A science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a woman named Carrie Samason, whose life becomes unexpectedly chaotic following a mix-up involving a library book about hypnotism. The book explores themes of control, family dynamics, and the unpredictable consequences of seemingly mundane events. The narrative unfolds as Carrie, busy with her daily life, inadvertently sets off a series of bizarre occurrences after her son James retrieves the wrong book for her—a book on hypnotism, which leads to mass disturbances in her environment. As various characters, including her husband Bill and her friends, fall under the influence of hypnotic suggestions, Carrie struggles to regain control. The book creatively examines how quickly order can descend into chaos and the lengths to which Carrie must go to protect her family from the unintended consequences of hypnotism, ultimately highlighting the fragility of normal life amidst unforeseen disturbances.
