About the Book

Suddenly confronted with his own mortality, eminent psychotherapist Julius Hertzfeld is forced to reexamine his life and work. He seeks out Philip Slate, a sex addict whom he failed to help some twenty years earlier. Yet Philip claims to be cured—miraculously transformed by the pessimistic teachings of German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer—and is, himself, a philosophical counselor in training. Julius invites Philip to join his intensive therapy group. But with mere months left to live, time may be far too short to help Philip. And then again, it might be just long enough.

Critical Praise

“Yalom’s enthusiasm is contagious. And he certainly knows how to tell a page-turning story.” — Los Angeles Times

“Yalom’s melding of philosophy, pedantry, psychiatry and literature result in a surprisingly engaging novel of ideas.” — San Francisco Chronicle

“Considers the value and limits of therapy and those points at which philosophy and psychology converge.” — Washington Post

“A beautifully wrought tale of a therapy group’s final year and a moving debate about the end of life.” — Kirkus Reviews

“As a novel of ideas, this book effectively explores loss, sexual desire, and the search for meaning.” — Library Journal

“The world’s first accurate group-therapy novel, a mezmerizing story of two men’s search for meaning.” — Greensboro News & Record

“Meticulous. [Yalom’s] re-creation of a working therapy group is utterly convincing.” — Publishers Weekly

Product Details

• ISBN: 9780060938109
• ISBN 10: 0060938102
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 11/10/2020
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.860 in (d)
• Pages: 384
• List Price: $18.99
• BISAC1 : FICTION / Literary
• BISAC2 : FICTION / Psychological
• BISAC3 : FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical