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Oxford Messed Up
Oxford Messed Up is a unique literary love story that transports readers on a meaningful and emotional journey where the academic world of Oxford, the music of Van Morrison, and an old claw-foot bathtub serve as a backdrop for learning, self-discovery, and transcendent love.
Rhodes Scholar Gloria Zimmerman is an academic superstar who has come to Oxford University to study feminist poetry. Yet the rigors of the academy pale in comparison to her untreated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, fueled by her overachieving parents and manifested in a deathly aversion to germs and human contact. Her next-door neighbor (who is also, to her mortification, her loo-mate) is Henry Young, the appealing but underachieving musician son of an overbearing and disapproving Oxford don.
Still mourning the death of his supportive mother while enduring the mockery of his disapproving and merciless father, Henry is haunted by the unexpectedly serious ramifications of a reckless and tragic youth. Gloria and Henry's relationship evolves from a shared obsession with Van Morrison's music into a desire on the part of each to fill in the gaps in the life of the other. Yet the constraints of a debilitating illness and the looming revelation of a catastrophic secret conspire to throw their worlds into upheaval and threaten the possibilities of their unlikely yet redemptive love.
Rhodes Scholar Gloria Zimmerman is an academic superstar who has come to Oxford University to study feminist poetry. Yet the rigors of the academy pale in comparison to her untreated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, fueled by her overachieving parents and manifested in a deathly aversion to germs and human contact. Her next-door neighbor (who is also, to her mortification, her loo-mate) is Henry Young, the appealing but underachieving musician son of an overbearing and disapproving Oxford don.
Still mourning the death of his supportive mother while enduring the mockery of his disapproving and merciless father, Henry is haunted by the unexpectedly serious ramifications of a reckless and tragic youth. Gloria and Henry's relationship evolves from a shared obsession with Van Morrison's music into a desire on the part of each to fill in the gaps in the life of the other. Yet the constraints of a debilitating illness and the looming revelation of a catastrophic secret conspire to throw their worlds into upheaval and threaten the possibilities of their unlikely yet redemptive love.
324 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
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527 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 25, 2012
It’s been a long time since I read a book that I just couldn’t put down, but I stayed up most of the night reading Oxford Messed Up by Andrea Kayne Kaufman from start to finish. It’s hard to find a true literary love story - one that is smart and modern with engaging, complex characters. I grew to love Gloria and Henry, flaws and all, and felt a personal connection with them.
I found the depiction of Gloria’s OCD both horrifying and illuminating. I’ve never seen anyone with such an extreme case of germ phobia, and, after being inside Gloria’s head, I have a greater understanding of this debilitating disorder and a lot of empathy for people suffering from OCD.
While the central focus of the story is certainly about Gloria and Henry and how their own issues make a relationship difficult and ultimately so redemptive, I loved reading about Henry’s relationship with his sister, Claire. This line resonated with me: “Claire could be a bit patronizing as the self-appointed guardian of their childhood memories and losses.”
And, I must mention Van Morrison. His music was as much a backdrop for the story as Oxford. I have always liked Van Morrison, but I found myself listening to his music in a new way and appreciating his lyrics even more. The author even put together a playlist of her favorite Van Morrison songs. Great fun!
Please, please let there be an Oxford Messed Up movie!
I found the depiction of Gloria’s OCD both horrifying and illuminating. I’ve never seen anyone with such an extreme case of germ phobia, and, after being inside Gloria’s head, I have a greater understanding of this debilitating disorder and a lot of empathy for people suffering from OCD.
While the central focus of the story is certainly about Gloria and Henry and how their own issues make a relationship difficult and ultimately so redemptive, I loved reading about Henry’s relationship with his sister, Claire. This line resonated with me: “Claire could be a bit patronizing as the self-appointed guardian of their childhood memories and losses.”
And, I must mention Van Morrison. His music was as much a backdrop for the story as Oxford. I have always liked Van Morrison, but I found myself listening to his music in a new way and appreciating his lyrics even more. The author even put together a playlist of her favorite Van Morrison songs. Great fun!
Please, please let there be an Oxford Messed Up movie!
July 15, 2012
What, sometimes I ask myself, makes a novel great? Is it the characters? The narrative? The dialogue? The setting? I can never come up with a conclusive answer to this, and simply saying "all of the above" seems like such a cop out - so I pacify myself with the only answer that makes the most sense to me, "What makes a novel great, is the way it makes the reader feel." If this is the gauge used to determine the greatness of a novel, "Oxford Messed Up" by Andrea Kayne Kaufman is one of the greatest novels I've ever read. Upon finishing the novel, I was sad that to depart with its wonderful characters, maniacally searching for more titles by the same author, and then catatonic for nearly two hours just thinking about it - all after I clutched it to my chest and wailed for 15 minutes straight. No, I'm not crazy... okay, yes, maybe I am. But this novel, and author Andrea Kayne Kaufman, will tell you... crazy can be beautiful.
Gloria Zimmerman a graduate student and a Rhodes Scholar who, despite being incredibly brilliant, is a perfectionist with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In addition to being an overachiever, and completely friendless, Gloria is in a very dependent relationship with "Oliver" who, like Gloria, is immensely intelligent, but can be quite demeaning and controlling, and is Gloria's mentor in terms of her ritualistic behavior. At the beginning of the novel we find Gloria and Oliver embarking on a journey towards Oxford, where Gloria is going to study. When Gloria arrives, she realizes that she is sharing a "loo" with Henry Young, a particularly untidy ex-junkie, across the way. For Gloria, an obsessive germ-phobe, "cleaning the toilet was a test of her competence and loyalty to Oliver, her god, and the precept of staying in control.”
