Clinical Fictions: Psychoanalytic Novelists and Short Story Writers is the first book to explore works of fiction written by prominent psychoanalysts.
Broken down into thematic sections, the book traces the literary output of pioneering psychoanalysts such as Julia Kristeva, Bruce Fink, Thomas Odgen, and Gregorio Kohon, among others. Berman looks at works of historical fiction, detective fiction, and the short story, and shows how recurring themes typical of these genres can be understood both psychoanalytically and through a literary lens. The works included investigate experiences of childhood adversity, life in dystopian societies, experiences of psychosis, bodily autonomy, personal loss and, above all, trauma. Unpacking these themes, and their depiction through fiction, Berman gives the reader the tools to apply psychoanalytic literary theory to further works. Interweaving his personal correspondence with authors, including a heartwarming exchange with Cliff Wilkerson, Berman offers unparalleled access to the inner workings of the writers' minds.
This book will be of interest to students and researchers using psychoanalytic literary theory, as well as mental health practitioners who are interested in the intersections between literature and psychoanalysis and discovering new ways of probing the unspoken and unconscious.
| ISBN: | 9781041034513 |
| Publication date: | 14th July 2025 |
| Author: | Jeffrey Berman |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 296 pages |
| Genres: |
Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers Psychoanalytical and Freudian psychology Literary theory |
Clinical Fictions: Psychoanalytic Novelists and Short Story Writers is the first book to explore works of fiction written by prominent psychoanalysts.
Broken down into thematic sections, the book traces the literary output of pioneering psychoanalysts such as Julia Kristeva, Bruce Fink, Thomas Odgen, and Gregorio Kohon, among others. Berman looks at works of historical fiction, detective fiction, and the short story, and shows how recurring themes typical of these genres can be understood both psychoanalytically and through a literary lens. The works included investigate experiences of childhood adversity, life in dystopian societies, experiences of psychosis, bodily autonomy, personal loss and, above all, trauma. Unpacking these themes, and their depiction through fiction, Berman gives the reader the tools to apply psychoanalytic literary theory to further works. Interweaving his personal correspondence with authors, including a heartwarming exchange with Cliff Wilkerson, Berman offers unparalleled access to the inner workings of the writers' minds.
This book will be of interest to students and researchers using psychoanalytic literary theory, as well as mental health practitioners who are interested in the intersections between literature and psychoanalysis and discovering new ways of probing the unspoken and unconscious.
Clinical Fictions features in the following genres: Literary theory, Psychoanalytical and Freudian psychology, Psychotherapy, Literary studies: general, Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers
Clinical Fictions is available in Hardback, Paperback
Clinical Fictions was written by Jeffrey Berman and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Clinical Fictions has 296 pages
£32.39