Imaginary Existences A psychoanalytic exploration of phantasy, fiction, dreams and daydreams

"This is a great book by a superb observer of both psychoanalysis and literature. Ignes Sodre evidently loves the richness that psychoanalysis brings to our clinical understanding and she can apply the same approach to the authors and to the characters of literature. Inspired by her sensitive, intelligent and humorous accounts, we can find surprising new pleasures in much loved classics." - John Steiner, Training Analyst, British Psychoanalytical Society,
Author of Psychic Retreats, Seeing and Being Seen

"This is the work of a subtle clinician with a passion for literature. Ignes Sodre has a deep interest in the vicissitudes of human character and the varieties of story telling. She has memorable things to say about the pains and pleasures of psychic life, as glimpsed in the novel and encountered in the consulting room. In these pages, she deftly explores dreams and defences, disappointments and desires, in the company of George Eliot, Flaubert, Freud, Klein, and others. Imaginary Existences deserves a wide readership." - Professor Daniel Pick, Birkbeck College, University of London

"In this book, Ignês Sodré has successfully brought together literature and psychoanalysis in a creative and insightful dialogue that enriches both. Sodré has extended her skilful psychoanalytic listening form the clinic to the development of an impressive psychoanalytic reading of literary works. An inspired, inspiring achievement."- Gregorio Kohon, Fellow, Training Analyst, The British Psychoanalytic Society