The Echo Maker
Author: Richard Powers
Amazon info
I like to describe this novel as a "neurological thriller" as it is Capgras syndrome that is one of the central themes of the book. Capgras is a rare condition in which the two ways we have of recognizing people become disconnected. Simplifying it greatly, we cognitively recognize the individual - their look, their actions, etc., but on an emotional level we don't recognize them. Leading to statements like: "you look just like my sister, you sound like her, you act like her - what have you done with her!".
Another major theme is the cranes that stop in this Nebraska town on their migratory flight. We also have the issues of fidelity and whether the neurologist (Gerald Weber) in the story exploits his case studies or helps them. In my opinion, Dr. Weber is very similar to Oliver Sacks - whose books I have enjoyed tremendously.
Since this book is a National Book Award finalist, I am sure that it all ties together at a very deep level (way beyond my depth). I found it hard to put down, although at times the internal monologue of Dr. Weber (his doubts) was annoying in the same way that Hamlet can be. OK, clearly I am too action oriented :).
Recommended for all, except that it might disturb the squeamish (after all, we are talking about serious brain trauma here).