Book Club for Introverts discussion

Let's discuss!

Theo appears obsessed but why? Certainly there have been other cases he might have followed and other people he might have sought out to help. There’s definitely foreshadowing-he’s already destined for disaster. I wonder what’s up with Yuri—what is his relationship with Alicia and why doesn’t he want Theo to help her/spend time with her? Kathy seems odd to me... what’s her story? Maybe she’s as she appears, light, warmth, and color. We shall see. I wonder if the secret to getting Alicia to open up is to explore options other than that she killed Gabriel.

I focused mainly on the initial relationship between Theo and Alicia, did pay some attention to other characters. Theo does seem aware that the path he chose may lead to disaster....he highlights in his awareness his transgression from established structures of therapy. He seems unable to stop himself. What is driving him so? In previous chapters the painting of Alicia as Alcestes was introduced and in these chapters again Alcestes is brought up. But there seems a misfit between the myth (where she actually dies and goes to the underworld and present day where she lives.....although one could describe her condition as being in an underworld) that I can't resolve right now.

We do get a more complete picture of Theo's marriage, which on the surface, seems strong. I am picking up more obsessive tendencies in Theo.

I agree that Theo seems to have some obsessive characteristics. With the glimpse into his past, I can understand why. Abuse/neglect often shows up in adulthood in the form of trying to control everything or obsessive behavior.

Yuri is one to watch here, and I think he'll play an important role in this novel. His description of obsessing over the woman definitely raised a red flag for me. I also feel like, although Theo and Kathy's relationship seems strong, something about it is foreshadowing impending doom. I think even Theo could feel it when Yuri asked his wife's name. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something is amiss there. There is certainly a lot of foreshadowing..... Another instance that comes to mind is when Theo admits that his "first professional transgression in dealing with Alicia" was in phoning her lawyer and aunt, or did he mean that his transgression was in doing something he thought Diomedes would not approve of?

We are agreed on the effects of abuse on Theo. Thanks for mentioning Yuri, I didn't focus on him so much. Will be looking at him as I read further. I think transgression applies in both phoning relatives and disappointing Diomedes.