The Interpretation of Murder

In 1909 Dr. Sigmund Freud made his only visit to the United States. Jed Rubenfeld's novel The Interpretation of Murder supposes that the events that occurred during Dr. Freud's visit explain why he never returned. Just before Freud's arrival in New York, a young socialite is found murdered. Shortly after, an attempt is made on another young socialite, but she is able to escape. The trauma of the attack, however, has caused the young woman to have amnesia. Dr. Stratham Younger, one of Freud's followers, is asked to analyze the young woman in hopes that it will help her regain her memory. This sounds like an interesting plot, but unfortunately Rubenfeld clutters the story with too much focus on Freud's sexual theories, thoughts on the meaning of Hamlet, a side plot involving Carl Jung, and a convoluted resolution. The result is a disjointed story that unfortunately was a disappointment.