Dialogues with the Wise Woman by Richard Todd Devens

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here. 

After falling prey to a Las Vegas scam artist, pianist George Sistern feels lost. A friend recommends he speak with an excellent psychologist named Mildred Markowitz. Although George is initially hesitant, in part because he does not know how he could pay for someone of the caliber his friend mentioned, George sets up an appointment with Mildred. Mildred and George strike up a deal, if he plays piano at parties for her, she will treat him without further compensation. George readily agrees and so the philosophical journey between George and Mildred begins. Mostly set over the course of therapy sessions and other interactions with Mildred and her world, George begins a journey to better himself.

However, Dialogues with the Wise Woman by Richard Todd Devens is more than George and Mildred’s story. Reading this book is a philosophical experience. Deep questions are posed both directly and indirectly throughout the conversations between George and Mildred as well as in the plot itself. Thus, Dialogues with the Wise Woman is best read by those interested in many a thought experiment more so than those interested in a fast-paced plot. At times, the philosophical deepness of the book interferes with bonding with the characters as readers will find themselves more in their own heads than in the book and its plot. However, readers are sure to have a cerebral payoff due to this.

Readers may question if therapy sessions are the place for all these conversations especially as Mildred reveals information a conventional therapist would not. On the other hand, therapy is an intimate setting primed for deep dialogue between, typically, two individuals. Therapy is also a natural narrative path for a character on a journey to improve their lives and themselves. Perhaps a tad more balance between in-therapy and out-of-therapy would have added a bit more dimension to this thoughtful novel.

Overall, Dialogues with the Wise Woman will provide the right curious reader with an intellectual, contemplative, and ultimately introspective novel. While some readers may prefer a bit more action, those who invest in reading “Dialogues with the Wise Woman” will find themselves mentally rewarded.

Dialogues with the Wise Woman by Richard Todd Devens, Gatekeeper Press