Charlie's Ladder follows the psychological healing process of a tortured soul, searching for redemption. It offers readers a psychological compass in the art of healing, while unveiling the traumas and circumstances that propel Charlie toward an ultimate confrontation.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Reinelt’s story has a compelling premise—a deep exploration of the mechanics and idiosyncrasies that happen between a patient and psychologist during therapy. The dialogue drives the plot, through poignant interactions between Charlie Houden and psychologist Dina Epstein that illuminate the heartache, trauma, and distress in Charlie's life.
Prose: Reinelt’s prose is direct and easy to read, allowing Charlie's story to unfold in broad strokes while also exploring the minutiae of his past and how it relates to his present experiences.
Originality: The dynamics that come into play between Charlie and his psychologist are riveting and will engage readers. The story favors simmering tension over immediate conflict, a strategy that melds well with the book's premise.
Character/Execution: Charlie and Dina form the strongest part of this novel, and the give and take of their relationship is engrossing to watch—so much so that readers may wish Reinelt expanded their relationship beyond their primary interplay.
Date Submitted: June 12, 2024
In Reinelt's poignant novel, protagonist Charlie Houden embarks on a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and redemption, guided by the unyielding determination of his therapist, Dina Epstein. When Charlie reluctantly steps into Dina's office, unable to “recall the last time he felt truly alive,” their paths become intertwined in a seamless dance, as Reinelt (author of River of Souls) skillfully navigates Charlie's interactions with Dina and his emotional flashbacks, weaving past traumas with present-day struggles. Through vivid prose and dynamic storytelling, Reinelt captures Charlie's inner turmoil with raw authenticity. " ‘Harming’ myself… would be redundant," Charlie confesses, encapsulating the visceral ache that defines his existence, “I have enough pain for one life.”The evolving relationship between Charlie and Dina is central to the narrative—a dynamic marked by empathy, humor, and flashes of stark revelation. Dina emerges not only as Charlie's therapist but as a pivotal catalyst in his journey towards healing, and her steadfast commitment to helping Charlie confront his past underscores the novel's message of resilience and human connection. Charlie’s wavering mood swings build tension in their actions, as Dina adjusts her schedule to accommodate his growing progress in therapy—allowing her to learn more about Charlie while subjecting herself to his emotional battery.
As much a psychological exploration as a gripping tale of survival, Charlie’s Ladder delves into the darkest recesses of the human mind, while touching readers with glimmers of hope and restoration. As Charlie navigates the labyrinth of his psyche, readers will also be compelled to confront universal themes of pain, forgiveness, and the quest for inner peace. Charlie’s religion plays a role throughout his journey as well; in one scene, he balances small comforts gleaned from time in his church choir with a feeling that he’s being “duped by yet another Catholic myth, fostered by misinterpretation and wishful thinking.” Readers will be eager for more of Charlie in Reinelt’s next installment.
Takeaway: One man’s visceral journey of trauma, self-discovery, and redemption.
Comparable Titles:Claire Lombardo’s Same As It Ever Was, Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
