Although it’s been only a few weeks since I finished this book, we’ve had a lot of disruption recently, so I’m not sure I can compose a proper review; however, I do not want to put this book away without the recommendation it deserves.

Written in first person, this fine novel probes the relationships that one man, Magnus, a New York neurologist, has with three women. One woman is a mysterious comatose patient, another is his pianist mother, and the third is his co-worker and lover. This is an intimate tale of communication and connection that lingers long after one finishes the book.

I’ve said it before in other reviews of his work, Olafsson seems to write his characters with great empathy, resulting in intimate, internal stories—and this story is no exception. Interestingly, this book begins with Magnus getting a co-worker to medically, temporarily, (illegally!) paralyze him for two hours so he can experience what his comatose patient experienced.

I’ve now read all of Olafsson’s works, six novels and one short story collection, and am hoping something new will be coming out soon. ( )

Jane F recommend this novel of a man and 3 women but it was unexpected psychological exploration of Magnus’ relationship with doctor colleagues, his parents, and Argentine girlfriend. Magnus was stunted psychologically and the events told in the book works through this. It’s a good read. ( )

Magnus Colin Conyngham is a research neurologist living in NYC and commuting to Connecticut. He is in deep mourning over the death of Malena, his love of 18 months. Her death and the nature of their relationship is slowly revealed as the story progresses.

His work involves studying comatose patients and their ability to respond to verbal directions. He begins to obsess over one female patient whose identity is unknown and has been transported to the study from Arizona.

He is also mourning the death of Malena, his love of 18 months. Her death and the nature of their relationship is slowly revealed as the story progresses.

As an only child, his relationship with his parents is strained. His Icelandic mother is a classical pianist who is tempermental and remote. His father has spent his life catering to the emotional neediness of the mother, often at the expense of Magnus.

The story is written in a stream of consciousness fashion with Magnus recording his thoughts and reactions to people and events. He is depressed and detached, while being drawn to those who are remote and inaccessible.

An important clue in the book is where he twice mentioned a therapist who suggested he take a questionnaire to determine whether he is on the autism spectrum. ( )

Carefully crafted but could not care - and I tried - about these characters. ( )

The story of Magnus, a neuroscientist in New York and his relationships with his parents (strained), girlfriend Malena, and a comatose patient he seeks to communicate with via MRI. It is hard to describe exactly what this novel is about, but I found Magnus sympathetic and the narrative (which is told entirely from his perspective) compelling.

Gently sad. Highly recommended. ( )