Love Warps the Mind a Little

Laf spends a lot of his writing time staring out the window at his dog, Spot; Judi's dysfunctional family is unraveling; rejection letters from editors are coming in; and Judi, of all people, has sent him onto the marriage counselor's couch to sort out his angry feelings about his wife. To make matters worse, Judi is diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Judi — she will break your heart and be remembered as one of the most lovable characters in American fiction — fights a heroic battle against the disease that becomes the backdrop for an exploration of illness, how it limits and expands our capacities for desire and passion, and love, its mystery and transparency, as Judi and Laf struggle to find the memory that will comfort, the truth that will redeem.

Struggling writer LaFayette Proulx has quit his day job and left his wife. His lover Judi suggests that he seek marriage counseling. With everyone questioning his actions as selfish, it seems the only one with any faith left in him is his dog. Then Judi is diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. Laf finds himself in the role of caregiver, witnessing the stealthy approach of death and learning about the sacrifices and duties of love that offer a surprising amount of redemption. Dufresne's master storytelling and keen ability to mirror the torment and resiliency of life make his novel a joy to delve into and impossible to put down.