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The Disassembly of Doreen Durand
From her apartment window, Doreen Durand witnesses a horrific accident.
The police want to know what she saw. Doreen doesn’t want to tell them – or anyone. But when she runs away it’s straight into the fantastic world of the wealthy and mysterious Violet Cascade. With one rogue police officer in pursuit, and life becoming more bizarre by the day, Doreen is caught up in a surreal game of cat and mouse.
The police want to know what she saw. Doreen doesn’t want to tell them – or anyone. But when she runs away it’s straight into the fantastic world of the wealthy and mysterious Violet Cascade. With one rogue police officer in pursuit, and life becoming more bizarre by the day, Doreen is caught up in a surreal game of cat and mouse.
- GenresAdult
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2021
4 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Collett
2 books44 followersRyan Collett is a writer, knitter, and animator. He grew up in Oregon and now lives in London where he works as an editor. He also runs a popular YouTube channel devoted to knitting. The Disassembly of Doreen Durand is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 4, 2021
After having witnessed a horrific accident, Doreen Durand dispose of all her belongings in a dumpster before taking off running barefoot down the middle of the highway in rush hour traffic. Since her flatmate up and left her, Doreen's life has slowly unravelled out of control. First, it was the furniture that Whitney sold off to stranger's showing up at Doreen's door. She then goes on to detach herself from all external responsibilities and stops showing up at work. As her nervous breakdown progresses, Doreen is seemingly shutting herself off from the world until the hole she has dug for herself is so deep and cavernous that she doesn't know how she'll ever get herself out of it. Until the mysterious Violet Cascade shows up - a stranger that somehow seems to know way more than is humanly possible.
It's no exaggeration to say that this is was like nothing I've ever read before. From having been about a millennial woman suffering a mental breakdown, it turned into a bit of a crime thriller for a bit, before the magic realism was brought on as the narrative progressed. I was constantly kept guessing at what was really going on beneath the perfect exterior of Violet. Even as her relationship with Doreen blossoms into a beautiful friendship she still continues to be shrouded in mystery, which propels the reader onwards in a quest to uncover the truth. The real truth.
I'm finding it difficult to find the right words without spoiling the story, but The Disassembly of Doreen Durand was a refreshing genre bending gust of wind where I had no idea what was going to happen next for the entirety of the novel. I really appreciated how it dealt with mental illness, friendship, and trauma and I can't wait to see what #ryancollett does next.
Thank you so much @sandstonepress for this #gifted ARC!
It's no exaggeration to say that this is was like nothing I've ever read before. From having been about a millennial woman suffering a mental breakdown, it turned into a bit of a crime thriller for a bit, before the magic realism was brought on as the narrative progressed. I was constantly kept guessing at what was really going on beneath the perfect exterior of Violet. Even as her relationship with Doreen blossoms into a beautiful friendship she still continues to be shrouded in mystery, which propels the reader onwards in a quest to uncover the truth. The real truth.
I'm finding it difficult to find the right words without spoiling the story, but The Disassembly of Doreen Durand was a refreshing genre bending gust of wind where I had no idea what was going to happen next for the entirety of the novel. I really appreciated how it dealt with mental illness, friendship, and trauma and I can't wait to see what #ryancollett does next.
Thank you so much @sandstonepress for this #gifted ARC!
July 25, 2021
The Disassembly of Doreen Durand is a vivid, startling page-turner about trauma, breakdown, recovery and everything in between. It crosses boundaries between genres and blends reality with fantasy in a way that leaves the reader breathless and reeling.
I particularly liked the perceptive acknowledgement of small moments and memories associated with trauma, and the clever use of imagery and metaphor. I also loved the well-formed characters, from the enigmatic and Gatsby-esque Violet who sweeps Doreen into a life of adventure, to the obsessive and unhinged Officer Solloway, who can't help but cling to a long-closed case.
This book is many things, not least a brief glimpse into what it is to be alive, with endless possibilities, mental barriers and profound connections to others around us. It is dark and gritty and hopeful and questioning and wild. Above all, it is very mysterious and hard to describe, which is exactly why I recommend you read it for yourself.
I particularly liked the perceptive acknowledgement of small moments and memories associated with trauma, and the clever use of imagery and metaphor. I also loved the well-formed characters, from the enigmatic and Gatsby-esque Violet who sweeps Doreen into a life of adventure, to the obsessive and unhinged Officer Solloway, who can't help but cling to a long-closed case.