From here begins the journey of Gloria and Henry, a mutual journey of self-discovery, set to the background score of Van Morrison songs and poetry. Gloria finds that she is distancing herself from Oliver, and beginning to laugh and lose herself in the devil-may-care attitude of Henry's, while Henry deals with his own issues and demons. They revel in the lyricism of Van Morrison songs, the exploration of Sylvia Plath's poetry, and compare notes on their families - both harangued by dysfunctional families, and parents who have only managed to damage their children more than nourish them. And together, they set out to survive life at Oxford, and make happiness their choice. But it is never quite as simple as that, now, is it? As they discover more about each other, they discover more about their own self, and in doing so, strain an already unlikely bond.
The beauty of Kaufman's "Oxford Messed Up" lies in the multi-dimensional characters that are both rich and real, a narrative that soars in its simplicity and plunges into immense emotional depth at the same time, and prose that is beautifully crafted. What really, and absolutely, blows your mind is the way in which Andrea Kayne Kaufman explores the human spirit so beautifully, approaches the subject of mental health with such sensitivity and such intricacy, and creates her characters with such intimacy that you cannot help but become invested in their relationship, and attached to them This is an absolutely brilliant novel, especially for a debut, and one I believe should become part of our curriculum, at least for students of Psychology - the kind of novel that generations down the road will read, seeking comfort in it's characters. I wanted to kiss the hands that wrote this novel - I still might, if I ever am lucky enough to meet it's author (it's okay, Andrea, I'll bring the hand sanitizer!). As a voracious reader, and an absolute worshiper of literature, I'm constantly searching for books that are life-changing - I assure you, "Oxford Messed Up" is just that kind of novel. I hope you will pick up this book, and I hope that it will leave you with as much joy and elation as it bestowed upon me. And, finally, I leave you with lyrics to a Van Morrison song, one I particularly love, that sums up precisely how I feel about this book...
"I've been searching a long time
For someone exactly like you
I've been traveling all around the world
Waiting for you to come through.
Someone like you makes it all worth while
Someone like you keeps me satisfied.
Someone exactly like you."
Gloria Zimmerman a graduate student and a Rhodes Scholar who, despite being incredibly brilliant, is a perfectionist with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In addition to being an overachiever, and completely friendless, Gloria is in a very dependent relationship with "Oliver" who, like Gloria, is immensely intelligent, but can be quite demeaning and controlling, and is Gloria's mentor in terms of her ritualistic behavior. At the beginning of the novel we find Gloria and Oliver embarking on a journey towards Oxford, where Gloria is going to study. When Gloria arrives, she realizes that she is sharing a "loo" with Henry Young, a particularly untidy ex-junkie, across the way. For Gloria, an obsessive germ-phobe, "cleaning the toilet was a test of her competence and loyalty to Oliver, her god, and the precept of staying in control.”
From here begins the journey of Gloria and Henry, a mutual journey of self-discovery, set to the background score of Van Morrison songs and poetry. Gloria finds that she is distancing herself from Oliver, and beginning to laugh and lose herself in the devil-may-care attitude of Henry's, while Henry deals with his own issues and demons. They revel in the lyricism of Van Morrison songs, the exploration of Sylvia Plath's poetry, and compare notes on their families - both harangued by dysfunctional families, and parents who have only managed to damage their children more than nourish them. And together, they set out to survive life at Oxford, and make happiness their choice. But it is never quite as simple as that, now, is it? As they discover more about each other, they discover more about their own self, and in doing so, strain an already unlikely bond.
The beauty of Kaufman's "Oxford Messed Up" lies in the multi-dimensional characters that are both rich and real, a narrative that soars in its simplicity and plunges into immense emotional depth at the same time, and prose that is beautifully crafted. What really, and absolutely, blows your mind is the way in which Andrea Kayne Kaufman explores the human spirit so beautifully, approaches the subject of mental health with such sensitivity and such intricacy, and creates her characters with such intimacy that you cannot help but become invested in their relationship, and attached to them This is an absolutely brilliant novel, especially for a debut, and one I believe should become part of our curriculum, at least for students of Psychology - the kind of novel that generations down the road will read, seeking comfort in it's characters. I wanted to kiss the hands that wrote this novel - I still might, if I ever am lucky enough to meet it's author (it's okay, Andrea, I'll bring the hand sanitizer!). As a voracious reader, and an absolute worshiper of literature, I'm constantly searching for books that are life-changing - I assure you, "Oxford Messed Up" is just that kind of novel. I hope you will pick up this book, and I hope that it will leave you with as much joy and elation as it bestowed upon me. And, finally, I leave you with lyrics to a Van Morrison song, one I particularly love, that sums up precisely how I feel about this book...
"I've been searching a long time
For someone exactly like you
I've been traveling all around the world
Waiting for you to come through.
Someone like you makes it all worth while
Someone like you keeps me satisfied.
Someone exactly like you."
December 28, 2017
A thoroughly engaging play on the idea that two 'damaged' people are best-suited to fix each other. More to come.
