What's Wrong with Dorfman?

John Blumenthal

11/1/2003 general fiction novel, book review, What's Wrong with Dorfman?, John Blumenthal, undiagnosed illness, stress, psychiatric, physical, Jandy's Reading Room

Martin Dorfman is ill. He's dizzy, nauseous, and weak. He doesn't know what's wrong, although his father does. His father, a eccentric Jewish doctor who is concerned about all germs, will tell Martin every chance he is allowed. When Martin's wife and children take a trip to Germany, he admits he's ill and goes to his family doctor.

Dr. Margolis can't find anything wrong. He runs a series of tests that show negative results for any disease or illness. Martin continues to be ill. Meanwhile he has his family (now home) to care for and a scriptwriting job to continue. When he's not being dizzy and weak he's talking with his agent, meeting with producers, or polishing up a movie script.

He meets a fellow sufferer, Delilah Foster. She also has extreme symptoms of an illness that can't be diagnosed. They commiserate with each other as they try to find some answers.

Martin Dorfman is a resident of modern day American society. What's Wrong with Dorfman? highlights the pressures and stresses we are under and put upon ourselves. He refuses to believe his symptoms are psychosomatic or caused by stress. Yet is that the real, underlying problem? What exactly is wrong with Martin Dorfman?

This first person narration is an easy read. Martin denigrates himself throughout the book, making it easy for the reader to empathize. His father's character is well drawn and believable. The book sounds like a believable diary rather than a novel. By the time I was done, I couldn't help but wonder if Blumenthal was writing a thinly veiled story of himself or someone he knew closely.

This book is available at or your local library.