This book is many things, not least a brief glimpse into what it is to be alive, with endless possibilities, mental barriers and profound connections to others around us. It is dark and gritty and hopeful and questioning and wild. Above all, it is very mysterious and hard to describe, which is exactly why I recommend you read it for yourself.
April 3, 2021
The prose was observant and compelling, and the plot was strange and millennial.
"...saying anything with a degree of sincerity threatened to lead to true existential trauma and lunch was only thirty minutes."
There's a bit of every genre here, but not in a way that feels like a hustle. The best way I can give you a feel for this book is to say it's like one of those butters that sounds funky when you describe the eclectic ingredients to a friend, but is delicious and odd when you eat it. It's a weird butter.
"The brown of her irises peeled away to reveal only black."
I enjoyed it, even as I'm left feeling a little like Doreen by the end - unsure of of what's been experienced - but knowing it was one. An experience. There are scenes that remain indelible, and there's a part of me who wants to keep poking at them, smoothing the crumpled parts flat until I can feel the watermark and get an answer. Am I Solloway, the policeman, in this review? I think perhaps I am. Perhaps that's the whole of it. There is no unreliable narrator, only the unreliable reader bent on finding an answer where there is only what happened.
"Stability was only a series of latches that needed tightening, locking, and leaving."
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandstone Press Ltd for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"...saying anything with a degree of sincerity threatened to lead to true existential trauma and lunch was only thirty minutes."
There's a bit of every genre here, but not in a way that feels like a hustle. The best way I can give you a feel for this book is to say it's like one of those butters that sounds funky when you describe the eclectic ingredients to a friend, but is delicious and odd when you eat it. It's a weird butter.
"The brown of her irises peeled away to reveal only black."
I enjoyed it, even as I'm left feeling a little like Doreen by the end - unsure of of what's been experienced - but knowing it was one. An experience. There are scenes that remain indelible, and there's a part of me who wants to keep poking at them, smoothing the crumpled parts flat until I can feel the watermark and get an answer. Am I Solloway, the policeman, in this review? I think perhaps I am. Perhaps that's the whole of it. There is no unreliable narrator, only the unreliable reader bent on finding an answer where there is only what happened.
"Stability was only a series of latches that needed tightening, locking, and leaving."
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandstone Press Ltd for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2021
I’ve given a lot of thought to writing this review as The Disassembly of Doreen Durand is unlike anything I have read before. It’s a meld of genres – literary thriller, mystery and magic realism – and its story of a woman’s unravelling life and her deteriorating mental health after witnessing a tragic accident, is intriguing and unique.
The author has created a central character, Doreen, who although complex and perplexing at times is also endearing and elicits empathy. The star in the cast of supporting characters is undoubtedly Violet Cascade: a glamorous, enigmatic enabler whose deep friendship with Doreen is life altering to say the least!
This is a dark, occasionally sad tale but not without its lighter moments. As the story reaches its denouement the narrative takes on a surreal quality and I enjoyed being challenged by its playfulness and the enticement to suspend disbelief.
Well written and cleverly conceived this isn’t an easy read but it is a satisfying and thought provoking one. it certainly maintains the intrigue and keeps the reader guessing.
Thank you to Sandstone Press for the hardback copy of this fascinating novel.
The author has created a central character, Doreen, who although complex and perplexing at times is also endearing and elicits empathy. The star in the cast of supporting characters is undoubtedly Violet Cascade: a glamorous, enigmatic enabler whose deep friendship with Doreen is life altering to say the least!
This is a dark, occasionally sad tale but not without its lighter moments. As the story reaches its denouement the narrative takes on a surreal quality and I enjoyed being challenged by its playfulness and the enticement to suspend disbelief.
Well written and cleverly conceived this isn’t an easy read but it is a satisfying and thought provoking one. it certainly maintains the intrigue and keeps the reader guessing.
Thank you to Sandstone Press for the hardback copy of this fascinating novel.
June 22, 2021
This is a tough review to write, as I don’t want to give anything away. If you are into a book that crosses genre’s a little, that leaves you wondering at the end then read this book.
The prose is beautifully written, the characters are well crafted especially Doreen Durand. I really felt for her at the beginning as she lost everything, then witnessed something that I really think sent her spiralling over the edge. Until she meets Violet Cascade who randomly comments on her hair in a cafe on a day that Doreen probably looked dreadful. Then she meets her again as she is trying to run and just sits in the road Violet takes her in.
But who is Violet Cascade? What is Violet Cascade?
Then Officer Solloway who becomes obsessed with tracking Doreen down even if it may cost him, he is determined to find her but why, when the guilty party was caught. He was initially worried that something had happened to Doreen is that why he wanted to find her? But it seems to Doreen like she feels she is wanted by the police for failing to admit to witnessing what had happened.
