I Know This Much Is True  
By Wally Lamb

   After his identical twin publicly amputates his own hand, Dominick Birdsey's control over his conflicting emotions begins to slip. While striving to protect his brother from Connecticut's antiquated mental health system, he is forced to face his own demons; an illusive mother, an unknown biological father, an abusive stepfather and his divorce after his daughter's death have had traumatic effects on his psyche. His grandfather's autobiography, presented by his dying mother, further complicates Dominick's need to understand his life.

   Mr. Lamb is a master of characterizations. Dominick is likeable despite his passive-aggression, which is rooted in his guilt for remaining healthy and strong, coupled with his fear that mental illness could strike at any time. The author's portrayal of a schizophrenic is uncannily accurate. Goals, motivations and conflicts are crystal clear for everyone in the large cast.

    Never before has this reviewer read a book that so well enmeshes the past's effect on the present. Though intricate, the author leaves nothing unexplained, and readers would be well advised to not discount any character or event's importance, no matter how insignificant the details seem at the time.

   My only grievance with the novel is the stereotypical view of mental health hospitals and their employees. As a former psychiatric aide in a similar facility, I take umbrage at the portrayal of my fictional counterpart; not all aides are distant or self-serving, nor are all facilities as brutally cold or unsafe as Hatch. I would hate for readers to not seek assistance because they confuse fiction with fact.

   Despite that objection, I Know This Much Is True is an intense and fulfilling adventure into the human mind. I highly recommend this novel and anticipate future works by Mr. Lamb.