Historical novels can't be easy to write -- authors either rely too much on fact and too little on their own imagination, or vice-versa. The sheer genius of Korman's book is that the reader can never be sure whether he's looking at a brilliant rendering of a historical event or the brilliant rendering of Korman's imagination. The author creates a world so realistic that the reader feels he is transported back to the Vienna of Freud and Jung, back to Stalin's Russia, and into the dreams of his protagonist. Once opened, this book is nearly impossible to put down, despite its considerable heft. And when one does take a break from it, Korman's work lingers in the mind, particularly in the reader's own dreams. Perhaps this was his intent, as the title subtly implies. Korman's comprehensive research into the early days of psychoanalysis is clearly evident on every page; the manner in which he blends one part history and one part fiction is nothing short of masterful.

This book brought me back to the essence of myself, and began my journey to the real me... Anyone that is searching, thinking that love and hope is lost should read this... Can't be faint at heart or afraid of the unfamiliar...But if you enjoy feasting your eyes on the glory of a well written book. This is the one for you... I got lost while reading it, and found myself in the end.