Sympathy: A Novel

by Dede Crane

When a car accident claims the lives of her husband and son, Kerry Taylor, a former ballet dancer, slips into a catatonic state. Her family’s last option is the Rosewood Clinic, where Dr. Michael Myatt has launched a controversial new therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder victims in the wake of 9/11. Framed around the seven distinct phases of Myatt’s radical “sympathy-based” therapy, in which the doctor tries to take on the actual physical feelings of the patient, the book explores the permeable boundaries between self and others. A colorful supporting cast of five lost souls adds poignancy and earthy humor to the story of Kerry’s gradual return to consciousness and long-suppressed grief. This powerful first novel examines the relationship between mind, body, and spirit, and sets Kerry’s recovery against a larger backdrop: the healing of damaged minds during a time of political and social upheaval.

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Dede Crane is the author of the literary novel Sympathy, which was a finalist for the Victoria Butler Book Prize. She has also published the teen novel, The 25 Pains of Kennedy Baines. Her first published story, “Seers,” appeared in Grain magazine and was short listed for the CBC Literary Award; she has since been published in numerous literary journals.

Dede has also co-edited, with author Lisa Moore, a collection of non-fiction stories about the experience of giving birth. She is currently working on a second teen novel, Poster Boy. A former professional ballet dancer and choreographer, Dede Crane has studied Buddhist psychology and psychokinetics at Naropa Institute in Colorado and the Body-Mind Institute in Amherst, Massachusetts. She currently calls Victoria, B.C. home.

From the Author:

I started writing because of a bad back. No longer able to dance and choreograph but still pregnant with creative energy, words became my new, untrained limbs. Though not a word person by instinct, I did have a connection to the world of storytelling. I had always been an excellent daydreamer. I could keep a daydream going all day, go to sleep and wake up and begin where I left off. And these imagined worlds were equally as vivid as the so called real one.

Going from being such a physical person to a sedentary writer (also hard on the back) was a big change but it was time, I think, to give my voice its due. Moving to Vancouver Island was the final other catalyst. There was something about the power of the land here, in particular the trees, that urged voice. I know this may sound strange but unlike the east coast where the forest isn't wild anymore, the trees here still have stories to tell. And they want them told. I will also add that I love being around writers. Writers are sexy.

Reviews

[Readysetclick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would give this more of a 3.5. However, parts were definitely a 4 rating. I guess the ending made it a 3.5. I loved her writing style. It really drew me in and made me want to read more. I haven't really come across anything like this before and that was what specifically drew me in. I would love to read more from her.

[Lori Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am just not sure how to rate this book. Parts of it really were good, particularly the diary entries of the main character, Kerry. Kerry has been placed in the Rosewood Clinic to try and raise her from her catatonic state after the tragic and gruesome death of her son and husband.

And that's where it's just hard. The people we meet in Rosewood are damaged, some so horribly that it's hard to look. And the psychiatrist, Michael -- I could NOT warm up to him -- but I really think that was the author's intent. Intent or not, it got in the way for me, because some of his actions just really rubbed me the wrong way.

It's worth a read, and I'd be interested in your thoughts. And I have a copy I'd be glad to send to you.


Lori Anderson

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[Kipahni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an affinity for the books that touch on the abnormal psych. perhaps it's because I am fascinated with the fine lines of sanity and madness and how easy it is to swing between them.

anyway on to the book. It is okay as far as the "crazy" genre goes. It does a good job of making you feel as confused as the psych patients with their stream of conscience.

one thing that I find disturbing though is that every fictional book that talks about unstable mentality always has a characture that must indulge in some sexual self gratification and this book is no exception.

The description of this book makes it seem like it is so touching and relevent for todays society but I didn't walk away changed or touched. it was entertaining and that's about it.

[Raphael Clayette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book for a health psychology educated man like me. I like it, simple, and "patient"-viewed as it is.
Nice first book (from the author) finaly.
I liked the end, while some seemed to dislike it ( i wonder why ).

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Enjoyed her style of writing. It is a story of resilience and having courage to move on in life after much sadness.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it a 3.5 if I could.