The Scheme of Things.

by Allen Wheelis

Psychologist Oliver Thompson spends much of his time helping others out with personal problems but he himself is left despondent after his only satisfying relationships--with his mistress, his niece, and his golden retriever--suddenly disintegrate

Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Bohdan Pechenyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is reality of all there is, and then there is the scheme of things, or multiple schemes, to be exact, which humans project onto the world, to make sense of it all. They change with time, but the humanity has reached a point where the very notion of any such scheme has come under question.

This is the theoretical background of this wonderful novel, interspersing diary entries of a psychoanalyst cum writer with a story of how he came to bring up a young girl, including getting her a succession of pets, the life of each inevitably ending with a funeral. The book itself ends with one such funeral after the girl goes away to college, leaving an empty nest in her wake.

[Aysha Parween · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scheme Of Things 101 Schematic Answers is a thought provoking book. The 101 questions addressed are carefully curated to appeal to a wide range of readers. With its thought-provoking and insightful answers, it provides a unique perspective on a wide range of topics that will leave readers contemplating and inspired.

I must say, the author has written a wonderful book which will not only keep you hooked till the last page, but also force you towards deep thinking. The concept of the book is interesting, engaging and unique. Would love to recommend this book to everyone.

[Bria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure I cared for the interspersing of philosophical musings with the story - they seemed kind of wedged in there. Would have been better to interweave them more smoothly somehow?