The Double Bind.

Bohjalian, Chris (author).

The author of Midwives (1997) and Before You Know Kindness (2004) turns his attention to the plight of a 26-year-old woman grappling with the aftermath of terrible trauma. Laurel Estabrook, a caseworker at a homeless shelter, is haunted by the attack that changed her life in college. After Bobbie Crocker, a genial homeless man, dies, Laurel’s boss suggests that Laurel go through his photographs and put together a gallery exhibition. As Laurel examines the images, she becomes obsessed with Bobbie’s apparent connection to Daisy and Tom Buchanan and their neighbor Jay Gatsby (real characters in the world of Bohjalian’s novel). She visits the Buchanans’ now elderly daughter, Pamela, whom she suspects might be related to Bobbie, and quickly realizes Pamela is determined to keep her relationship to Bobbie a secret. As Laurel’s investigation turns into an obsession, the novel races toward a conclusion that boasts a shocking twist. Although Laurel isn’t as easy to connect to as previous Bohjalian characters, this elegantly crafted tale is well worth delving into.