Valley of Fire

by Steven Manners

John Munin is a rational man, a gifted Montreal psychiatrist who believes that the soul and psyche are interesting only in dissection. Even relationships are ripe for analysis, and Munin has identified "six elements that are necessary for love." His wife, Cynthia, an aspiring artist who paints only self-portraits, remains unconvinced taht love can be so quantified. More susceptible to Munin's seraching analysis, though, is Penelope, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and is Munin's star patient.

Munin plans to present Penelope's case at a major medical conference in Nevada. But something has happened to the probing psychiatrist recently, and in the aftermath his orderly world crumbles in the crucible of the desert.

Set against the bizarre backdrop of Las Vegas where fate can change unalterably with the turn of a card, Munin is forced to question all of the truths he has held dear. Do events happen due to careful planning or is life just a game of chance? If God played diece with the universe, would he win?

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2009

Reviews

[Tricia Dower · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intelligent, insightful, well-paced and suspenseful book of ideas that explores the complexity of human relationships. Using gambling (and, by extension, Las Vegas) as a metaphor for life, Manners captures the cynicism of “the game” of medicine versus the calling and offers an insider look at psychiatry and drugs. He moves seamlessly from voice to voice, most compelling in the point of view of Munin, a man who yearns for intimacy but can approach it only analytically. Munin grapples with understanding how “one action, one careless remark can change the course of things.” Manners handles Munin’s realization of what he could have done differently subtly and with admirable complexity. He releases information at just the right time so we can construct the story ourselves. He writes with authority, giving you confidence you’re in good hands.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book jumped around too much, no flow to the story. Additionally, the story line was not appealing, nor the characters.