“Split Therapy” by E.P. Stavs

Jane is a shy college student you won’t meet in the city dancing away until dawn. Jae is a bar scene regular. Jane would rather run a few extra miles at her morning run than talk to a man. Jae does everything to attract male attention. They are opposites and still, have a lot in common. In fact, they are the same person.

“Split Therapy” by E.P. Stavs is an exciting exploration of the coping mechanisms our psyche can come up with at times of crisis. Having fallen victim to a person who was supposed to be protective and not abusive, Jane shuts off from the world, trying to cope with the consequences of the traumatic event. Still, subconsciously she knows that hiding won’t help. Unable to deal with trauma the ordinary way, Jane’s personality splits and her other self starts to act as a vigilante, punishing men who mistreat women. The book opens with a scene of such punishment, and some might find it unsettling.

While reading, I was thinking about the motives behind Jane’s abuser’s behaviour. It is always hard for me to accept that a person is simply rotten and doesn’t need any additional motivation except for their sociopathic nature to want to hurt another human being.

I think that “Split Therapy” would make an excellent TV series. It is stylish and fast-paced, with edgy characters whose adventures viewers would love to follow. I can visualise an actress playing Jane/Jae, changed completely by makeup and drastically different dressing styles. The whole setting is cinematic, as are the minor characters. The romantic plot line adds a sweet note to the story, blending harmoniously into the main character’s journey to revenge and healing.