A review by johannalm
Dreaming for Freud by Sheila Kohler
3.0
Dreaming for Freud, Sheila Kohler
An interesting take on the meetings between Freud and the young woman he later referred to in a case study as Dora. Reimagined based on lots of research, we meet the young and striving Freud, determined to prove his theories about dreams. We also learn about the teenage Dora. A bright and educated girl, she is angered by her parents bad behavior and attempted manipulation of her life. Dora feels she has every right to be frustrated and this unhappiness is manifesting itself in diverse physical pain. Freud wants to help her and use her to further his theories - - so Dora dreams for him. Best of all Kohler imagines that Dora invents her dreams after reading the Dr's own book on dreams. She wants to help him so he will ultimately help her. Great interpretation of this very famous relationship. At times a slow read but ultimately an insightful look at the history of both people and Vienna at the turn of the twentieth century.
An interesting take on the meetings between Freud and the young woman he later referred to in a case study as Dora. Reimagined based on lots of research, we meet the young and striving Freud, determined to prove his theories about dreams. We also learn about the teenage Dora. A bright and educated girl, she is angered by her parents bad behavior and attempted manipulation of her life. Dora feels she has every right to be frustrated and this unhappiness is manifesting itself in diverse physical pain. Freud wants to help her and use her to further his theories - - so Dora dreams for him. Best of all Kohler imagines that Dora invents her dreams after reading the Dr's own book on dreams. She wants to help him so he will ultimately help her. Great interpretation of this very famous relationship. At times a slow read but ultimately an insightful look at the history of both people and Vienna at the turn of the twentieth century.