Books and beyond

The Double Bind in Bohjalian’s novel refers to a theory about how schizophrenia may develop as a child enters adolescence. You won’t learn about that theory until at least half way through the novel. Laurel Estabrook was attacked seven years ago on a rural Vermont road. Now, Laurel works at a homeless shelter in Burlington, Vermont, where she has befriended a few of its residents. After an elderly schizophrenic homeless man that she admired dies, Laurel finds herself drawn into a mystery involving photographs found in his possession. The photos seem to link him with a wealthy Long Island family and Jay Gatsby, as in The Great Gatsby. What Laurel uncovers becomes more fantastical as the story goes on. The real twist comes near the end.