The Schopenhauer Cure

A Novel

By: Irvin D. Yalom

Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

Length: 14 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Suddenly confronted with his own mortality after a routine checkup, eminent psychotherapist Julius Hertzfeld is forced to reexamine his life and work - and seeks out Philip Slate, a sex addict whom he failed to help some 20 years earlier. Yet Philip claims to be cured - miraculously transformed by the pessimistic teachings of German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer - and is himself a philosophical counselor in training.

Philip's dour, misanthropic stance compels Julius to invite Philip to join his intensive therapy group in exchange for tutoring on Schopenhauer. But with mere months left, life may be far too short to help Philip or to compete with him for the hearts and minds of the group members. And then again, it might be just long enough.

©2005 Irvin D. Yalom (P)2018 Tantor

Brilliant, often

Yalom lovingly weaves his incredibly deep, wise perspective throughout this book. I'm not sure I've ever used the word genius to describe anyone, but the way he communicated and placed together certain elements are astounding. I hope a great many are lucky enough to tune into this brilliant piece of art. Bravo! I will be reading more from him. Sincerely, thank you <3

Outstanding

What a mesmerizing book. So fabulously narrated. I loved everything about it and listened very quickly. Philosophy and Psychology woven into a wonderful plot. So worth the credit. Ill search out other works from this author.

See below

Stunning and beautiful. I listened this over the course of three days and and going to read all his books now.

The meaning of life

It has been a rich experience listening to this book, which gradually comes to life from a rather sad opening, made even sadder by the “unlovable” character that the protagonist attempted to reach out. I enjoyed immensely the discussion in the therapy group of struggles and blind spots, the weakness that a therapist also face. Schopenhauer’s philosophy would not normally appeals to me but the discussion has helped me warm to it more. A big credit also to the narrative which has captured the emotions so vividly. Certainly one of the best audio experience with Dr Yalom's novels.

Great story

Read this as a requirement for a grad course. Thoroughly enjoyed and could have written far more than I did .:)

Bravo!!

I sat in my driveway many evenings enraptured with the content of this book and the performance of the narrator.

Wonderful -and intellectually challenging read!

Wow, yet another great read of Irvin Yalom. He is such an amazing and insightful writer! Even though the majority of book's time takes place during the group therapy sessions, Yalom manages to keep the reader on the edge of their seat at all times.

Loved it

However, I often find it difficult when a single speaker is put to the task of giving life to a wide array of characters. Not bad at all, but at times it felt a bit goofy.

But maybe it’s just me.
Loved the story, the pacing and the ending.

Psychotherapy based on Schopenhauer philosophy

Narration is superb: clear, varied rhythm, pitch, pausing, inflection. Perfect pronunciation. Overall, is an engaging listen.

Content is uniquely organized in form of dialogues among psychiatrist and small group therapy participants. Through dialogue, Schopenhauer philosophy and its tenets explained as they apply to therapy and day-to-day interpersonal relationships and self-understanding.


What an engaging to simultaneously entertain as well as explain a philosopher’s philosophy.

Highly recommended.

Yalom Always Delivers

Irving Yalom is a true master of psychotherapy and I find his writing very accessible. Sexist and dated, yes, but still excellent and engaging.