THE HEADSHRINKER'S TEST

by Sue Kaufman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 30, 1969

However much the title may remind you of her last book--Diary of a Mad Housewife--this is very different in tone--a sort of Rorschach-Gothic with many unsuspected switches to which Miss Kaufman has applied her spiky, amusing talent. And aplomb--for how many women can you think of, who defying some nameless envy, have written a novel in a masculine first person (even if she doesn't get away with it)? He's Julian Corder, 39, successful in insurance and with women when he first meets his tearful, confused, helpless Pru, the product of the wrong parents but the right schools, funny farms and analysts. Namely a Dr. Rheinmuhth with whom she's spent two and a half years of analysis with many ""residual problems"" still to be resolved. They marry without his consent but before long it becomes apparent that the couch is interfering with the bed. Not only that, Pru's macerating, random revelations (a nude commercial; a former lover) seem not so much to have been repressed but suppressed. Julian, who has been very patient and indulgent, becomes unreasonably jealous, or could it be paranoid? His confrontation with the oracular Dr. Rheinmuhth is endlessly delayed--or is he being diddled by his ""Rhinemaiden"" during those forty dollar fifty minute hours? And just who is psyched out? In any case, Miss Kaufman's catechism is catchy, knowing and diverting and the more sophisticated reader will certainly relate.

Pub Date: Jan. 30, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION