Clinical Fictions: Psychoanalytic Novelists and Short Story Writers

Clinical Fictions: Psychoanalytic Novelists and Short Story Writers is the first book to explore works of fiction written by prominent psychoanalysts. Broken down into thematic sections, the book traces the literary output of pioneering psychoanalysts such as Julia Kristeva, Bruce Fink, Thomas Odgen, and Gregorio Kohon, among others. Berman looks at works of historical fiction, detective fiction, and the short story, and shows how recurring themes typical of these genres can be understood both psychoanalytically and through a literary lens. The works included investigate experiences of childhood adversity, life in dystopian societies, experiences of psychosis, bodily autonomy, personal loss and, above all, trauma. Unpacking these themes, and their depiction through fiction, Berman gives the reader the tools to apply psychoanalytic literary theory to further works. Interweaving his personal correspondence with authors, including a heartwarming exchange with Cliff Wilkerson, Berman offers unparalleled access to the inner working of the writers’ minds. This book will be of interest to students and researchers using psychoanalytic literary theory, as well as mental health practitioners who are interested in the intersections between literature and psychoanalysis and discovering new ways of probing the unspoken and unconscious.