Review of The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry

Brunonia Barry’s sophomore novel, The Map of True Places, (HarperCollins, ISBN 9780061624780, Hardcover, 416pp) is an aptly titled book. The novel charts the course of psychotherapist Zee Finch as she embarks upon a journey of self-discovery. Having long ago come to terms with the suicide of her mother and her father’s homosexuality, Zee’s life appears to have finally relegated itself to a state of some normalcy. This all changes when the protagonist is thrown into a tail spin following the presumed suicide of a patient with whom she shares an unusual connection. This incident, along with her father’s rapidly declining health, serves to dredge up Zee’s troubled past and doubts about her current station in life. Ultimately, it is when Zee begins to delve into the past once again that she begins to question the direction her future is headed in and learn about who she truly is and what she really wants.

As with her debut novel The Map of True Places is set in contemporary Salem, Massachusetts. Barry even borrows characters from her previous work, The Lace Reader, which adds a bit of cohesiveness and fun for those who have read her first novel. Barry’s flair for descriptive writing is extremely well suited to the Salem locale. She uses an abundance of colorful imagery to paint a vivid picture of the historic harbor town.