The Examined Life

Longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, a Sunday Times bestseller, and selected as a Radio 4 Book of the Week, The Examined Life by Stephen Grosz is an extraordinary collection of psychoanalytic tales that delve deep into the human psyche. Described as 'marvellous' by The Times, 'excellent' by the Guardian, and 'completely magical' by the Mail on Sunday, this book takes readers on a compelling journey through the minds of both the analysand and the analyst.

SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

The Examined Life is fundamentally about understanding the intricacies of living. Echoing Socrates' declaration that 'the unexamined life is not worth living,' Grosz harnesses over twenty-five years of experience in psychoanalysis and more than 50,000 hours of conversation to craft stories that are as enlightening as they are moving.

Within these pages, you will find narratives that encompass the ordinary and the extraordinary facets of human existence. From a woman who habitually daydreams while returning home from a business trip to a young man who misplaces his wallet—these tales provide a glimpse into the seemingly mundane moments of life. Then, there are the more dramatic instances: a patient who points an unloaded gun at a police officer and a compulsive liar who deceives his own wife into believing he is dying of cancer. Each story is a window into the motivations and behaviours that define us, sparking introspection and new perspectives on identity and action.

As reviewed by the New York Times, 'This moving book will make the reader think of Freud's keenly observed and literary-minded case studies... piercing chapters that read like a combination of Chekhov and Oliver Sacks.' Each chapter exudes Grosz's remarkable talent for storytelling, walking the fine line between clinical observation and narrative craft.

The Evening Standard commends Grosz for his 'sensitivity and great acuity,' noting that 'you might keep thinking you recognise things about people you know.' Indeed, Grosz's ability to transform the specific lives of his patients into universal truths resonates powerfully, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and those around them.

The Examined Life is not merely a book; it is an exploration. It invites you to question, to understand, and ultimately, to live more meaningfully. Whether you are well-versed in psychoanalysis or completely new to the field, Grosz's eloquent prose and profound insights will leave a lasting impression.