Andrew's Brain by E.L. Doctorow - 3+ stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

Andrew's Brain by E.L. Doctorow- 3* - My Review

Andrew is a cognitive scientist and professor. He is (presumably) talking to a therapist he calls “Doc.” We learn of his life through his therapy sessions. He speaks of his ex-wife, his second wife (the love of his life and his former student), his daughter, and his memories. He believes that he is responsible for numerous tragedies in his life. He tells some rather far-fetched and questionable stories. To say the least, he is an unreliable narrator. We wonder if all these things really happened, as does his therapist.

It explores the relationship between the brain and the mind, consciousness, and the nature of memories. There are some beautifully written passages. Parts of it venture into philosophy. It flits from one topic to the next, as memories are wont to do. It gets increasingly more bizarre. It is told in stream-of-consciousness and puts the reader in the role of psychiatrist. I also wonder if “Doc” represents the author, Doctorow, which would explain why Andrew occasionally speaks in third person. It could also be reflective of Andrew's mental state.

I am torn between believing it is a sketch of an individual’s response to trauma or a portrayal of someone unraveling mentally, or perhaps both. Or maybe we are watching Andrew’s mind become just a brain. Or maybe it doesn’t matter if these things actually happened as long as Andrew believes they did. Definitely a book for a person that wants to think about relationships among the soul, mind, brain, consciousness, free will, and the role of chance in the direction of one’s life. It is one of those books that can be interpreted in many ways.