Shutter Island

Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane’s 2003 psychological thriller, investigates how a person’s mental state can shape their perspective of reality. The prologue opens with an excerpt from Dr. Lester Sheehan’s diary dated May 3rd, 1993. Sheehan is a retired psychiatrist from Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island, but he remains haunted by the dangerous tragedy of four people: Edward “Teddy” Daniels, Rachel Solando, Dolores Chanal, and Andrew Laeddis. Now that Sheehan’s health is failing, he feels compelled to bring the story to light.

The events of Shutter Island take place over the course of four days in September 1954, and the novel is divided into four sections that reflect the events of each day. The story itself follows Teddy Daniels, a World War II veteran and current U.S. Marshal, who is sent to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of Rachel Solando, one of Ashecliffe’s patients. Teddy finds himself in the company of his new partner, Chuck Aule, a recent transfer from the Seattle bureau of the U.S. Marshals. Chuck is likable and charming, and they immediately establish a rapport.