The Silent Wife
by A.S.A. Harrison
(Penguin Group 2013)
Do you live a separate life from your significant other? Do you ignore or rationalize indiscretions of that person? Perhaps, taking the long view that harmony will return after intermittent transgressions? Do you enjoy thinking about the psychology of what drives aberrant behavior?
The Silent Wife is an engaging read from a variety of standpoints. Jodi is a therapist working part-time. Her long-term, unmarried relationship with Todd has survived his serial affairs. He is apparently an insecure entrepreneur, always pursuing the next project, who also suffers recurrent depression. He commences a love affair with the young daughter of his best friend from childhood. She gets pregnant. Jodi is told of this by the girl’s father. She says nothing to Todd until he announces that he is leaving within the hour to take up living with the expectant Natasha.
This engaging story is told in Her and Him seriatim fashion. We are treated to the evolution of their story from each side of the strange relationship. Todd has his share of doubts about what he is doing, as does Jodi. What will each of them do? Will Jodi continue turning the other cheek? As Todd longs for the peacefulness of life with Jodi, in contrast to the chaos of life with a pregnant child, will he return to the fold?
As the story evolves, I was riveted by the back and forth. The anxieties of each take root. What will they do? How will it turn out? Surely, it will not proceed in the manner it appears, will it? These were my thoughts as I turned page after page, unable to put the story down until I closed the last page. There are also other elements, including details of Jodi’s childhood within her own family that plainly impact her own psyche.
At the denouement, which I certainly had not anticipated, I smiled. Actually, I was looking for someone to discuss it with. I will continue to look forward to that!
This is a wonderful, engaging read. You will enjoy it as I did. You will also keep thinking about the story. How could two people be so stupid in their lives together? Enjoy!
Warms, Cym
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