Playthings
Playthings
Playthings, Alex Pheby’s astonishing second novel, delves deep into a disturbed mind – and in doing so it explores the roots of the great ills of the twentieth century, the psychological structure of fascism, the cancer of anti-Semitism, and the abuse of institutional power. Based on the true story of a man who became a case study for Freud and a foundation stone in the psychological make-up of the twentieth century, Playthings is an intense and poetic exploration about what it means to be human.
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Alex Pheby’s enthralling novel Playthings is based on the real life of Daniel Paul Schreber, a judge in late nineteenth century Germany who underwent episodes of severe mental illness and breakdown.
Tessa Hadley
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Throughout this compelling novel the space between reader and Schreber becomes a sombre reminder of how alone we all are.
Chris Power
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