Chapter by Chapter features me reading one chapter of the selected book at the time and reviewing it as if I were a reviewing an episode of a TV show or an issue of a comic. There will be spoilers if you haven’t read to the point I have, and if you’ve read further I ask that you don’t spoil anything further into the book. Think of it as read-along book club.

You really wouldn’t think you could find the answers to your life in a…house of ill repute, and usually anyone that does is highly delusional. Or darn lucky, and Quaid is hoping to get lucky. I should rephrase that, especially after all the views we got into his mind at the beginning of this book.

Chapter 17: Melina

So what did Quaid learn on this trip? Nothing. Well, that’s not completely true. He learned that Hauser and the dream girl, whose name is Melina, were involved. We know she loved Hauser but now thinks that Quaid was lying and that Hauser is still working for Cohaagen. It’s amazing how many hoops she jumped through for that.

OK, look I understand Quaid’s story is hard to believe and he did a poor job explaining it, but this would be the worst story to break up with someone with in the history of ever! She make so many assumptions, especially when the word “wife” pops up, that if I were Doug I would be a lot more upset than disappointed. That’s the only lead to find out who I am and why people want to kill me. Sure, I’d run off when she broke out the gun too, but if I had his strength you really better get out of my way as I return to the cab.

(Side note: If Hauser and Melina were involved and Melina’s cover is a prostitute, shouldn’t the bartender or other ladies know “Brubaker”, the fake ID “Hauser’ gave “Quaid”? Wow that’s confusing. I hope there are no other identities involved or Doug’s going to have multiple personalities.)

Then Anthony decides to spill the beans early compared to the movie. Melina is actually a member of the underground. Hauser had come to her (either as a rebel or her other job is unsaid) claiming that he wanted out of the Agency. Over time the two fell in love, although now she doesn’t believe it. This is something that Melina should have told Quaid at some point later but instead we get an exposition dump by the narrator. It doesn’t work that well.

So how will Quaid handle losing his only lead? In the next chapter, Quaid is about to have some company in his hotel room. Will I be able to avoid making a Matrix joke? Only the future and Neo knows.

Next Time: Edgemar

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