This is a debut novel by Ryan Collett and I for one will be looking to see what he writes next.
Thank you to #SandstonePress for my ARC of this book.
The prose is beautifully written, the characters are well crafted especially Doreen Durand. I really felt for her at the beginning as she lost everything, then witnessed something that I really think sent her spiralling over the edge. Until she meets Violet Cascade who randomly comments on her hair in a cafe on a day that Doreen probably looked dreadful. Then she meets her again as she is trying to run and just sits in the road Violet takes her in.
But who is Violet Cascade? What is Violet Cascade?
Then Officer Solloway who becomes obsessed with tracking Doreen down even if it may cost him, he is determined to find her but why, when the guilty party was caught. He was initially worried that something had happened to Doreen is that why he wanted to find her? But it seems to Doreen like she feels she is wanted by the police for failing to admit to witnessing what had happened.
This is a debut novel by Ryan Collett and I for one will be looking to see what he writes next.
Thank you to #SandstonePress for my ARC of this book.
May 23, 2021
Generally I like unusual books and I was intrigued by the premise of The Disassembly of Doreen Durand; however, I must say it has to be the oddest thing I’ve read in a long time and I didn’t have a clue what was happening for a good portion of it.
The story has some pretty dark themes – depression, death and mental health issues – and the descriptions of an accident in the earlier chapters were fairly graphic which some readers may find upsetting or triggering.
I found it very difficult to understand the main character’s (Doreen) mindset and it was also hard to follow at times when the story jumped in time or switched character perspective. The supernatural elements also felt out of place within the story as a whole.
A lot of the secondary characters were generally unpleasant, including two very unprofessional police officers (one bordering on a stalker), making them hard to relate to.
The author really takes a blunt and brutal look at relationships and how individuals cope with trauma and difficulties in life.
I struggled to finish it – too weird, even for me, unfortunately!
The story has some pretty dark themes – depression, death and mental health issues – and the descriptions of an accident in the earlier chapters were fairly graphic which some readers may find upsetting or triggering.
I found it very difficult to understand the main character’s (Doreen) mindset and it was also hard to follow at times when the story jumped in time or switched character perspective. The supernatural elements also felt out of place within the story as a whole.
A lot of the secondary characters were generally unpleasant, including two very unprofessional police officers (one bordering on a stalker), making them hard to relate to.
The author really takes a blunt and brutal look at relationships and how individuals cope with trauma and difficulties in life.
I struggled to finish it – too weird, even for me, unfortunately!
June 13, 2021
I went blindly into this book not having any idea what it was about other than what I read on the blurb. And boy, I was not expecting that! The Disassembly of Doreen Durand is a strange one, with some weird and unexpected turns. The book follows Doreen in the midst of what seems to be a breakdown, and then witnesses a horrific accident (important to note here that the language used in this section of the book could be quite triggering as it’s v graphic). Doreen can’t seem to come to terms with the accident, and avoids the police who want to talk to their key witness. Doreen is then saved by Violet and what follows is a strange journey of money, travelling and more money. I won’t give anything else away but by the end of the book I was literally like ???
Despite its madness, I did enjoy reading it. I was well and truly in a reading slump so this took me a lot longer than it would normally, but I think taking it bit by bit might have helped me a bit? Instead of devouring it, I got to read and spend time ingesting what was said and what I think about it. Overall, it’s an interesting and surreal read which crosses a number of genres. Thanks SO much to Sandstone Press for my copy of this 💕
Despite its madness, I did enjoy reading it. I was well and truly in a reading slump so this took me a lot longer than it would normally, but I think taking it bit by bit might have helped me a bit? Instead of devouring it, I got to read and spend time ingesting what was said and what I think about it. Overall, it’s an interesting and surreal read which crosses a number of genres. Thanks SO much to Sandstone Press for my copy of this 💕
dnf
May 14, 2021Anything described as “strange” or “weird” would usually be right up my alley but this didn’t hit the mark unfortunately.
This is honestly not a long book yet it felt it. Too long you could say. The pages felt heavy and took effort to read. I’m a fast reader but couldn’t slog through and I stopped reading around 80% in,
Overall, it was enjoyable. I liked the prospect of not knowing where the read would take me and in turn liked that we travel to different countries. The descriptions and language is fun, with a unique cast of characters and several mysteries to solve.
This could be THE wacky and loveable read for someone. But maybe not if you like birds.
Thank you to the publisher for accepting me to review on NetGalley.
