A Visit Home/a Novel - Hardcover

Aitken, Will

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 067174707X ISBN 13: 9780671747077

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 1993

Synopsis

Repressed memories of childhood abuse and incest seep into Daniel's consciousness and turn his life upside down until he confronts his father in a traumatic visit home. 10,000 first printing.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Daniel Kenning, the hero of this unsatisfying novel, is a successful architect with a happy marriage. Then the unexpected death of a colleague thrusts him suddenly--and inexplicably--into despair. After consulting a psychotherapist, Daniel slowly begins to remember that, as a child, he was sexually abused by his tyrannical father. Set in Montreal, Vancouver and Tokyo, the book traces Daniel's coming to terms with his shattering childhood experience. Aitken ( Terre Haute ) is at his best during his protagonist's two visits home, revealing the poisonous family dynamic with subtle acuity, as when Daniel's emotionally disconnected mother protects her husband by denying her son's revelation. Unfortunately, the novel has the feel of a case study; the protagonist's progress is painstakingly charted from crisis to discovery, resistance and integration, and Daniel's continual weeping is not enough to bring his pain to life. The secondary characters are flat and implausible; indeed, several of them--as well as a number of scenes--could have been left out with no adverse effects on the choppy narrative. Though it may prove edifying for sexual abuse victims, this account of one man's ordeal has limited appeal.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Child sexual abuse is an ugly topic that few writers have had the courage to confront head-on, but Aitken ( Terre Haute , Delacorte, 1989) has dealt with it in a bold and caring way. His second novel plumbs the depths of feeling and memory and addresses the consequences of suppressing unpleasant childhood memories. When the sudden death of a colleague triggers unexplained anxieties, Daniel Kenning seeks the help of a therapist in working through his problem. Over several weeks, the two probe Daniel's relationships with father, mother, wife, and stepsons before Daniel decides to confront his father and resolve his anger over abuse from 30 years earlier. A Visit Home is a study in directness, discretion, analysis, and sensuality, with an important message for everyone. Aitken is right on target. Highly recommended.
- Thomas L. Kilpatrick, Southern Illinois Univ. at Carbondale Lib.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 067174707X
• ISBN 13: 9780671747077
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 285