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Set This House in Order - Matt Ruff
Oct. 24th, 2007 08:29 pmWell, I finished the book, and as promised, I have a review for you.
First off, let me say that Set This House in Order is a book about child abuse and the psychotic breaks that the protagonists suffer as a result thereof. Therefore, it might be unpleasant and triggery for some. It is, however, a highly engaging and engrossing read that is entirely unlike anything I have read before. It takes, as a core concept, the idea that some people with multiple personality disorder (MPD) should not attempt to reintegrate their personalities but learn to live with them instead.
Thus, you have two characters, one who has learned to cohabitate and another who does not even realize that MPD is an issue. The story flips back and forth between these two people and all of the people within the two people. Moreover, due to the nature of the personal discoveries that occur, it flips around in time as well. Then, just in case you've managed to stay on top of what's going on, there's a nice bout of gender confusion.
I didn't have any trouble following the action, which may say more about me than the writer's skill. That said, it's good. It's really good. The characters seem real, and though I've never (to my knowledge) dealt with anyone with that particular oddity, the lives described seem quite realistic when compared to the lives of friends of mine who come close. Also, the ending has the type of ending that I find that I begin to prefer*, and everything is not tied up neatly. Instead, life goes on it's merry way, pulling some characters along, pushing others aside, and generally reminding everyone that they're not as in control of their destiny as they'd like to believe. A bit like real life in that respect.
If you don't have the triggery issues, I recommend reading it.
* Note: I am still a sappy romantic to some extent, and am very glad that ALL stories do not wind up that way. I need some happily ever after, after all.
First off, let me say that Set This House in Order is a book about child abuse and the psychotic breaks that the protagonists suffer as a result thereof. Therefore, it might be unpleasant and triggery for some. It is, however, a highly engaging and engrossing read that is entirely unlike anything I have read before. It takes, as a core concept, the idea that some people with multiple personality disorder (MPD) should not attempt to reintegrate their personalities but learn to live with them instead.
Thus, you have two characters, one who has learned to cohabitate and another who does not even realize that MPD is an issue. The story flips back and forth between these two people and all of the people within the two people. Moreover, due to the nature of the personal discoveries that occur, it flips around in time as well. Then, just in case you've managed to stay on top of what's going on, there's a nice bout of gender confusion.
I didn't have any trouble following the action, which may say more about me than the writer's skill. That said, it's good. It's really good. The characters seem real, and though I've never (to my knowledge) dealt with anyone with that particular oddity, the lives described seem quite realistic when compared to the lives of friends of mine who come close. Also, the ending has the type of ending that I find that I begin to prefer*, and everything is not tied up neatly. Instead, life goes on it's merry way, pulling some characters along, pushing others aside, and generally reminding everyone that they're not as in control of their destiny as they'd like to believe. A bit like real life in that respect.
If you don't have the triggery issues, I recommend reading it.
* Note: I am still a sappy romantic to some extent, and am very glad that ALL stories do not wind up that way. I need some happily ever after, after all.
