The Good Patient

by Kristin Waterfield Duisberg

Book Overview

Darien is a young woman who seems to have everything: a successful job, an adoring husband, and a bright future. She also has a tendency towards violent, self-destructive outbursts when she's alone. When her private life spirals out of control, her husband and her therapist desperately try to help her uncover her horrible secrets before she destroys herself. Unfortunately, she just as desperately tries to keep them hidden.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312326076
• ISBN13: 9780312326074
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars

This is the best book I've read in a long time. Although the subject matter was painful, I couldn't help loving and rooting for the main character. She was so funny and sarcastic, you just couldn't wait to hear what she would say next. On the other hand, you dreaded what she might do next. I could not put this book down but when it was over, I wanted more. I certainly hope to read more from this author.

Beautifully written, exceptional first novel

A riveting novel about twenty-eight-year-old Darien Gilbertson who engages in self destructive acts like self-mutilation and excessive drinking because of dark secrets in her past that she has repressed. Sarcastic, brilliant, witty, rebellious, and vulnerable, Darien at first goes out of her way not to cooperate with Dr. Rachel Lindholm, the savvy psychiatrist her husband, Robert, has persuaded her to see. Gradually, however, she moves into a trusting relationship with the doctor and begins to peel away the layers covering the secrets. Grim as this may sound, it is more than that: complex and disturbing, but with plenty of humor, and so beautifully written, with not one wasted word, that one is in awe. Vivid images, real characters, and pitch perfect dialogue are just some of the attributes of this stellar debut. We grow to care very much for Darien. Also, in the midst of the angst and darkness, this novel is above all a love story: both Darien and Robert must learn how to love. An earned resolution at the end.

Engrossing

Promiscuity, bulimia and self-mutilization are not necessarily what would come to mind when looking for a good read, but Kristen Waterfield Duisberg creates a character who the reader comes to care about so soon after meeting her that one is willing and eager to follow along her path to the bottom and her eventual return to the complex world of reality. Duisberg's skillful use of language is as engaging as the plot. By page 20, when she has her character say, "..by the time I can form a kiss and throw it to him...he has already turned away and it falls amid the garbage and tired soles of a late summer night". Duisberg shows a creative mind and a fine education. I'm hooked, and you will be too.

Dark and disturbing -- hooked me from its first page!

I was duly impressed with Kristin Waterfield Duisberg's The Good Patient. The dark, compelling and disturbing tale of Darien captured me from the very beginning. The mounting suspense as Dr. Lindholm, Darien's psychiatrist, unravels the reasons that have triggered the protagonist's compulsive and self-destructive behavior is haunting and poignant. The Good Patient is a harrowing and thought-provoking novel that should be savored like fine wine. A wonderful read...

Exceptional New Author

The Good Patient is an exceptional book, written with great passion. From the opening paragraph, the reader is drawn right in, eager to know more about Darien. With all her problems, we still love her and admire her honest and painful struggle. The author displays a wonderful command of the English language, giving us creative and expressive dialog as well as vivid descriptions. It's a dark subject, but treated with compassion and even humor. I loved every minute of this book!