Tag: infidelity

Outtakes from a Marriage, Ann Leary

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Cover ImageFinished 1-1-09, rating 2.5/5, fiction, pub. 2008

Julia has just found out that Joe, her Golden Globe nominated husband of many years, is cheating on her.  She decides not to confront him (she knows he is a good liar) and goes about her daily life taking care of her two kids, teenager Ruby and preschooler Sammy.  She becomes obsessed with checking Joe’s cell messages and listening to the woman’s sexy voice repeatedly, looking for the owner of that voice in Joe’s life.  She surprises him on set and lurks on the celebrity websites spreading lies about her clueless husband.  When the time for confrontation comes the fallout begins with the Golden Globe ceremony as a backdrop.

I was prepared to enjoy it based on the good reviews on other blogs, but I didn’t.  I never connected with Julia and the only time I really liked her was when she interacted with Mr. Mom because she showed some depth.  I understand that this was the point being made, that she lost herself in the marriage, but there was so little spark to the character that I was bored with her botox, hair extensions, and recollections of better times with Joe.  There was no real sense that the story was going anywhere and the end proved that true, in my opinion.

The one thing I thought was fun was Julia’s dad identifying a person’s character by his or her first name.  Neds are thoughtful, Jakes sly, Davids smart, and Jacks funny.  Joes, she learned from her father, are a handful. 

I woudn’t recommend this book, but it has received good reviews elsewhere.

Happiness Sold Separately, by Lolly Winston

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Cover ImageFinished 12-9-08, rating 4/5, fiction pub. 2006

“Choices.”  Elinor finally says, repeating her mother.  “That’s kind of a fairy tale, you know?”  She leans her head on Beatrice’s bony shoulder.  Elinor has always been pro-choice, but it never occurred to her that one day she’d have no choice.  There are many things you can do later in life, but having a baby isn’t necessarily one of them.”      -Chapter 3

Ted and Elinor have been married for five years, trying to have a child for half of that time.  Their struggle has taken its toll on their marriage and Ted begins an affair with his trainer at the gym.  When Elinor finds out she is devastated.  The two try counseling, but Elinor needs space.  This space leads Ted to continue sleeping with his trainer, Gina. 

This book has a wonderful cast of characters and enough surprises to keep you reading.  I thought all three of the main characters had their moments of too much self-pity, but that’s what made them real.  I was rooting for Elinor and Ted and had sympathy for Gina. 

This book felt honest and true until close to the end.  There was a silly scene that didn’t feel like the rest of the book, but other than that I enjoyed it very much.  It’s hard to tackle infertility, infidelity, a troubled marriage, and single parenting and make it entertaining. 

I read a review at Book Addiction that made me want to read this book and I’m glad I did.  It was a worthwhile read.  I plan on checking out Winston’s first book, Gook Grief.

More reviews-

Heather @ Book Addiction