A Tale of Two Origins
The book's setting focuses on two origins, the flourishing development of Manhattan and the beginning of psychotherapy in America. The former comes out of Jeb Rubenfeld's extensive research on historical New York City in order to write the book. For the latter, Rubenfeld's own background plays a bigger role. A Yale law professor and constitutional law expert, he studied Shakespeare while at Julliard and wrote his thesis on Freud at Princeton. Freud did visit America, once; apparently, after this, he would rarely speak about the trip and referred to Americans as "savages" for the rest of his life.
Rubenfeld has created an intriguing story of what could have happened during Freud's visit. The end of the book includes an interesting author's note that explains which elements were fact, which were embellished upon, and which were completely fiction. Do read the book first. It's much more fun to place the facts in retrospect, once you know the full story and all of the characters, than to read the note in advance.
The book's setting focuses on two origins, the flourishing development of Manhattan and the beginning of psychotherapy in America. The former comes out of Jeb Rubenfeld's extensive research on historical New York City in order to write the book. For the latter, Rubenfeld's own background plays a bigger role. A Yale law professor and constitutional law expert, he studied Shakespeare while at Julliard and wrote his thesis on Freud at Princeton. Freud did visit America, once; apparently, after this, he would rarely speak about the trip and referred to Americans as "savages" for the rest of his life.
Rubenfeld has created an intriguing story of what could have happened during Freud's visit. The end of the book includes an interesting author's note that explains which elements were fact, which were embellished upon, and which were completely fiction. Do read the book first. It's much more fun to place the facts in retrospect, once you know the full story and all of the characters, than to read the note in advance.
Twists and Turns
Rubenfeld is a descriptive writer, incorporating lots of visual detail and creating well-developed characters, with the occasional Dickensian name (Younger, Detective Littlemore, Mr. and Mrs. Biggs). The storyline has numerous twists and turns and a few nicely placed red herrings.
The Interpretation of Murder's multilevel plot and psychological mystery should appeal to readers who enjoy Sherlock Holmes--Stratham Younger has a bit of both Holmes and Watson in him, as does his investigative partner Detective Littlemore--and period mysteries like those of Anne Perry. I also recommend it if you like fiction that teaches you a little more about something, whether it's psychoanalysis or caissons in bridge construction.
Rubenfeld is a descriptive writer, incorporating lots of visual detail and creating well-developed characters, with the occasional Dickensian name (Younger, Detective Littlemore, Mr. and Mrs. Biggs). The storyline has numerous twists and turns and a few nicely placed red herrings.
The Interpretation of Murder's multilevel plot and psychological mystery should appeal to readers who enjoy Sherlock Holmes--Stratham Younger has a bit of both Holmes and Watson in him, as does his investigative partner Detective Littlemore--and period mysteries like those of Anne Perry. I also recommend it if you like fiction that teaches you a little more about something, whether it's psychoanalysis or caissons in bridge construction.
Rubenfeld has clearly poured many of his interests into Interpretation, and Freud and Hamlet may not lend themselves to a second complete book. If not, what next? Perhaps a historical, Manhattan-based series featuring Littlemore? Or a legal thriller? I for one hope to see more Rubenfeld mysteries down the road. Until then, The Interpretation of Murder is well worth a read.
For Further Information
Check out the book's elegant website at www.interpretationofmurder.com to find more information about New York in 1909--including maps and a trivia quiz--as well as Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis, Jeb Rubenfeld, and author tour stops (through October 15, 2006).
For Further Information
Check out the book's elegant website at www.interpretationofmurder.com to find more information about New York in 1909--including maps and a trivia quiz--as well as Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis, Jeb Rubenfeld, and author tour stops (through October 15, 2006).
