"The Interpretation of Murder" by Jed Rubenfeld - A Book Review

chillibreeze writer — Ananya Roy

Fascinated with psychoanalysis, Shakespeare and the history of New York? Even if you’re not, you will find Jed Rubenfeld’s ‘The Interpretation of Murder’ a compelling read. This racy whodunit takes you through the streets and homes of early twentieth century New York, close on the heels of a psychopathic killer who likes to whip and slash victims before suffocating them to death.

A missing body. A neurotic victim who has lost her memory and voice. A ruthless tycoon with something to hide. An elusive Chinaman. A secret brotherhood. An America that is still skeptical of the workings of the unconscious mind. You are introduced one by one to the seemingly disconnected pieces of the puzzle.

Freud arrives with Jung and other followers on what will be his first and last visit to the United States. The young protagonist, Dr. Stratham Younger, an ardent lover of Shakespeare and a recent convert to Freud’s theories, is put in charge of looking after Freud’s needs. On Freud’s request he takes on the case of a beautiful young woman who has recently undergone a sadistic attack and been left hysterical. Be it his romantic interest in his new patient or the sheer pressure to crack the case, Younger gets involved and eventually leads the quest to solving the mystery. An outward journey to nab the assailant becomes an inner journey that brings Younger face to face with the recesses of his mind and of those around him. He is joined by a sincere police detective who is separately investigating the murder and disappearance of a young heiress.

Their adventure transports you from the smelly alleyways of Chinatown to the grand art deco houses of the rich, from seedy brothels to busy police precincts, from public parks to New York landmarks. On the way, Rubenfeld treats you to New York society gossip at the time, a psychoanalytic interpretation of Hamlet, and the technology that went into constructing the Manhattan Bridge. From time to time the story returns to Freud, when Younger looks to him to provide insights into the killer’s psyche. At times you wonder – what if Freud’s actual visit to America had had such an intriguing outcome?

Rubenfeld’s storytelling is lush, easily helping you recreate each scene as if you were experiencing it in person, watching, listening, savoring. He presents you with twist after riveting twist as the mystery grows to complex proportions. Everything is masterfully tied together to culminate in a satisfying finale, with no loose ends.

The book is not all dark and devious. Of the several narratives running parallel to the main story, the most amusing is probably the one where Jung is plotting to steal his mentor’s glory. Rubenfeld makes sure your sympathies are with Freud. While his Jung is villainous with a streak of dementia, Freud is portrayed as patient, wise and ever resourceful.

Rubenfeld’s association with psychoanalysis goes back to his Princeton days when he wrote his thesis on Freud. He studied Shakespeare at the Juilliard School, which explains the other recurring topic in this novel. As a first novel ‘The Interpretation of Murder’ is quite a commendable piece of work – both informative and entertaining. Look out for Rubenfeld’s next!

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—About our writer:

Ananya,

A 29 year old who is passionate about films, backpacking, gormandizing and altering her mind. She has tried her hand at a range of things from making films to painting faces, and is right now attempting to escape the confines of her desk job.

"The Interpretation of Murder" by Jed Rubenfeld - A Book Review

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