May 28, 2012
Gloria Zimmerman, Jewish, Rhodes scholar, OCD sufferer, and discoverer of a famous lost manuscript, travels to Oxford in search of freedom and finds much more in Andrea Kayne Kaufman’s Oxford Messed Up. Meanwhile Henry Young is in search of his own messy freedom and plays guitar in the loo.
Unfortunately, their dorm rooms share a single bathroom and Henry’s forgotten to lock the door.
Both messed-up characters come from messed-up families, hence the title of the novel. And both love Van Morrison. While I’m not familiar with Van Morrison’s lyrics, I really enjoy the way the author threads them into her story, building music with words for all that I don’t know the tunes. The tragic feminist poets of Gloria’s English studies fuel story and characters equally well, creating a satisfying blend of erudite and mundane as the relationship progresses.
Gloria’s OCD quickly becomes achingly real and the mysterious Oliver aids and abets her addictions and rebellions very convincingly. As Henry’s rival for Gloria’s affections he becomes a tragic image for how easily we fool ourselves. Meanwhile Henry’s own problems rise and fall with the secrets in his past. Underachieving Henry and overachieving Gloria convincingly alternate between seeing each other as in need of salvation and seeing themselves as failures, with the reader eagerly watching the see-saw totter.
Oxford with its dreaming spires, its choirs and organs, its students and refectories, is pleasingly English and familiar to this English reader. American Gloria and English Henry develop an enjoyably humorous messed-up relationship with hope for redemption, and their dialog veers from tragic to hilarious. Their love is convincing. Their hopes are real. And the reader is eagerly invested in seeing it all play out. Oxford Messed Up is a satisfying tale of confused people in a confused world, and of hope in the face of despair. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel from Cadence Marketing in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, their dorm rooms share a single bathroom and Henry’s forgotten to lock the door.
Both messed-up characters come from messed-up families, hence the title of the novel. And both love Van Morrison. While I’m not familiar with Van Morrison’s lyrics, I really enjoy the way the author threads them into her story, building music with words for all that I don’t know the tunes. The tragic feminist poets of Gloria’s English studies fuel story and characters equally well, creating a satisfying blend of erudite and mundane as the relationship progresses.
Gloria’s OCD quickly becomes achingly real and the mysterious Oliver aids and abets her addictions and rebellions very convincingly. As Henry’s rival for Gloria’s affections he becomes a tragic image for how easily we fool ourselves. Meanwhile Henry’s own problems rise and fall with the secrets in his past. Underachieving Henry and overachieving Gloria convincingly alternate between seeing each other as in need of salvation and seeing themselves as failures, with the reader eagerly watching the see-saw totter.
Oxford with its dreaming spires, its choirs and organs, its students and refectories, is pleasingly English and familiar to this English reader. American Gloria and English Henry develop an enjoyably humorous messed-up relationship with hope for redemption, and their dialog veers from tragic to hilarious. Their love is convincing. Their hopes are real. And the reader is eagerly invested in seeing it all play out. Oxford Messed Up is a satisfying tale of confused people in a confused world, and of hope in the face of despair. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this novel from Cadence Marketing in exchange for my honest review.
February 20, 2012
"And we’ll walk down the avenue again
And we’ll sing all the songs from way back when
And we’ll walk down the avenue again and the healing has begun"--Van Morrison, "And the Healing Has Begun"
I read this book in a four-day span just around Valentine's Day. Indeed, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the last 75 pages, as I felt such a connection to the characters created by Andrea Kayne Kaufman. Gloria Zimmerman is a nice Jewish girl from Chicago who heads to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar to study feminist poetry (the "tragic, confessional" kind, like that of Sylvia Plath). Upon arrival, she learns she has to share a bathroom with an unkempt guy named Henry Young, who, thanks to nepotism, is working towards his doctorate in music. This could be a perfect “opposites attract” romance, couldn’t it? Wait, though—before you cue up the theme to “Love Story,” consider this: Gloria has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Henry, well, let’s just say he has some struggles of his own. The tie that binds these two arrives in the unlikely form of a mutual adoration for the work of Van Morrison. While at first blush, the verses of poets like Sara Teasdale and the pronouncements of Van Morrison may seem like two completely different animals, but the fact is that both artists' words exemplify "confessional." They serve as perfect supporting characters in "Oxford Messed Up," a novel that is at times tragic, frequently confessional, and always engaging. I am grateful to the author for sending me a copy of her book for review.
And we’ll sing all the songs from way back when
And we’ll walk down the avenue again and the healing has begun"--Van Morrison, "And the Healing Has Begun"
I read this book in a four-day span just around Valentine's Day. Indeed, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the last 75 pages, as I felt such a connection to the characters created by Andrea Kayne Kaufman. Gloria Zimmerman is a nice Jewish girl from Chicago who heads to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar to study feminist poetry (the "tragic, confessional" kind, like that of Sylvia Plath). Upon arrival, she learns she has to share a bathroom with an unkempt guy named Henry Young, who, thanks to nepotism, is working towards his doctorate in music. This could be a perfect “opposites attract” romance, couldn’t it? Wait, though—before you cue up the theme to “Love Story,” consider this: Gloria has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Henry, well, let’s just say he has some struggles of his own. The tie that binds these two arrives in the unlikely form of a mutual adoration for the work of Van Morrison. While at first blush, the verses of poets like Sara Teasdale and the pronouncements of Van Morrison may seem like two completely different animals, but the fact is that both artists' words exemplify "confessional." They serve as perfect supporting characters in "Oxford Messed Up," a novel that is at times tragic, frequently confessional, and always engaging. I am grateful to the author for sending me a copy of her book for review.
