Shutter Island

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Publication date: April 15th, 2003
325 pgs. (Hardcover)

"Why are you all wet, baby?"

The central character of this novel is Edward "Teddy" Daniels, a US Marshall. Teddy, along with his partner, is going to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Rachel Solando, an inmate of Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. The hospital is housed in an old Civil War fort on an island off the coast of Massachusetts referred to as Shutter Island by the locals. Whilst investigating the disappearance Teddy is dealing with his own increasing nightmares and an impending hurricane.

Chuck, Teddy's partner, is also mysterious and difficult to figure out. At the beginning Teddy trusts him, because he is his partner, but quickly that trust begins to spiral out and fray as things become stranger. When the hurricane hits everything devolves into chaos and mayhem. Amidst the chaos Teddy and Chuck find the truth, hiding in the closed off Ward C, but the truth is not what they expected. I know, I know, that sounds so cliched. It is a cliche, but even cliches can be true sometimes.

Main Characters: Edward "Teddy" Daniels, Chuck Aule, Dr. Cawley, Rachel Solando

If given the option of reading this book or seeing the movie I would opt for both. The movie (directed by Martin Scorsese) actually followed the book quite closely. A few things were changed, but they were more cosmetic changes than anything. What I liked about the movie was just HOW closely it followed the book. It was beautifully done and very well acted by Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo. I was especially impressed by Leo's acting, even going so far as to say it was brilliant. Granted, I've always thought Leonardo DiCaprio was a good actor, but I feel that he rarely gets roles that really fit him. Well, the role of Teddy Daniels fit him like a glove and he wore his character well.

The book was also amazingly well put together. Dennis Lehane delved into the psyche of his characters and found the beauty and the disturbing within. All of the characters are well developed, the plot is seamless (if not a little predictable), well written and well thought out. Mr. Lehane did an absolutely fantastic job as did Mr. Scorsese.

A few interesting things about the book:
- Dennis Lehane wrote it as a sort of tribute to B Movies and Gothic settings.

- The use of anagrams.

- Teddy's graphic and intensely beautiful nightmares involving his wife.

- The references to World War II and the Holocaust.

The way that I found this book was actually by finding the movie first. My friend, Ryan, and I really like seeing movies together (though I'm a bum with no money). One night we were bored and he said "Let's go see a movie." and I said "What do you want to see?". The rest is not too distant history. After I watched the movie I decided I had to get the book, because I believe in reading the material if you watch a movie. Of course I often run into problems with my purist viewpoints, but that is another story for another day.

Unfortunately, everyone else in America seems to believe in reading the book as well. So I waited for TWO months to get this book. I'm not even kidding. EXACTLY two months after I requested the book it came in. And to be honest, it was SO worth the wait! I loved it. Took my time reading it, but I loved it.

I would rate this book a 10 for the twist at the end; use of anagrams and secret codes; and a great setting.

This book is rated R for adult situations, adult language and some disturbing images.

This book is inappropriate for anyone under 18, people who are easily disturbed, people who are easily offended by sex or language and people who don't like psychological thrillers.

I would suggest this book to anyone else, however. Especially people like me who love a good mind screw!