Case Study is a psychological fiction novel set in 1965 in London and written in the third person perspective. The novel's tone is disheartening, while the mood is informative. The central character in the novel is an unnamed young woman who privately investigates the conduct of a psychotherapist called Braithwaite, who she believes is responsible for the death of her sister, Veronica. The novel's major conflict occurs when the narrator disagrees with the report provided by the psychotherapist indicating that Veronica died naturally. The novel's climax comes when the narrator unmasks Braithwaite and reveals that he is an average practitioner who positions himself as an experienced psychotherapist and a role model. The narrator's findings show that Braithwaite is incompetent. Burnet's novel focuses on bravery, sexual liberty, and anticipation. Burnet also uses symbolism and paradox to enhance his novel's readability.
The novel starts in London in the 1960s when Burnet meets a stranger who hands him five notebooks belonging to an unnamed woman whose sister committed suicide. The unnamed woman narrator gives an account of how Braithwaite caused her sister's suicide. The narrator's decision to disguise herself as Rebecca and become Braithwaite's patient is an act of courage. The woman knew that she was undertaking a dangerous mission, but she was determined to help her fellow women not to undergo what Veronica went through. Burnet also explores sexual freedom in the 1960s when women had a choice of defining their destinies and making independent decisions. The theme of anticipation is explored when the unnamed woman hands over her five notebooks about the conduct of Braithwaite and expects that one day a book will be written to tell the truth. At first, Burnet doubted the validity of the notes, but after doing a fact check, he agreed with the narrator.
Burnet uses the sense of sight in his novel to show readers that the inability to absorb shock in life can lead to dangerous decisions. For instance, Burnet describes how Veronica throws herself off the bridge due to depression. In conclusion, Case Study by Burnet is a fascinating book that explores the counterculture in the 1960s. The book shows how Burnet confronts personalities such as Braithwaite and their theories to reveal the reality on the ground.