April 1, 2012
Wow! I loved Oxford Messed Up. This book provides a very real feeling, intimate look into the thoughts of someone who suffers with OCD. Kaufman has some personal experience with a family member who suffered with OCD and the journey to help has given her tender, insider knowledge. This story will no doubt advance people’s understanding and hope for sufferers of this mysterious and confusing affliction. Gloria’s constant companion Oliver, is a force to be reckoned with. Henry is the one unlikely person to take on the challenge, having his own self loathing issues and illnesses. The story of Gloria and Henry (fellow Oxford student and "loomate") is one of damaged souls finding strength, acceptance, and healing for their personal demons through their shared Van Morrison obsession, and their growing love for each other. Though each faces their own struggle with family disfunction and the resulting personal damage it invokes, they care for and believe in the other with fierce intensity that brings out the best in each other. I truly enjoyed the author's impressive knowledge of all things Morrison, as well as the Plath poetry references. I would recommend this book to those who have read Matt Ruff’s “Set This House In Order” (Also one of my top favorites) Andrea Kayne Kaufman has written a beautiful love story with damaged messed up people and it’s all any of us hopes for.
April 22, 2012
4.5 stars
This review is originally posted on my blog
Journey with Books
Oxford Messed Up is the first work of Andrea Kayne Kaufman I've ever read. I can honestly say that it's a great experience I would definitely want to do again. Oxford Messed Up is a refreshing read for me because it's very different from my usual reads. It's about real life that some real people goes through. It's an eye opener for some of us who have very different views about the realities of some people who have OCD.
The main focus of the book are Gloria and Henry. They are both messed up and flawed which made them very real to me. Gloria is a graduate student who suffers from severe OCD of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while Henry her 'loomate' is a messed up guy who has so many issues in life that lead him to being an ex-addict, ex-alcoholic with a sickness he would have to carry for life. They are both interesting in a way that you knew, as a reader that there are a lot of Glorias and Henrys in this world. Ms. Andrea Kayne Kaufman gives us a first class trip inside their lives and their heads. She let us see how there are messed up people in this world and that they need our help and understanding. We shouldn't ostracized these people.
Gloria and Henry's romance is such a sweet thing to read. I really adored reading their journey together. When they met, they were both not in a place to be romantically involved. They both know that the life they live is not normal and being together romantically would be unhealthy for so many reasons. And so they became friends. Although, the attraction was there, they didn't act on it. Their romance was a process. It progressed little by little. I really appreciate how Ms. Kaufman made the relationship as real as it could get. She didn't make Henry and Gloria magically good together. It was gradual but real and I really liked it!
I also liked the side stories of the other characters. Ms. Kaufman gave these side stories of the other characters without ruining the main plot. It was there for a reason. It helped me as a reader see the bigger picture of the main plot. It was done excellently.
Now, the only thing I didn't liked in this book is the first part. It was so slow. I was so thankful that I didn't give up on reading it because this is really a good book. The first part was the introduction of Gloria and Henry, they haven't even met yet. I understand what the author was trying to do. She wants us to know more about Henry and Gloria and what lead them to where they were before they met each other but I found all of it completely unnecessary. I think the author could have made it a little shorter than that.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this book to those who love music especially Van Morrison and poetry. The whole book has a reference of Music and Poetry which I absolutely appreciate. I recommend this book to those who loves a good and sweet romance that has that depth which makes you believe that you could always CHOOSE happiness despite all the sad and bad things that happens in life.
Oxford Messed Up is not just your typical romance read. It tackles real life. It points out the things we chose to ignore in our society. This book is one great read you wouldn't want to miss if you're looking for something real.
Kudos to Ms. Andrea Kayne Kaufman for having the courage to write a book that has the ability to enlighten its readers. We all have that power to help people with OCD if we only we will it.
This review is originally posted on my blog
Journey with Books
This review is originally posted on my blog
Journey with Books
Oxford Messed Up is the first work of Andrea Kayne Kaufman I've ever read. I can honestly say that it's a great experience I would definitely want to do again. Oxford Messed Up is a refreshing read for me because it's very different from my usual reads. It's about real life that some real people goes through. It's an eye opener for some of us who have very different views about the realities of some people who have OCD.
The main focus of the book are Gloria and Henry. They are both messed up and flawed which made them very real to me. Gloria is a graduate student who suffers from severe OCD of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while Henry her 'loomate' is a messed up guy who has so many issues in life that lead him to being an ex-addict, ex-alcoholic with a sickness he would have to carry for life. They are both interesting in a way that you knew, as a reader that there are a lot of Glorias and Henrys in this world. Ms. Andrea Kayne Kaufman gives us a first class trip inside their lives and their heads. She let us see how there are messed up people in this world and that they need our help and understanding. We shouldn't ostracized these people.
Gloria and Henry's romance is such a sweet thing to read. I really adored reading their journey together. When they met, they were both not in a place to be romantically involved. They both know that the life they live is not normal and being together romantically would be unhealthy for so many reasons. And so they became friends. Although, the attraction was there, they didn't act on it. Their romance was a process. It progressed little by little. I really appreciate how Ms. Kaufman made the relationship as real as it could get. She didn't make Henry and Gloria magically good together. It was gradual but real and I really liked it!
