Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "Freud's Mistress" by Karen Mack & Jennifer Kaufman

In the vibrant, extravagant world of turn-of-the-century Vienna, Minna Bernays is an overeducated lady's companion with a sharp, wry wit. Unwilling to settle and marry, she has spent years working for frivolous, difficult women, stuck in a social limbo, neither servant nor master. When Minna is abruptly fired, she finds herself out on the street and out of options. In 1895, the city is aswirl with avant-garde artists and writers and revolutionary ideas, but a single woman's only hope for security is still marriage. In desperation, she turns to her sister, Martha, for help. But Martha has her own problems - six young children and an overworked disinterested husband who happens to be the brilliant but imperious Sigmund Freud. At this time, Freud is a struggling professor, all but shunned by his peers and under attack for his theories, most of which center around sexual impulses. And while Martha is shocked and repulsed by her husband's 'pornographic' work, her sister is fascinated by his startling discoveries. Minna is everything Martha is not - intellectually curious, engaging, and passionate. Minna and Freud embark on what is, at first, simply a meeting of the minds, but something deeper is brewing beneath the surface, an inevitable catastrophe that she cannot escape. In this sweeping tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal, fact and fiction meld seamlessly together. After years of research, Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman have constructed a compelling portrait of an unforgettable woman and her struggle to reconcile her love for her sister with her obsessive desire for her sister's husband, the mythic father of psychoanalysis.

1. Historical Accuracy vs. Fiction:

   • How does the novel balance historical accuracy with fictional storytelling? In what ways do the authors fill in the gaps of historical records to create a compelling narrative?
   • Discuss the challenges and ethical considerations of writing a fictionalized account of real historical figures and events, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics like the personal lives of iconic figures such as Sigmund Freud.

2. Power Dynamics and Relationships:

   • Analyze the power dynamics between Sigmund Freud and Minna Bernays in the novel. How do their respective roles as brother-in-law and sister-in-law influence their interactions and the trajectory of their relationship?
   • Discuss the complexities of their relationship, including the blurred lines between friendship, intellectual partnership, and romantic involvement. How do their personal and professional lives intersect?

3. Gender and Society:

   • Explore the portrayal of gender roles and expectations in the novel, particularly within the context of late 19th and early 20th-century Vienna. How do characters like Minna Bernays navigate societal expectations and limitations placed on women during this time period?
   • Discuss the challenges faced by women like Minna who sought intellectual and professional fulfillment in a male-dominated society. How does Minna's relationship with Freud both empower and constrain her?

4. Ethics and Morality:

   • Examine the ethical dilemmas faced by characters in the novel, particularly Minna Bernays, as she navigates her personal and professional relationships with Sigmund Freud. How do moral considerations influence her decisions and actions?
   • Discuss the portrayal of Freud's ethical boundaries as a therapist and public figure. How do his personal relationships, including his relationship with Minna, intersect with his professional responsibilities?

5. Psychoanalysis and Identity:

   • Explore the themes of psychoanalysis and identity in the novel. How do characters like Freud and Minna grapple with their own identities and psychological complexities? How does Freud's theories of psychoanalysis inform the portrayal of characters' inner lives?
   • Discuss the novel's exploration of the subconscious mind, dreams, and repressed desires as they relate to the characters' personal journeys and relationships.

6. Legacy and Impact:

   • Reflect on the legacy of Sigmund Freud and his contributions to the field of psychoanalysis. How does the novel depict Freud's influence on his contemporaries and on the development of modern psychology?
   • Discuss the impact of Freud's theories on society and culture, both during his lifetime and in contemporary times. How do his ideas about human behavior, sexuality, and the unconscious continue to shape our understanding of the self?

7. The Ending:

   • Reflect on the ending of the novel and the resolution of Minna Bernays's story. How does the novel imagine the later years of Minna's life, and what does this suggest about her legacy and impact?
   • Discuss the novel's portrayal of Minna's agency and autonomy as she navigates her own path separate from Freud. How does the ending reflect her journey of self-discovery and independence?