This is a psychological mystery of the first order. Set in Arizona, in a mental health sanitarium run by nuns, it describes several months in the lives of Melanie, a 15-year-old rape victim suffering from amnesia, and Julian, an epileptic, suicidal 20-year-old albino chess prodigy. Both attempt to come to grips with reality as he teaches her how to play chess. There are a number of strange twists, including her discovery of events from her past under hypnosis through the medium of a carver of miniatures, and Julian's recurring nightmares about Melanie's rape. Through their friendship Melanie gradually regains her lost past while Julian becomes more human. The characters are unique, the prose is smooth, the story fascinating. A superb first novel. Brian E. Coutts, Western Kentucky Univ. Lib., Bowling Green
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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