Berlin Syndrome

Book excerpt: WINNER OF THE 2012 KATHLEEN MITCHELL AWARD FOR YOUNG WRITERS Now a major film, distributed by Artificial Eye. Berlin. The once-divided city still holds its share of secrets. One afternoon, near the site of the Berlin Wall, backpacker Clare meets charismatic local Andi. There is an instant attraction, and when Andi invites her to stay, Clare thinks she may finally have found somewhere to call home. But when Clare wakes up in Andi’s apartment, she discovers that the door is locked. And it soon becomes clear that he has no intention of letting her go. Clare begins to wonder if it’s really love that Andi is searching for — or something else altogether. Berlin Syndrome is a closely observed and gripping psychological thriller that shifts between Andi’s and Clare’s perspectives, revealing the power of obsession, the fluidity of truth, and the kaleidoscopic nature of human relationships. PRAISE FOR MELANIE JOOSTEN ‘A gripping, well-written, undisputedly strong novel.’ The Saturday Age ‘A psychological thriller of the highest order, this is a strong first showing. More, please.’ Sunday Herald Sun