I also liked the side stories of the other characters. Ms. Kaufman gave these side stories of the other characters without ruining the main plot. It was there for a reason. It helped me as a reader see the bigger picture of the main plot. It was done excellently.
Now, the only thing I didn't liked in this book is the first part. It was so slow. I was so thankful that I didn't give up on reading it because this is really a good book. The first part was the introduction of Gloria and Henry, they haven't even met yet. I understand what the author was trying to do. She wants us to know more about Henry and Gloria and what lead them to where they were before they met each other but I found all of it completely unnecessary. I think the author could have made it a little shorter than that.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this book to those who love music especially Van Morrison and poetry. The whole book has a reference of Music and Poetry which I absolutely appreciate. I recommend this book to those who loves a good and sweet romance that has that depth which makes you believe that you could always CHOOSE happiness despite all the sad and bad things that happens in life.
Oxford Messed Up is not just your typical romance read. It tackles real life. It points out the things we chose to ignore in our society. This book is one great read you wouldn't want to miss if you're looking for something real.
Kudos to Ms. Andrea Kayne Kaufman for having the courage to write a book that has the ability to enlighten its readers. We all have that power to help people with OCD if we only we will it.
This review is originally posted on my blog
Journey with Books
March 26, 2012
'Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk'
Andrea Kayne Kaufman comes to her first novel so well prepared that it is difficult to believe she has not had literary experience before. Yes, she is one bright woman - `chair of the Department of Leadership, Language and Curriculum at the DePaul University College of Education in Chicago. An educator and attorney, she earned a B.A. from Vassar College, an M.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School' according to the package insert. But despite her academia the question arises as to how she learned so much about dysfunctional disorders to the extent that she is able to write so sensitively and correctly about two `aberrant'-appearing people.
The story is well outlined in other reviewer's summaries: Gloria Zimmerman is a brilliant Rhodes Scholar who goes to Oxford to study feminist poetry. She has bumps in her young life: her parents have set the expectation bar so high that fighting to achieve it would be impossible for anyone but Gloria; she suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, having embarrassingly ruined her raw hands from abuse of hand sanitizer to fend off `dirty, vile, fetid, germ-infested' surroundings; and she is stuck with one supporting anchor - Oliver - who leaves much to be desired in the state of relating. At Oxford she encounters (by far too close proximity) Henry Young, a chronic underachiever whose life is usurped by music and by a past full of mental challenges. The novel gradually unveils the growth of not only a relationship that applies balm to the individual open wounds of each but also allows each of our protagonists to not only cope but to find what neither ever expected - redemptive love.
What sets Kaufman's truly extraordinary novel apart from the many romance novels that marry comedy with the agony of reality is her gift at creating characters through the use of language - the writer's only reliable tool. For example, when dealing with Gloria's conversations and thoughts Kaufman with great facility uses repeated phrases, stamped out expressions, and other indications that Kaufman understands the rapid fire synapse configurations of an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We not only see her physical evidence of her phobias and needs for order, but we also hear them in her speech and her manner of moving through this story. Likewise, Kaufman knows how to construct the language and behavior patters of Henry's disconnect with life as others live it. In many reader's eyes this talent may seem an illustration of the lyrics to Van Morrison's songs - a figure who is prominent in this book. But Kaufman knows full well what she is doing in painting her characters with words that go far beyond the confines of lyrics everybody knows. As fine a story as OXFORD MESSED UP IS it is also an astute exploration of behavioral variations. This new writer has a solid future!
Grady Harp
Andrea Kayne Kaufman comes to her first novel so well prepared that it is difficult to believe she has not had literary experience before. Yes, she is one bright woman - `chair of the Department of Leadership, Language and Curriculum at the DePaul University College of Education in Chicago. An educator and attorney, she earned a B.A. from Vassar College, an M.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School' according to the package insert. But despite her academia the question arises as to how she learned so much about dysfunctional disorders to the extent that she is able to write so sensitively and correctly about two `aberrant'-appearing people.
The story is well outlined in other reviewer's summaries: Gloria Zimmerman is a brilliant Rhodes Scholar who goes to Oxford to study feminist poetry. She has bumps in her young life: her parents have set the expectation bar so high that fighting to achieve it would be impossible for anyone but Gloria; she suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, having embarrassingly ruined her raw hands from abuse of hand sanitizer to fend off `dirty, vile, fetid, germ-infested' surroundings; and she is stuck with one supporting anchor - Oliver - who leaves much to be desired in the state of relating. At Oxford she encounters (by far too close proximity) Henry Young, a chronic underachiever whose life is usurped by music and by a past full of mental challenges. The novel gradually unveils the growth of not only a relationship that applies balm to the individual open wounds of each but also allows each of our protagonists to not only cope but to find what neither ever expected - redemptive love.
What sets Kaufman's truly extraordinary novel apart from the many romance novels that marry comedy with the agony of reality is her gift at creating characters through the use of language - the writer's only reliable tool. For example, when dealing with Gloria's conversations and thoughts Kaufman with great facility uses repeated phrases, stamped out expressions, and other indications that Kaufman understands the rapid fire synapse configurations of an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We not only see her physical evidence of her phobias and needs for order, but we also hear them in her speech and her manner of moving through this story. Likewise, Kaufman knows how to construct the language and behavior patters of Henry's disconnect with life as others live it. In many reader's eyes this talent may seem an illustration of the lyrics to Van Morrison's songs - a figure who is prominent in this book. But Kaufman knows full well what she is doing in painting her characters with words that go far beyond the confines of lyrics everybody knows. As fine a story as OXFORD MESSED UP IS it is also an astute exploration of behavioral variations. This new writer has a solid future!
