Night Bookers Book Club's Discussion of Law of Similars by Chirs Bohjalian

The group had a lively discussion about Law of Similars. One person thought Leland had a moral dilemma. Others thought he had no moral dilemma; he was self-absorbed, sleazy, and just being selfish. Leland, a prosecuting attorney decided to help destroy and doctor up notes for Carissa, a homeopath that he was seeing. She claimed she told a patient, Richard, to eat cashews as a joke, even though she knew the patient was allergic. The patient took her at her word and died, leaving the possibility for a criminal charges or a civil suit. However, Leland took care of her notes so well that no case could be brought against her. Some thought Leland ruined her anyhow. She made a financial settlement to the patient's family, and left the country. Some people did not like that they already knew the ending by the beginning of the book. The author said the book was about forgiveness. Leland had no trouble forgiving himself, but Carissa could not forgive herself. She forgave Leland by writing to him a few times. Jennifer, the wife of Richard, forgave Carissa, but did not forgive Leland. Leland initially let Jennifer talk to him, even though she did not know he was involved with Carissa. Not only was Leland a lover, he was also a patient, and a desperate one, like Richard. Leland stole homeopathic medicine from Carissa and tried to self-medicate with bad results. Some people questioned how quickly Leland "fell in love" with Carissa, almost instantly. He was a young widower with a daughter. Some questioned whether love a first sight happens, or just attraction at first sight. The group also questioned if the author was criticizing the homeopathic profession. Other people liked the book because it was easy to follow, had good scenery, was set in a contemporary setting. A great discussion.