PROS AND CONS OF EAVESDROPPING (03/04/2011)



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 BY BLOOD by Ellen Ullman

EAVESDROPPING... If you had an office next to a psychologist and the walls were paper thin, would you listen to the therapeutic sessions taking place? I admit, it would be tempting. But enough about me.....

BY BLOOD by Ellen Ullman tells the story of an eavesdropping professor who becomes totally fascinated with an unnamed patient in treatment close by.

The professor's curiosity turns to obsession as he gradually becomes a compulsive voyeur. Eventually he takes action (anonymously) to help the patient and that's where the real trouble begins.

The setting is San Francisco in 1970 and the haunting story deals with  flawed characters that are searching for their heritages.

Most reviewers label BY BLOOD a "slow  starter" but well worth persevering.

This is not a "beach read" by any means, but a very powerful story told by a well respected author.

Who can resist the fascination of listening to someone's therapy session?

(That's a rhetorical question...)