Grady Harp
September 1, 2016
If you want a book with engaging characters that you care about to the last page, look no further than Oxford Messed Up. I had the great fortune to begin this novel on a long car trip, which allowed me to plow through in one sitting - I couldn't put it down!
Gloria Zimmerman, Rhodes Scholar and student of feminist poetry, struggles with untreated OCD as she settles into her new life at Oxford. OCD experts have vetted the book, and it shows; this is not the typical Hollywood portrayal. I really felt for Gloria's struggles and the immense amount of courage it took for her to begin to break away from the condition.
Gloria's counterpart, Henry Young, has his own problems. Kaufman paints a very real portrait of a grown child struggling with the toxic nature of his father, and Henry's resulting doubt of his self-worth. As Henry tries to heal Gloria (and perhaps himself), a wonderful romance emerges. Both Gloria and Henry are messed up in their own way, but it's fascinating to see how they weave their way into each others lives.
Kaufman adds engaging secondary characters, my favorite of which was Margo Mitchell. A professor and poet, she is hesitant to publish a new collection of joyful poetry for fear her fan base is too tied to her past mournful persona.
And how can I finish a review for Oxford Messed Up without mentioning the music of Van Morrison? Kaufman weaves the poetic power of his songs through the plot until they seem like another character. Don't worry if you're not familiar with Van Morrison's music - I wasn't, but the description of each song and it's meaning to the narrative allowed me to greatly enjoy the book. In fact, the description was so interesting that I've since begun to dip my toe into the vast recordings of Van Morrison.
In all: great characters you'll want to stay with to the end, emotionally real portrayals of OCD and family problems, and some kick-ass Van Morrison to tie it all together.
Gloria Zimmerman, Rhodes Scholar and student of feminist poetry, struggles with untreated OCD as she settles into her new life at Oxford. OCD experts have vetted the book, and it shows; this is not the typical Hollywood portrayal. I really felt for Gloria's struggles and the immense amount of courage it took for her to begin to break away from the condition.
Gloria's counterpart, Henry Young, has his own problems. Kaufman paints a very real portrait of a grown child struggling with the toxic nature of his father, and Henry's resulting doubt of his self-worth. As Henry tries to heal Gloria (and perhaps himself), a wonderful romance emerges. Both Gloria and Henry are messed up in their own way, but it's fascinating to see how they weave their way into each others lives.
Kaufman adds engaging secondary characters, my favorite of which was Margo Mitchell. A professor and poet, she is hesitant to publish a new collection of joyful poetry for fear her fan base is too tied to her past mournful persona.
And how can I finish a review for Oxford Messed Up without mentioning the music of Van Morrison? Kaufman weaves the poetic power of his songs through the plot until they seem like another character. Don't worry if you're not familiar with Van Morrison's music - I wasn't, but the description of each song and it's meaning to the narrative allowed me to greatly enjoy the book. In fact, the description was so interesting that I've since begun to dip my toe into the vast recordings of Van Morrison.
In all: great characters you'll want to stay with to the end, emotionally real portrayals of OCD and family problems, and some kick-ass Van Morrison to tie it all together.
May 14, 2012
Oxford Messed Up is easily my favorite book read in 2012 and I am a voracious reader with a stack of books teetering on my nightstand, others stashed underneath and an eReader equally well stocked. This book will trick you out of sleep while putting a smile of contentment on your face. It’s a brilliant first novel by an author whose voice should become better known as momentum builds and the word spreads. Andrea Kayne Kaufman has written a compelling first novel that works on every level. The characters are well drawn, realistic and appealing; the story is well plotted and believable with a sprinkling of verbal magic that sets it apart from the majority of current fiction. It has the added attraction of the soundtrack of Van Morrison as leit motif playing in the mind of the reader. Rhodes Scholar and American graduate student, Gloria Zimmerman, a friendless super achiever academician, arrives at Oxford with a stellar academic record and a constant companion, the vividly imagined, incessant inner voice of ‘Oliver’ who directs her behavior into elaborate, maniacal scrubbing rituals that relate to an undiagnosed Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Flat mate on the other side of an uncomfortably shared bathroom is the charming green-eyed Henry Young who faces his own demons.
Gloria’s studies of dreary, dead by suicide women poets and Henry’s languid despair is balanced by a shared love of listening to the unbridled joy and optimism of Belfast Cowboy poet, singer and musician Van Morrison whose vast catalog serves as inspiration and muse as they seek “the bright side of the road.”
The well crafted story and additional of solid, secondary characters add a richness and emotional depth to a literate, sensitively told novel.
Gloria’s studies of dreary, dead by suicide women poets and Henry’s languid despair is balanced by a shared love of listening to the unbridled joy and optimism of Belfast Cowboy poet, singer and musician Van Morrison whose vast catalog serves as inspiration and muse as they seek “the bright side of the road.”
The well crafted story and additional of solid, secondary characters add a richness and emotional depth to a literate, sensitively told novel.
