The Hypnotist's Love Story

Spoiler Alert: One is very crazy when in love.

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The Hypnotist's Love Story, complex and multi-layered, takes a look at the many intricacies and complications of love, loss, and friendship. With aspects of both a fast-paced thriller as well as an interesting social commentary and strong female narration, this was a read in one sitting type of book. Themes of jealousy, revenge, and resentment, but also of love, motherhood, and identity take center stage in this well-written and well-researched novel. Ellen O'Farrell, a licensed hypnotherapist, is in for a shock when she discovers that the man she has been seeing is still being stalked by his ex. More intrigued than afraid, the story follows Ellen as well as her boyfriend's stalker, Saskia. As Ellen navigates falling in love and Saskia must face her demons and overcome grief, the two will soon realize that they are much closer than they know. In addition to being entertaining, the book was quite informative as well. I can certainly say that the book demolished some stereotypes I might have had about hypnotherapy; the story frames it as more than simply a carnival feature but rather a legitimate manner to overcome one's problems. The idea of hypnotherapy, parallel perhaps to being stuck in one's own head, is also an interesting common thread throughout the story -- as both Ellen and Saskia are constantly trapped in their own worries and thoughts. While these two main characters are far from friends, I was struck by their similarities made evident through the story's switching viewpoints. Although not the main message of the story, the book seemed to make the case that all women are more alike than we are different. This underlying idea of allyship between all women was for me the heart of the story. While Ellen is a kind, strong, and worthy protagonist, I strangely found myself more drawn to the complex and broken Saskia. Flawed to say the least, as more and more is revealed about her past I found myself sympathizing; through Saskia's character it is evident that people will do crazy things in the pursuit of love and having a family. With pages dripping with humor and meaning, the book additionally takes on heavy themes such as infertility, death, and abuse -- all adding to the relatable, yet vulnerable tone of the story. While ultimately not quite as high-stakes as fans of Liane Moriarty may hope for, The Hypnotist's Love Story is a beautiful testimony to the many misguided actions we take and the many ways we lose ourselves to the promise of love.

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Favorite Quotes: “Perhaps all grown-ups were just children carefully putting on their grown-up disguises each day and then acting accordingly.” ~~ “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” ~~ “If she was handing over a slice of her heart, she wanted the exact same size given back in return. Actually, she really preferred a bigger piece, thank you very much.” ~~ “It's amazing how friends can slip through your fingers, how your social network can vanish like it never existed.” ~~ “You think love is black and white. All women think that. And they’re wrong. Women are really intelligent except for when they’re being really stupid.” ~~ “All that we are is a result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.”