This book is a collection of sixteen provocative essays (seven of which were previously published) that explores clinical, theoretical, and philosophical matters in psychoanalysis. The stated unifying theme (more or less realized) is the concept of free association: “What does it mean to seek an understanding of our inner life by abandoning ourselves to talk, talk, talk, and more talk?” (p. 1).

The book is provocative on both sides of a split personality. It offers either lucid perspectives or frustrating disappointment, depending on what chapter—or even what part of a given chapter—is being considered. On one hand, there are many interesting ideas and much clear, even elegant, writing, particularly around the clinical case material and at times in other areas, where the reader may