Book Title: The Muse Asylum

Author: David Czuchlewski

Genre: Literary fiction

Published Date: May 21, 2001

Rating: 4 stars

Back in January 2008, after The Nixie’s Song, I really needed to pick up and read something that would get the bad taste out of my mouth and I certainly did with The Muse Asylum. Recommended to me by my friend, Jill, who knows my taste in books so well, I quickly immersed myself in the words of this first-time author who had been mentored  by Joyce Carol Oates (although I personally don’t care for her writing, I knew that the writing had to be top notch). The telling of the story alternates between journalist Jake Burnett and the writings of Andrew Wallace who just happens to be the resident of a psychiatric hospital.

Both men’s lives have been affected by a reclusive author by the name of Horace Jacob Little who no one has ever seen, nor has the author ever seen, nor has the author ever granted an interview. Both men also are in love with the same woman, Lara Knowles. The author takes you on a journey of discovery for both men that leaves the reader with a satisfying end to the tale…can’t say too much more…just know that if you have enjoyed The Keep and most any Chuck Palahniuk book you will not be disappointed.