This is honestly not a long book yet it felt it. Too long you could say. The pages felt heavy and took effort to read. I’m a fast reader but couldn’t slog through and I stopped reading around 80% in,
Overall, it was enjoyable. I liked the prospect of not knowing where the read would take me and in turn liked that we travel to different countries. The descriptions and language is fun, with a unique cast of characters and several mysteries to solve.
This could be THE wacky and loveable read for someone. But maybe not if you like birds.
Thank you to the publisher for accepting me to review on NetGalley.
May 7, 2021
It's weird, engrossing and I don't know what to write as my impression changed more times.
The style of writing is excellent, the characters fleshed, the plot is tightly knitted but you are always left wondering if you understood correctly or it's just a reflection of your emotional part.
I recommend it but beware that this is a sort of trip.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The style of writing is excellent, the characters fleshed, the plot is tightly knitted but you are always left wondering if you understood correctly or it's just a reflection of your emotional part.
I recommend it but beware that this is a sort of trip.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 18, 2022
This is a weird book, and most definitely not for everybody. But I liked it. It is about a mental breakdown, little bit of a crime thriller, finding oneself and mostly perhaps a story dipped in magical realism. I was constantly guessing what is really going on, who is this mystery woman calling herself Violet. As her relationship with Doreen develops into a beautiful friendship or sisterhood, she still continues to be total mystery, until the more mysterious end. 3,6
August 21, 2021
A book unlike anything you've read before or perhaps ever will again. It takes you in and makes it hard to look away. It's less about the events, and more about our capacity to endure, but that isn't to say the events are any less moving.
A new author on the scene, I look forward to many more stories that take you in, make you think, and stay with you forever.
A new author on the scene, I look forward to many more stories that take you in, make you think, and stay with you forever.
May 22, 2024
Depressing, 🤦🏽♀️This story was so depressing, and so drawn out, and so “WHERE ARE WE GOING WITH THIS?” Weird. And the ending was so stupid, I would’ve stopped reading/ listening but I hate to have an unfinished book in my library 🙄. This book was so freaking depressing. I don’t even know HOW it ended up in my library. Anyways.. moving on.
May 20, 2021
I was looking forward to this. I enjoy a bit of genre crossing but this didn’t do it. It’s intellectually light masquerading as something deep and meaningful. Overwritten, dense and often deliberately obscure. Nah!
September 7, 2021
I listened to this on Audible. Intriguing and mysterious I am still not certain what I experienced. Which is probably not a bad thing.
I can see a stellar movie particularly at the denouement.
I am still not sure if I am annoyed or relieved to have finished.
I can see a stellar movie particularly at the denouement.
I am still not sure if I am annoyed or relieved to have finished.
July 29, 2021
It’s a book really well written, original. I just didn’t like it. I finished it wondering what I’d read and what happened. But I repeat: beautifully written, unusual.
September 18, 2021
Deceptive thriller turns into an out-of-body read. I devoured it.
December 5, 2021
I had a hard time following what was going on and I'm not sure that I understand the story after having finished it. I don't think I'll spend the time to re-read and figure it out.
December 24, 2021
Really surprised by this. Another that I picked up from the display shelves at the library. Picked as Doreen is such an unusual name for a character. Or was surreal but I really enjoyed it.
June 24, 2022
This is a stunning book with a shocking ending I've never seen before in a book. The big genre swings might take it into marmite territory for some but sticking with it is immensely rewarding.
August 17, 2022
(3-3.5)I’m really confused about the ending ? I have so many questions .
Want to read
July 3, 2023Knituber - RJ Knits
August 15, 2023
I was hoping to like this book better but it turned out to be just a bit too quirky for me.
Read
May 31, 2025I'm not rating this one, because I feel like I fully didn't get it.
July 12, 2021
Doreen’s life is spiralling out of control. Her flatmate has left, the furniture is being sold off and then she witnesses a fatal accident.
Due to her own mental health issues, she doesn’t ring for help and the police went to know why. But then she disappears with Violet Cascade, who just appears in the middle of this.
This is a difficult book to review without any spoilers. I enjoyed reading the story although I have to be honest and say that I didn’t totally understand the ending. The book moves through a number of genres and is a well written debut novel.
3.5 stars
Due to her own mental health issues, she doesn’t ring for help and the police went to know why. But then she disappears with Violet Cascade, who just appears in the middle of this.
This is a difficult book to review without any spoilers. I enjoyed reading the story although I have to be honest and say that I didn’t totally understand the ending. The book moves through a number of genres and is a well written debut novel.
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews