Mine Own Executioner
Mine Own Executioner by Nigel Marlin Balchin, published by Penhaligon Press on September 13, 2023, is a fiction work that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. The narrative follows Felix Milne, a London psychoanalyst whose typical patients include children and bored housewives. The story takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of Adam Lucian, a former Spitfire pilot who has attempted to murder his wife, Molly. Through a series of intense sessions, Milne helps Lucian confront his traumatic past during World War Two, but the resolution leads to unforeseen consequences.
Readers will find that Mine Own Executioner not only presents a thrilling plot but also offers a historical perspective on the psychiatric profession in 1940s Britain. As Milne navigates the challenges of his profession, the book explores themes of trauma and recovery, highlighting the intricacies of mental health treatment during a tumultuous period. This edition spans 336 pages and is available in English, providing an engaging experience for those interested in psychological fiction and historical narratives.
Official synopsis Publisher
Felix Milne is a London psychoanalyst whose clientele usually consists of bed-wetting children, mousy typists with secret pasts and affluent middle-aged women who are bored with their husbands. But then along comes Adam Lucian, a former Spitfire pilot who has recently tried to murder his wife Molly. With the aid of a narcotic drug, Milne forces Lucian to relive his brutal treatment at the hands of the Japanese during World War Two. Feeling much better having done so, and convinced that he is now ‘cured’, Lucian refuses any further analysis. Reluctantly, Milne lets his patient go, only to receive a telephone call the next day informing him that Lucian has shot Molly and gone on the run…
Far more than just an exciting, fast-moving thriller, Mine Own Executioner also provides a fascinating historical insight into the state of the psychiatric profession in 1940s Britain.
Praise for Mine Own Executioner:
‘the most extraordinary exploration of the human condition’ – Philippa Gregory (Radio 4)
‘an exceptionally good novel’ – John Betjeman (Daily Herald)
‘admirably written’ – Elizabeth Bowen (Tatler and Bystander)
‘a triumphant success-the kind of success that makes one want to clap’ – L. P. Hartley (Sketch)
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