Member Reviews
At times, I found myself forgetting that I'm reading a piece of fiction as the beginning chapters narrated from the point of view of the psychiatrist, dr. Byrd, sounded so authentic and probable.
I wouldn't call "The Strange Case of Jane O." a thriller per se. It felt more like a psychological mystery novel with an interesting exploration of mental health struggles of Jane who is experiencing bouts of psychosis, and is being treated by a psychiatrist who himself is a wounded healer, a widower and a researcher thrown into infamy because of his controversial research.
Overall it was a suspense-filled read with 2 interesting narrative perspectives, one of which takes a form of Jane's letters to her son, that encourages the reader to pose a question whose perception of reality is "real".
I have read the Age of Miracles by this author and really enjoyed it , this one is no exception, it kept me engaged all the way through. It’s an unusual story about Jane who is seeing a psychiatrist DrByrd about her amnesia and premonitions that happen to her . It’s told through Dr Byrds diaries and letters to her son Callum. It’s about memory and how we can disassociate with reality. Jane sees people who she has had connections with in the past , who have died , she goes missing for days with no recollections at all. I found it very engaging and interesting , especially the virus element of it. I had no idea where it was going but never lost interest. Dr. Byrd is an interesting character , recently bereaved and looking after his daughter. I’m not sure how I would describe this novel , maybe part mystery , part psychological drama ,it is however a good read.
The Strange Case of Jane O. is a quietly captivating speculative novel that explores the deep recesses of the mind. It’s an eerie and thought-provoking story that will sweep you the instant you begin.
Jane is a young mother who begins experiencing bizarre episodes: amnesia, hallucinations, and a constant sense of foreboding. Following a distressing incident she meets with Dr. Byrd, a psychiatrist who has fallen out of favour with his peers. As they continue their sessions it becomes clear that Jane’s problems could be a result of more than childhood trauma or the pressures of motherhood.
You will be questioning everything at each turn as we slowly unravel the mystery of Jane’s mind.
Walker captures the intense emotional isolation Jane experiences, and Dr. Byrd’s deep connection to her while he strives to untangle her psyche.
Equal parts mystery and introspection, The Strange Case of Jane O will have you enthralled and the ending will blow you away.
Walker has written a novel that feels both like a suspenseful thriller and a literary puzzle. I loved every minute of it.
Thanks to Bonnier Books, Manilla Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Such an engrossing read that really makes you think. Jane's sense of reality is so clear at times, that you are transported into her world. Her psychiatrist's attempt to help her brings up many thoughts of parallel universes.
Gorgeous strong prose and a fascinating protagonist that holds you captive until the final reveal.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and was blown away by how the mystery of Jane unravelled. So thought provoking and poignant that on occassion it took my breath away.
I would to love read more of their story..
A strange case indeed.
I spent so much time trying to work out where this was going, and wondering at the mystery of Dr Byrd too.
All the books I've read by Walker have been solidly good reads, and this is no exception.
It has a slightly eerie feeling at times, but it's is never less than intriguing.
Very enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very interesting read. It is a well-written, suspense-filled psychological thriller that incorporates a bit of everything from suspense to science fiction. It is a recommended read.
Jane visits a therapist to help with her loss of memory. then she goes missing and is found unconcious,,
Jane is a complex character and the author has done a good job of making this a deep darkosh novel taht made me think.... I am sure I found myself asking qustions about jane and the issues she faces.
I loved this book. It is well written and quite a 'grown up' book. It is not one to read in one sitting.. it has to savoured and thought about..
I loved it
I enjoyed this book so much!! The premise was so intriguing and I found myself trying to find odd minutes here and there to read more of it. The characters are interesting and likeable, and I never knew what was coming next. I’ve never read a book like it before and I loved it.
Karen Thompson Walker writes very special prose that I can only describe as “dreamy”. “The Strange Case of Jane O.” is another one of her books and did not disappoint. A New York City psychiatrist treats a patient with troubling blackouts and hallucinations – this should already ignite your interest! But to avoid any spoilers (and it is pretty easy to spoil this book! Beware!) I can just say that this is a great psychological thriller that broaches on the verge of sci-fi. The best part – we are never really sure, there are one two many of unreliable narrators (there are two) and both of their stories will get you hooked from the beginning! I did not know what (and who!) to believe and had several theories before they all came crashing down at the book came to its conclusion (but was there really a conclusion?!). I can see this could be made into series but sometimes one season is enough – this strange case left me longing for another world.
This book can be read in one evening and then re-read again.
I absolutely loved “The Dreamers” and “The Age of Miracles” and happily recommend these books if you enjoyed “The Strange Case of Jane O.”