The Education of Mrs. Bemis

by John Sedgwick

A dead body floating by a pier. An elderly woman curled up on a bed in a department store. A psychiatrist searching for her own identity. These are the pieces of the puzzle that, in John Sedgwick's masterful novel of psychological suspense, begin to come into focus when Madeline Bemis is referred to the treatment of Dr. Alice Matthews at Montrose Psychiatric Hospital.

Mrs. Bemis's treatment gradually peels back the layers of a disturbing past whose shameful secrets and hidden sorrows stem from the war years of the 1940s—and reveals an unexpected link to the floating corpse. Mrs. Bemis's awakening sparks an intimacy between the two women that goes beyond an ordinary doctor/patient relationship—but also makes it clear that Mrs. Bemis's recovery, and perhaps even her safety, depends on quickly coming to terms with her secret history.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Book Club, Suspense, War, Psychiatry

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Judith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out well, but basically went nowhere over the course of several hundred pages. For the amount of background detail the author gave us, I expected more depth to the characters - instead they are more like puppets being pushed around a stage according to what the author wants them to do. None of them are particularly likable, and the number of incredibly stupid things they do with very little explanation or motive got annoying.

It's a pity because I enjoyed the author's writing style very much. It's too bad he couldn't tell a more coherent story with those skills.

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

i find myself questioning whether I can continue with this book when one of the main character mentions that she is listening to a Creed song that she likes, but I will press ahead for at least one more night.

5/3/10 - finally finished this last night. I think I should have given up on it sooner.

[Amy Lindner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice premise, bad execution.

[Carol Vuillemenot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel kept my interest, but it was not a thriller. The writing was good, but I hate it when I figure out the ending too soon. Would still recommend it for pleasure.

[Chana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't appreciate the story. I veered between "what?!" and "you must be kidding!" Some of it was so bizarre!
At the start of WWII a 17 year old wealthy Boston girl flirts with and becomes pregnant by an Irish boy that her mother hired to work in the garden. She is sent to a home for unwed girls and the family's maid comes and takes the baby away without the girl ever getting to hold him or find out where the child was taken. She tries to find the baby which leads to some of the problems in her later life.
When this girl is an older woman she is found unresponsive in a department store and ends up in a psych unit. A young psychiatrist is given this new patient and a relationship develops between them.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book, I would love it if there were more books featuring Dr. Matthews. I, like another reviewer, was surprised that the author was a man. His characterizations of females, especially the young Mrs. Bemis, are so sensitive. Having a relative in the psych field, I know that some of what goes on in this book is not really appropriate, but nonetheless, the relationship that builds up is touching.
I look forward to reading more by this author. (Oh, please bring back Alice and even the mouse!)

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly a little more dull than I was expecting from a book that advertised itself as a “psychological thriller.” It wasn’t really thrilling at all. Any character but the main two weren’t developed really well but that might have to do with how little you see them.

[Nancy Mazgajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an unexpected gem of a book. I had never read anything by this author and I was enthralled with the storyline and the compassion that comes across in this book. Absolutely loved everything about this.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started it and did finish, but not something I would recommend to anyone.

[Carol Perreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good story

[PAP · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't written horribly and didn't have an uninteresting plot…but I feel like I can only describe it in those terms (double negatives) because to say it had an "interesting" plot wouldn't quite be true. I enjoyed reading it, but it lacked the compelling aspect of a remarkable story.

The main character seemed young and naive - not at all what I'd expect from a psychiatrist. Her character should have been a psychologist; she would then have an excuse for her "talking cure." I can't recall Alice prescribing any medicine…

Madeline Bemis was interesting only as Maddy, the younger version of herself. I saw nothing but a shallow old rich woman when she became Mrs. Bemis.

Madeline's conclusion at the end did surprise me and after some thought I felt it fitting. It's exactly the way things should have turned out and probably always should in a situation like that.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sat on my shelf for months; I finally picked up it and promptly devoured it. There are two narrators, a young female psychiatrist working at her first job, at an upscale private mental institution, and an older woman she finds curled up on a mattress in a department store. The older woman is severely depressed, and as the story progresses you go back in time to discover what has happened to her and the connection with a dead body found in the first chapter. And even though you think you have it figured out, you will still be surprised at the end. It doesn't have the most depth, but it is a smart page-turner. (It is also a bit racy in parts... definitely rated R.)

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a touching exploration of a therapeutic relationship, in which both the patient and the therapist come to understand one another and themselves. (Don't we wish?)

The characterizations were sensitively done, in that both characters came alive on the page. The texture of both time periods also worked nicely. I felt that I wanted to stay with Dr Matthews, and I'm hoping she'll have another "case."

I look forward to reading more by Sedgwick.

[Sara Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

How is it that I can get 2/3 of the way through a book before realizing that I've read it before? Granted, I have a terrible memory (an admission that would make those who know me smile) but one would think that I would recognize some aspect of the tale before I turn the 200th page. Sadly, the book was as forgettable the second time as the first. Best donate this book before I unknowingly pick it up a third time.

[Kristen Iworsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sedgwick writes really well, so it's a fast-read. I don't like the ending too much, but then I almost never do. I did like how he switched back from Alice to Madeline and gave each perspective. Worth reading.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having just read The Dark House by the same author, I was expecting something more mysterious, dark and frankly interesting. I like the Alice character but I kept waiting fo something to happen. If you like these kind of psychological insight books without an intricate plot, here's a book for you.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

We picked this book for our book club this month. It was a super easy read with good character development. i do wish he had taken certain aspects of the story line a little bit further but all in all it was an etertaining and captivating read that I devoured in about 3.5 hours.

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm truly surprised I made it through this book. From the beginning the plot felt predictable. At the beginning of the book I just couldn't get myself to like Alice or Mrs. Bemis and that held to the very last page. I'm disappointed by the ending and not shocked it ended the way it did. Oh well.

[Cindy]

I thought the central character, Alice, was a beit unbelievable and certainly her attitude and actions surrounding her patient were totally inappropriate. Good story with a pretty much predictable ending.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably wouldn't have bothered to finish this if I hadn't been reading it while stuck in a hospital waiting area. It's certainly not a "psychological thriller", as the cover claims, and I found the main characters only mildly interesting.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the setting, and the characters. The author brought the characters to life by revealing the life and history of Mrs Bemis in small doses. That kept me coming back for more. Her "education" was a life tale that came to a surprising conclusion.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written book pertaining to a psychiatrist. Enjoyed the life story of Mrs. Bemis...

[Angela Kerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book, hard to put down!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really liked this book. psychology oriented..

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way that Alice is kind to Mrs Bemis and listens to her. It helps to give her a reason to want to live.

[Christina Montague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read once, but re-reading because I liked it so much and had forgotten some of it.

[Geralyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

really a 2 1/2. english writing is just not my thing.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book a strong 3. It is good. I enjoyed it. I did predict the ending, so I guess that prevents the 4. However, it is worth a read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

July 2003 Book Club Selection