BOOK OF THE WEEK

Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet, Saraband, £14.99

Graeme Macrae Burnet captivated readers with the innovative, Bookershortlisted novel His Bloody Project. His newest book differs in subject matter, but once again dazzles with Burnet’s boundarybreaking form and style. A dark-yetplayful work of metafiction, Case Study delves into the anti-psychiatry movement of the 1960s. Those familiar with his work will expect to be taken on a ride, and they will not be disappointed.

The novel opens with one “GMB” telling us about his extensive research in to the life of a notorious psychotherapist named Arthur Collins Braithwaite. GMB was sent six notebooks, allegedly written by a patient of Braithwaite’s in 1960s London, who believes Braithwaite is responsible for her sister’s suicide. In a bid for the truth, she adopts a new identity and presents herself to Braithwaite as a “nut”. Her personal recordings are presented here alongside a colourful biography of Braithwaite himself. The result is an

immersive account of dupes and doubles which has us questioning the concept of identity. Braithwaite argues there is no such thing as a true-self, but

rather any versions of ourself we adopt are equally fundamental. Interestingly, the author of the journals assumes her own alias – “Rebecca Smyth”. Rebecca is the gutsy, rebellious alter ego of our protagonist, who herself is modest and shy. As the journals unravel, the boundaries between self and other, between truth and fabrication, become more and more blurred.

Braithwaite’s life story is an equally riveting tale. From “a Northern grammar school boy with ideas above his station” to “the most dangerous man in Britain”, his unorthodox antics, arguments and adverse opinions are a captivating read.

Adding to the intrigue are the other memorable figures Braithwaite meets along the way; his feud with psychologist R.D Laing being only one.

The novel’s gothic tone is interspersed with wry humour and witty observations. Through inventive narrational devices, Burnet explores the changes within the field of psychology and the society beyond, and also more intimate themes such as alcoholism and dysfunctional familial relationships.

“Suicide makes Miss Marples of us all,” Rebecca declares as she investigates her sister’s death. And Miss Marples we must become as we unpick Burnet’s newest novel, where fiction is offered up as fact in

a deliciously clever mystery story with a difference.