July 13, 2012
I loved every single thing about this book. It takes dysfunctional to a whole new level. There are dysfunctional individuals, dysfunctional relationships, dysfunctional families. The two main characters are Gloria, a Rhodes scholar who has come to Oxford to study women's poetry and Henry, a music loving son of one of the Oxford dons.
The two are thrown together when their flat at Oxford shares a bathroom. This would not be such a bad thing, except that Gloria has an obsessive/compulsive disorder. She can not abide by germs. Her hatred of germs is fueled by "Oliver" a voice in her head. And Oliver has a lot to say about Henry and his slovenly ways. Gloria combats this by cleaning the bathroom every morning for hours and applying copious amounts of hand sanitizer. Henry realizes that Gloria is probably actually more messed up than he is, and after finding that he has feelings for her, sets about to help make her better.
What they do have in common is Van Morrision. His words and wisdom are so interwoven through this story, that I had to stop in the middle and purchase and download his greatest hits album.
This is a love story. It is a story of rising above our own personal demons. It is a fascinating look at OCD. It would make a wonderful movie.
The two are thrown together when their flat at Oxford shares a bathroom. This would not be such a bad thing, except that Gloria has an obsessive/compulsive disorder. She can not abide by germs. Her hatred of germs is fueled by "Oliver" a voice in her head. And Oliver has a lot to say about Henry and his slovenly ways. Gloria combats this by cleaning the bathroom every morning for hours and applying copious amounts of hand sanitizer. Henry realizes that Gloria is probably actually more messed up than he is, and after finding that he has feelings for her, sets about to help make her better.
What they do have in common is Van Morrision. His words and wisdom are so interwoven through this story, that I had to stop in the middle and purchase and download his greatest hits album.
This is a love story. It is a story of rising above our own personal demons. It is a fascinating look at OCD. It would make a wonderful movie.
March 29, 2012
I loved the characters in this book. Both Gloria and Henry have issues and people that hammer away at them, yet are honest, human and real. It pulled me into the world of OCD and I was amazed at how Andrea Kayne Kaufman's portrayal of the disease was so decidedly different than what we are used to seeing in film or reading about in literature. In my experience, OCD has always been outlined in humor rather than reality.
Oxford Messed Up will make you smile, don't get me wrong...but it's nice to see an honest portrayal laced with humor rather than a humorous one that doesn't really touch on the gripping paralysis this disease imposes on so many people.
I had the same love/hate relationship with Oliver that Gloria did, and as a writer myself, I know it isn't always easy to get readers to feel and experience things with your characters!
Bravo to Ms. Kayne Kaufman on a valiant first effort! I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!
Oxford Messed Up will make you smile, don't get me wrong...but it's nice to see an honest portrayal laced with humor rather than a humorous one that doesn't really touch on the gripping paralysis this disease imposes on so many people.
I had the same love/hate relationship with Oliver that Gloria did, and as a writer myself, I know it isn't always easy to get readers to feel and experience things with your characters!
Bravo to Ms. Kayne Kaufman on a valiant first effort! I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!
August 27, 2016
I loved this book. Andrea Kaufman has done a marvelous job of creating characters with major personality flaws (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and substance abuse) and turned them into people with heart and substance. Gloria, the obsessive Rhodes scholar, is studying the poetry of feminist writers Sylvia Plath and Sara Teasdale, and Henry, ex-addict and scholarly failure, share a bathroom in their graduate student housing. Kaufman lets the reader into Gloria's OCD in a way that is both instructional and humane. Henry's issues also become a source of realistic information.
I especially enjoyed the intellectual aspect of the book as Gloria writes and comments about her women poets and the collaboration she does with Henry regarding the poetry/music of Van Morrison. For me, the book worked on many levels and I was truly pleased with the results.
I would definitely recommend "Oxford Messed Up" to friends and to book groups.
I especially enjoyed the intellectual aspect of the book as Gloria writes and comments about her women poets and the collaboration she does with Henry regarding the poetry/music of Van Morrison. For me, the book worked on many levels and I was truly pleased with the results.
I would definitely recommend "Oxford Messed Up" to friends and to book groups.
April 17, 2012
I was initially drawn to this book because it deals with an issue that I see a lot. I am a clinical social worker and work with children and adults that suffer from OCD. As I began reading the book, I was expecting the same, tired portrayal of OCD that is common in Hollywood. However, I was quickly proven wrong. Andrea Kayne Kaufman does an amazing job portraying the OCD voice and the internal struggle that many afflicted with the disorder face. Ms. Kayne Kaufman clearly has an understanding of OCD and the recommended/effective treatment modalities. I also enjoyed the relationship between Gloria and Henry. On the outside these two could not be more different, but on the inside, struggle with many of the same issues. I found myself rooting for their relationship and had a difficult time putting the book down at night. I would highly recommend this novel and hope to see it on the big screen some day.
July 26, 2012
Oxford Messed Up by Andrea Kayne Kaufman was an unexpected joy to read. As someone who is leery of romance novels, this book proved to be both smart and sweet. The theme of transcendence permeated the novel and reminds the reader that an individual’s past does not dictate how the rest of their life will play out.
The characters, Gloria, a young woman who suffers from severe OCD, and Henry, a recovering addict, are thrown together when forced to be “loo-mates” at Oxford University. In a fairly predictable turn of events they become friends and realize that they share many commonalities, the most focal being their love of the musician Van Morrison. Throughout the novel these two characters inspire each other to forget their oppressively lonely past and enthusiastically embrace the present.
