The puppeteers

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Through three case histories of patients caught up in what he terms ``behavioral puppetry''-obsessive control and manipulation-New York City-based psychotherapist Alper brilliantly probes the larger forces of dehumanization in our society. Matthew, his first subject, spent roughly 1979 to 1983 in the hedonistic, California-based cult of the Frontiersmen, whose charismatic former leader, Tony Patrano, is portrayed here as a delusional paranoid who ruled his flock through indoctrination, physical abuse and bizarre behavior, leading almost to collective insanity. Paul, profiled in the second case study, falls off the corporate ladder of success and lands in a ``boiler room'' telemarketing operation, where he faces his boss's constant verbal whippings, as well as relentless pressure maintained by computerized monitoring of all sales calls. Emily, addicted to the Manhattan singles scene, becomes obsessed with finding the perfect love and marrying before her 41st birthday. Alper deftly explores the loss of human freedom stemming from behavior patterns that limit choices while lending a sense of purpose and temporarily unifying fragmented selves. (Dec.)

Brian McCombie

Psychotherapist Alper ("Portrait of the Artist as a Young Patient", 1992) studies three different people who are easily controlled and manipulated by others. Matthew, Paul, and Emily are, for different reasons, susceptible to such seductions and therefore experience a "loss of freedom." Their stories are quite believable, in part because Alper uses an impressionistic style, which allows him to effectively show what is happening in each patient's life, especially in the narratives that begin each section. Here, the point of view rests squarely with the subjects, with what they think and feel, as they come under the sway of another and are later helped. An "extended commentary" follows each narrative. Alper's analysis is understandable and convincing, even to a lay audience.