While The Analyst’s Away (Press, 16 June 1984)

In a review published on 16 June 1984, Ralf Unger discusses Judith Rossner's novel "August," released by Cape in 1983. Priced at $24.95 and comprising 376 pages, the work follows a similar thematic vein as Rossner's previous success, "Looking for Mr Goodbar," which was adapted into a film. In "August," Rossner delves into the intricate emotional landscapes of a young female patient named Dawn and her middle-aged psychoanalyst, Lulu. The narrative is structured around the annual cycles of each September and August. Each September marks a rebirth for Dawn as she begins her journey of emotional growth, likened to a small fish navigating turbulent waters toward the safety of the shore. However, come August, she feels metaphorically thrown back into the ocean, representing the abandonment she experiences when her psychoanalyst takes a vacation—an annual occurrence in New York that triggers memories of childhood abandonment. Dawn's identity struggles are notably linked to her unconventional upbringing by a lesbian couple, referred to as Father and Mother. Her complex feelings about her natural father, who is revealed to be homosexual, further complicate her psychoanalytical journey. The narrative touches on familiar Freudian motifs, yet it is set against the backdrop of 1980s New York, reflecting contemporary societal issues. Lulu, the psychoanalyst, grapples with her own emotional turmoil and complex love life, and the juxtaposition of the two women's lives creates a riveting dynamic throughout the years of their therapy sessions. The emotional depth of their relationship serves as the novel's focal point, illustrating the therapist-patient bond and the vulnerabilities both characters share. Unger remarks on the intensity and emotional depth characteristic of East Coast American narratives, implying that only in New York would a patient willingly pay $80 for a missed session, highlighting the cultural norms surrounding therapy and the value placed on these emotionally charged interactions. The review ultimately conveys that "August" offers a poignant exploration of personal identity, emotional struggles, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships.

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