The characters, Gloria, a young woman who suffers from severe OCD, and Henry, a recovering addict, are thrown together when forced to be “loo-mates” at Oxford University. In a fairly predictable turn of events they become friends and realize that they share many commonalities, the most focal being their love of the musician Van Morrison. Throughout the novel these two characters inspire each other to forget their oppressively lonely past and enthusiastically embrace the present.
May 26, 2012
WOW. This was one of those rare books that manages to strike the perfect balance between sweet romance and a meaningful message. Gloria suffers from severe OCD and germophobia, which makes it very problematic when she arrives at student housing as an Oxford postgraduate and finds that she's been assigned to share a bathroom with a disorganized, free-spirited musician named Henry. Battling demons of his own, Henry endeavors to help Gloria with her incredibly debilitating illness, and of course a romance begins. Unfortunately, Henry must reveal a dark secret of his own.
This book managed to be uplifting while still calling attention to the very serious subject of mental illness. It flowed perfectly and never dragged. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
This book managed to be uplifting while still calling attention to the very serious subject of mental illness. It flowed perfectly and never dragged. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
January 8, 2012
Just finished reading "Oxford Messed Up" by Andrea Kayne Kaufman and LOVED it!!! :D Finally there is a book that tells what it is really like for people like me who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder!!! :D I loved reading Glora and Henry's story and how two people who think they are so messed up can fall in love and help each other, along with the help of Van Morrison's music. It's such a sweet love story and a very well written book!!! :D Just loved it!!! :D
March 1, 2012
This Book is absolutely Bloody BRILLIANT!!!!!!!
The first great book of 2012..It really has movie potential!!!!
I have to give this book SIX stars!!
I am blown away by how much I adore Gloria and Henry.
Thank you so much for sharing these peoples with me.
Your proportions of history, and dabbling of the
supporting characters is beyond perfect.
I love that you gave a complete story with a loving ending
The first great book of 2012..It really has movie potential!!!!
I have to give this book SIX stars!!
I am blown away by how much I adore Gloria and Henry.
Thank you so much for sharing these peoples with me.
Your proportions of history, and dabbling of the
supporting characters is beyond perfect.
I love that you gave a complete story with a loving ending
April 22, 2012
Best novel I've read in a long time! From the beginning, I was captivated by this beautiful and moving love story. The author's vivid imagery and rich character development had me so engrossed that I did not want this book to end.The author has managed to depict in honest, and, at times, brutal detail the difficult world of Obssessive Compulsive Disoder. Kudos to Andrea Kayne Kaufman, a very gifted writer, for this transformative book. A must read!
September 10, 2012
This is a wonderful novel about the relationship between two damaged and alienated people brought together by a shared bathroom and a mutual love of Van Morrison. Smart, funny, and above all, believable. The author obviously put a lot of research into this book, painting detailed and realistic portraits of addiction and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. She also seems to know a lot about the often dysfunctional dynamics between parents and their children. Heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful.
September 12, 2012
Oh man.. this book struck a raw nerve..
A real story of love and redemption;embracing the darkness. Possibly one of my favorite romance novels to date.
Excellent characterization, ingenious plot, tender story development, AWESOME poetry ( for the weary,melancholic,introspective sort) and of course Van Morrison!.
what a journey..
......... the balloon is waiting for you....
A real story of love and redemption;embracing the darkness. Possibly one of my favorite romance novels to date.
Excellent characterization, ingenious plot, tender story development, AWESOME poetry ( for the weary,melancholic,introspective sort) and of course Van Morrison!.
what a journey..
......... the balloon is waiting for you....
September 16, 2012
I loved this book! It was so clever how the protagonist had everyone believing that her OCD was her actual boyfriend. And, was it a coincidence that her roomie also loved Van Morrison? Has anyone ever heard of OCD as severe as Gloria's case? Not me! It was appalling yet astonishing! A must read for all!
February 8, 2012
"Oxford Messed Up," is eloquent, funny, & thought provoking. It takes you head first into the world of OCD. It is indeed a contemporary love story, but so much more. It's still hard to believe that this is a first novel.
Congrats to Andrea!
Congrats to Andrea!
February 22, 2012
Oxford Messed Up by Andrea Kayne Kaufman is a rare and poignant glimpse into the world of obsessive compulsive disorder. Characters are easy to identify with and are completely human in their failings and triumphs. I was expecting a love story and got so much more.
April 19, 2012
I always know that I'm on to a good book when the story and the characters stay with me.
Gloria and Henry are still with me. I found myself cheering for both of them, especially Gloria, and was so happy when Oliver got his walking papers. When I closed the book I played my copy of Astral Weeks.
Gloria and Henry are still with me. I found myself cheering for both of them, especially Gloria, and was so happy when Oliver got his walking papers. When I closed the book I played my copy of Astral Weeks.
July 25, 2016
Loved this book! Loved the characters and felt as if I was in England while reading about Oxford. I have a whole new view on OCD now too.
May 10, 2012
Loved it!!!!! Downloading more Van Morrison tomorrow!!!
April 23, 2012
Delightful book. Character driven, and the epilogue is especially touching. One of the best books I have read in a while.
June 22, 2012
Wow! I love this story. I was so captivated by the characters, they felt real to me. This feels like the most real love story I have read in a long time.
August 8, 2012
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I chose it for my book club and everyone enjoyed it. I had no idea Van Morrison was such a brilliant poet.
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