Friday 56 & #BookBeginnings: Freud's Mistress


For Book Beginnings:
The season for suicides had begun.
- p. 1


For Friday 56:
How could the man walk so fast and smoke so much? They ended up directly in front of the Greek-columned Houses of Parliament. She leaned over, unhooked the first few buttons of her boots, and quickly straightened up, ignoring a moment of vertigo, the heat perhaps.
- p. 57

I don't really know much about Sigmund Freud except for the usual common knowledge mention about psychoanalysis and everything being rooted in something sexual. So here I am dipping my feet into some more historical fiction about this then controversial man and his mistress to boot!

Really enjoying this one so far; it's an easy read. Well, in comparison to my recent read of Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon which was good stuff, just long and involved. So, what are you reading?

Synopsis of Freud's Mistress by Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman: A page-turning novel inspired by the true-life love affair between Sigmund Freud and his sister-in-law, Minna Bernays, set in Vienna in 1895. Minna is everything her sister Martha is not—intellectually curious, an avid reader and a beguiling beauty. She and Freud embark on what is at first simply an intellectual courtship, yet something deeper is brewing beneath the surface, something Minna cannot escape. In this sweeping tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal—between a husband and a wife, between sisters—fact and fiction seamlessly blend together to offer an intimate peek at Minna’s profound influence on the founding father of psychoanalysis, while revealing her unforgettable story of internal conflict and passion.

25 comments

  1. I had to DNF this one. The writing is flawless but... I don't know why I felt so sleepy every tine I picked it up. It wasn't boring, just... weird case for me this one :-)

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    1. Oh yeah? I'm not too far into it yet. I'm just finding it's a nice change of pace from my previous read.

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  2. I liked Minna, Freud's and wife I did not :-(

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  3. That opening sure gets your attention. I was considering this title myself just the other day... Look forward to your review.

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    1. Quite a beginning, I agree! I'll be reviewing next week, with a giveaway, so pop back :)

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  4. Glad to hear you're enjoying the novel so far! I've been curious about this title for some time now, can't wait to read your thoughts on it :)

    Happy reading! My Friday Book Memes

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    1. Thanks Lianne. I was very curious about this one too. Curiosity now sated, with a review and giveaway next week!

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  5. This must be very interesting. What she would have to say about the great man...

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    1. Quite a bit, Harvee. Goodness, what a tragedy ;) (Are you curious now?)

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  6. I've been curious about this one...thanks for sharing, and enjoy. Here's MY FRIDAY MEMES POST

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  7. I didn't know there was a season for that. Here is

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  8. I enjoy historical novels and this sounds pretty good. I am hosting a book giveaway with my Book Beginnings post so if you would like an opportunity to win it, click on over. Have a great day!
    http://pictureperfectcooking.com/2013/09/19/book-beginnings-a-giveaway/

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    1. Thanks! I'll pop over -- and I have a giveaway of this starting next week, so please come by again!

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  9. LOVE that beginning! Short and intriguing!

    Happy weekend!

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  10. I really want to read this book...thanks for the nice post. Very intriguing and makes me want to go get it now. :)

    My book beginnings is from THE WEDDING GIFT...I finished it today and reviewed it if you like the "teaser" and care to check out the review.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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    1. Well, come back for the giveaway :) I'll go check The Wedding Gift!

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  11. LOVE the first quote. Oh my gosh, it draws me right in.

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  12. This one sounds pretty interesting - I don't know much about Freud either.

    Have you watched 'A Dangerous Method'? It's about Freud and Jung, good film =)

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  13. This book sounds good to me! It is similar to the premise of Mrs. Poe, which I loved.
    -Dilettantish Reader

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© guiltless readingMaira Gall