The Palace of Versailles: A Novel [Paperback]

Jay Hoyland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 19, 2001

The Palace of Versailles centers on the life of psychiatrist Sam Carmine, torn between his commitment to his work and his personal needs. He becomes a nationally known figure when he is appointed to the leadership of a major psychiatric facility. His path to this appointment, the nuances of feelings and events in the lives of his friends, family and patients are the substance of this touching and helpful view of human nature.Parallel plots concern the staff and their emotional and intellectual growth in learning to work with patients, as well as the polarity of joy in treating patients who can be helped and the sadness and sense of failure when treatment fails. The patient's personal stories, their intense suffering and satisfaction in achievements, and their feelings toward the staff and each other are interwoven. Intrigue, mystery, and surprise take the reader on an emotional roller coaster. The title, The Palace of Versailles, juxtaposes the French Versailles with an American Versailles, and implies comparison of fantasy and glitter to rational acceptance of life with knowledge that it can be changed.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

This is the first novel written by a student of human nature, James G. Hall. In psychiatric practice for many years he has now retired to pursue other creative aspects of life. He resides in Laguna Beach, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (April 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595163041
• ISBN-13: 978-0595163045
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,426,916 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Palace of Versailles, September 19, 2001

By 

Barbara Hall "B. Hall" (Chandler, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Palace of Versailles: A Novel (Paperback)

Dr.Sam Carsten, the warm and loving central character/psychiatrist, in this book, is on a fascinating life journey. He has a burning desire to help elevate the pain and suffering of people struggling with mental illness. He had seen too much of this pain just months ago as an army doctor in World War II. His own enotional baggage proves to be his albatross as he begins his compelling career path. He is led to follow Dr. Anders, founder of the renowned Anders Retreat, in a beautiful quiet valley in the rural ozark town of Versailles, Missouri (not France). Guided by his wonderful mentor, Dr.Sam struggles with a failed marriage, the death of his domineering surgeon father and his development of a successful psychiatric career. His professional success and personal failures in this unusual setting make for startling paradoxes. Murder, romance and vivid descriptions of small town Missouri and its ever changing seasons keep the reader glued in attention until the surprising ending. Author, Jay Hoyland's apparent experience with challenging mental patients must have been the foundation for this insightful and haunting look into the lives of a fascinating group of troubled patients. This is a hands on trip through the evolving world of modern psychiatric treatment. Totally fascinating!