Toward Amnesia

by Sarah Van Arsdale

Book Overview

A mesmerizing fiction debut. A research scientist, who has just been left by her lesbian lover--and best friend--of five years, cleans out her savings account, trades in her sensible car for a 1950... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573225770
• ISBN13: 9781573225779
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Riverhead Books
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A well-told story of self-discovery

A young marine biologist is rattled by the break up with her lover of 5 years. In a state of confusion and disbelief about how they now feel about each other, she finds herself driving by her former lover's new home, wondering what her new life is like. She finally realizes that this is not going to help her situation, and after reading an article about a woman who disappeared for three weeks only to reappear in Florida, hundreds of miles from her home, she decides to disappear also, to remove every trace of her former life and to discover her true self.This novel traces her path along the roads and highways of eastern North America, starting in North Carolina and settling on a remote island off the coast of Canada. Along the way, she discovers herslef through musings about relationships, her missing-in-action father, animals and nature -- especially about the mysterious catamount, a large mountain cat, which is on the verge of extinction and rekindles feelings about her own life's path.It's a very moving story about self-discovery. Sarah Van Arsdale's style is poetic, very clear and detailed, making it quite enjoyable to read. I really liked the main character and how she handled herself in very realistic terms.

Creating a new life out of loss

I enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read and I got caught up in what the main character was trying to do- leave her loss and old life behind and create a new life (one without her old lover). In the process, she heals herself and finds herself again.

A wonderful book that creates its own amnesia!

I love this book, and am on my 3rd time reading it. I pick it up whenever I get too stressed out and need an "amnesia experiment" of my own. The imagary in this book is fantastic! By the time I'm done reading one page I feel de-stressed. Van Arsdale takes me with her on her literary journey to that little island near Canada. I feel as if I'm there. If you ever need a book that will help take you away from it all, this is the one! I can't wait to read her next book!

A fantastic in depth look at the heart and soul.

After reading this book, almost two years ago, I was so moved by the poetry of Ms. Van Arsdale's words that still I have a vivid picture in my mind of each chapter. It is true that this book delves deep into heartbreak, and that in itself can be quite depressing, however it also delves deep into taking charge of ones brokeness. Reading this book could possibly change you... and there lies the beauty and power of literature. Bravo Sarah.

Brilliant Debut

Wow! This book is for anyone who's ever been dumped by anybody. Ms. Van Arsdale writes beautifully. This story is filled with clear imagery and a deep understanding of loneliness and loss.