Title: The Mind’s Eye
Author: Alan Krohn
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8369451793
Pages: 378
Genre: Literature & Fiction / Psychological
Reviewer: Alyssa Avina

Read Book Review

It was Sigmund Freud who coined psychoanalysis, and the theories and techniques which go along with it have been widely used ever since. Psychoanalysis is a helpful tool to really dissect the human mind “by bringing repressed and unconscious thoughts and conflicts to the surface in the conscious mind.” It is meant to give the patient more self-awareness and begin the process of healing. That is a hugely important part of what we dive into in The Mind’s Eye by Alan Krohn.

Taking place in the mid-90s in the cold, dark days of winter in Michigan, our story is focused on Dr. Ivan Weiss. When we first meet this novel’s protagonist Dr. Weiss, a psychoanalyst who is incredibly gifted but troubled himself, his life is being turned upside down, one crisis at a time. He is on edge, worried about his wife’s potential infidelity, which has troubled him in the past as well. Simultaneously, he is dealing with the aftermath of the horrific sexual assault his daughter just endured. Meanwhile, his own clinic is facing sexual harassment charges. To say he’s on the brink of losing it is the understatement of the century, but here we get the opportunity to dive deep into this well-respected and talented psychoanalyst’s mind while psychoanalyzing him ourselves.

Things begin to unravel further when his wife disappears, leaving an “enigmatic note” and his daughter goes missing at the same time. He must do whatever it takes to find them, and the truth, before it’s too late. This story takes us from the quiet consulting room in the area of Ann Arbor to the south of France and ultimately leads to a police chase in downtown Detroit. This is a gripping story that blends the emotional tolls of trauma and loss with the underlying mystery set before its readers.

Much like Dr. Ivan Weiss, we, the readers, are trying to untangle this wild mystery one clue at a time while still processing the emotions he is going through during each problem that arises and truly tests the limits of the human mind. While the story itself is intense, haunting, and an unforgettable ride, it also gives a lot of real psychological insight that is not always easily achievable in a suspenseful story such as this. It leaves us on the edge of our seats one moment and coming to grips with the intensity of the emotions of this tale the next. It also was incredibly interesting to see how an analyst’s mind works and how impactful his work is to help better understand those who are struggling. This is a read you won’t soon forget. The Mind’s Eye is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the fragile boundaries between perception and reality.