Review for Fräulein: Struggle for Identity
Fräulein: Struggle for Identity
“Leonards successfully blends the horrific events of early 20th century Germany with the life story of Annika, whose search for meaning in life leads her into a career in medicine and beyond that into psychiatry and treatment of mental illness. The novel breathes life into many of the key issues of the era, including anti-Semitism, the mass hysteria of Fascism, and the totalitarian regime's iconic institutions, the concentration camps and the euthanasia programs. Experiencing all of this, Annika tries valiantly to maintain her sanity as well as her sense of morality, and in describing her struggles Leonards has created one of the most unforgettable characters in modern literature.”
Jack Morrison, Ph.D. Author of Ravensbrück: Everyday Life in a Women’s Concentration Camp 1939-45.
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“Your fictional character, Annika, sounds like my kind of person…”
Tony Campolo, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Eastern University; well-known public speaker, author of over 35 books; and former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton.
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“Amazing really what you have done… Ambitious and panoramic!”
Charles Rotmil One of Maine’s last known survivors of the Holocaust
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“Fraulein is a masterfully written, psychologically astute portrayal of a young woman living and practicing psychiatry in a country descending into political and moral insanity, a chaos that consumes its intelligentsia and decent people, and that threatens to consume her own integrity. Filled with lyrical, almost transcendental beauty, as well as etched depictions of evil, Fraulein is both a gripping story and an unforgettable lesson from history that the gift of a civilized society cannot be taken for granted, but must be nurtured at every turn – it is the only thing saving humanity from the abyss.”
Jonathan Borkum, Ph.D. Clincal psychologist and author of Chronic Headaches: Biology, Psychology, and Behavioral Treatment
“There's so much to love about this novel. It's a fantastic historical fiction piece that explores a full life heading into the Holocaust and even a bit afterwards, and I love the texture and established setting within the timeline most of all. Leonards' knowledge of the war accents the plot and allows the gritty realism to feel that much more sound. Annika's character is quite accessible and well rounded. Her growth from beginning to end is remarkable to witness.”
WRITER’S DIGEST: Judge, 29th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
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Sigmund Fraud: Licensed Imposter
SIGMUND FRAUD: LICENSED IMPOSTER "received an IndieReader rating of 4 stars, making it 'IndieReader Approved'… (It) was judged by top industry professionals—not as merely a great indie book—but as great book, period…"
"(The book) is a poignant and moving look at the crumbling personal life of a psychologist, reflected and refracted in the lives of the patients he's trying to help…the book's message seems to say the physician, like the patient, is only human, with human trauma and human heartbreaks, and needs to keep a close eye on his own health in order to be the healer his patients need."
- Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader
"SIGMUND FRAUD" is a gift to the reader. Leonards exquisitely develops the novel's characters and unmasks central issues of our time. Anyone who has been in psychological therapy or who has been a therapist will thoroughly enjoy this work.
- Nick Rehagen, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
Sigmund Fraud, Licensed Imposter, apparently this is the second book by this author, after reading this one in just a few days I have added his first book to my upcoming reads. Dr. Leonard’s has a unique writing style that brings you into the story, his descriptive writing has you looking forward to each page and chapter. Reading his bio it appears to me that his many years of psychological practice allowed for a wealth of experiences to fully develop his characters in the book. It was an enjoyable read and will definitely follow this author moving forward.
- Lisa C.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully written book!
Sigmund Fraud, Licensed Imposter is an insightful story of a medical professional who, in spite of his psychological training, is unable to face the demons and losses in his own life, which leaves him teetering on the brink of self-destruction. I love how the author exposes the personal challenges of both caregiver and their patient and how analogous they are despite their role in their therapeutic relationship. The story truly captures the humanistic side of a helping professional, which is so often overlooked by his or her patients.
- Amazon verified purchaser (April 20, 2023)
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