During an eleven-week time period in 1900, Sigmund Freud treated an eighteen-year-old girl for hysteria and wrote about his treatment in one of the most famous psychological case studies ever published. In Dreaming for Freud, Kohler brings us into the minds of Freud and his patient, who is never named in the novel. The patient, who is suffering from leg pains and a debilitating cough, has considered suicide. She is angry at her parents who do not believe her story of a sexual assault on her by a family friend. The girl shares her story with Freud, sometimes telling the truth, sometimes half-truths, and sometimes lying. Freud listens to her story, understanding her only as much as he can through his own prejudices.
The story shifts time periods like a dream, moving between the treatment time period and flashbacks by both the patient and the doctor. The movement feels dream-like but isn't always easy to follow, especially as the text is pronoun-heavy. I found myself re-reading in many places, trying to discern who “he” or “she” was. Despite these small difficulties, the story is a fascinating read. Kohler stays faithful to the historical information about both Freud and his patient, while imagining what they may have been thinking and feeling, about each other, and about the “truth” that they both seek. ( )

Pages read: 22

From what I've read, I suspect this book is actually pretty good. Kohler's a talented author and I enjoyed the previous novel of hers I read. However, the book is told using pronouns exclusively in the third person narration, and I really can't handle it. "She did this and thought that. She walked down the stairs." It's all about Freud and this girl, and I don't even know her name two chapters in. I cannot deal.

3.5 stars
DREAMING FOR FREUD is Sheila Kohler’s intimate conjecture of Dora (Freud’s best known patient) and Freud, their time together, influence on each other, and lives after their final meeting focusing mainly on Dora.

DREAMING FOR FREUD has left me in two minds. Freud and Dora came across as selfish, vain, and manipulative.

Freud wasn’t the least altruistic regarding his patients. He was concerned mainly with the opportunity for academic writings they provided and, of course, financial remuneration. Freud was primarily concerned with Freud. I didn’t like him even a little bit.

Dora is seeking attention and validation that she’s been terribly wronged by the adults in her life, and apologies. She manipulates Freud, yanking his chain whenever possible.

Freud’s answer to everything is sex in some shape, form, or fashion.

Ms. Kolhler’s writing kept me reading despite finding neither character the least appealing. I had to know the where, how, and conclusion. I confess the section titled December 1945, the last section, is my favorite part of the book. So much life, living, and revelation are succinctly summarized while Dora lies on her death bed. At the end, with her life behind her, I found Dora to be a rather tragic figure.
Reviewed by IvyD for Miss Ivy's Book Nook & Manic Readers ( )