Literary Wives is an on-line book group that examines the meaning and role of wife in different books. Four times a year, we post and discuss a book with this question in mind:
What does this book say about wives or about the experience of being a wife?
Don’t forget to check out the other members of Literary Wives to see what they have to say about the book!
- Kay at What Me Read
- Lynn at Smoke & Mirrors
- Rebecca at Bookish Beck
Goodreads synopsis: Lucy and Jake live in a house by a field where the sun burns like a ball of fire. Lucy has set her career aside in order to devote her life to the children, to their finely tuned routine, and to the house itself, which comforts her like an old, sly friend. But then a man calls one afternoon with a shattering message: his wife has been having an affair with Lucy’s husband, Jake. The revelation marks a turning point: Lucy and Jake decide to stay together, but make a special arrangement designed to even the score and save their marriage–she will hurt him three times. As the couple submit to a delicate game of crime and punishment, Lucy herself begins to change, surrendering to a transformation of both mind and body from which there is no return.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
This was a fun twist on the usual husband-cheats-on-wife scenario.
When Lucy was a child, she saw a harpy in a book and asked her mother what it was. “She told me that they punish men for the things they do.” Lucy never lost her fascination with harpies.
When Lucy finds out about Jake’s affair, she starts on a downward spiral. Jake’s affair reminds her of her father’s affairs and the abusive way he treated Lucy’s mother. It brings back her feelings of shame and worthlessness. She begins to watch catastrophe videos on YouTube over and over. She feels sick to her stomach. Her psychological and physical turmoil is palpable.
Soon after Lucy finds out about the affair, she and Jake are sitting on the couch together after a rough night. Lucy holds his hand, but only to apply a lot of pressure–as much as she can–to push her nails into his skin. “That’s what you want, isn’t it, Lucy? To hurt me.” And that’s how they came up with the idea that Lucy could hurt Jake three times and then call it even. Lucy gets a buzz of energy from it. “My head felt extraordinarily clear, my perception tingling at the edges, as after lots of coffee or exercise.” She thinks there must be something wrong with her and worries that she will be found out. “If anyone ever finds out, I know what they will conclude: I am an awful person.”
Through all of this, Lucy and Jake try to act as usual around their children. The boys play a large part in the story and in their marriage. If you weren’t privy to Lucy and Jake’s thoughts and actions, you would think they were a well-adjusted happy little family. This contrast–for me–was the best part of the book. Hunter also does a good job showing that cheating is not something you do to your partner – it’s something you do to your entire family.
What does this book say about wives or about the experience of being a wife?
The example of marriage Lucy was exposed to by her parents was of abuse and infidelity. Her parents did not try to hide their arguments from Lucy, so she saw and heard everything. She thought she had forgiven her father for all of it, but when she found out that her own husband had cheated, the trauma and anger from her past came to the surface and began to dictate her thoughts and actions. Unlike her parents, however, she did her very best to keep things from her children.
Lucy desperately wants back what she had with Jake–perhaps hoping the revenge tactic would work–but on some level she knows that it’s gone forever.
As a wife, Lucy has suffered great disappointment. She has been let down, not only by her husband, but also her father, her mother, and all of society. If Jake is the one who cheated, why is she the one who feels so bad? She feels physically ill as well as ashamed of who she is.
Why was I the one who was looked at as damaged, faulty? Jake had been unfaithful, but somehow this reflected badly on me, I could tell. Just a housewife, really. Nothing achieved, no publications under my name. Not worth staying faithful to.
Join us next month for Sea Wife by Amity Gaige!
Consumed by Ink 
I like your point about how she is judged because he cheated. I don’t think I would describe this book as a fun twist, however.
I guess it depends on what you think of as fun! It’s fun for me when a book gets uncomfortable. Lol
I also find it fun when I don’t really know what’s going to happen.
That can definitely be true.
You’ve reminded me of just how much I enjoyed this one. Interested to see what you make of the Gaige which I read recently.
I’m excited to read Sea Wife – but I don’t remember why. I guess I’ll find out!
I’m pretty sure it was your review of The Harpy that landed it on our list. 🙂
I’m glad it was a success!
Not part of the literarywives book club, but always read the posts. I get such interesting recommendations from here. Looked up The Harpy on goodreads, and will definitely look out for it in my library. Also, such a beautiful cover!
It’s nice to hear from you, Nish! I’m glad to hear you get some good recommendations from us!
I’m glad you mentioned some details about their sons and Lucy’s attempt to keep things normal for them. She feels judged for her parenting, too, as when the two little boys get hurt during the birthday party. It would definitely be a very different book if they didn’t have children.
I remember feeling worried at my kids’ birthday parties (and even play dates) that someone else’s child was going to get hurt and I would be considered neglectful. I was lucky it never happened! (Not seriously, anyway.)
Really interesting review Naomi! I enjoyed being reminded of this powerful book and how you picked out the wider impact on family from both her past and present.
There was so much at play in this book. She had a lot going against her just from her past. So many things play into how someone will react and cope with infidelity.
I always enjoy the problems you discuss in Literary Wives. I won’t say how close to home this one is (no, there was no one else before we separated) but I do think at least being wooed is important to a ‘left’ wife’s self esteem.
On reflection, I must say kids much prefer their parents to stay together and we probably should have.
I’ve often wondered why that is… what is it about how we’re wired that makes us feel so hurt when our parents separate? And is there an age cut-off when children don’t feel this anymore? Or would it still be felt at the age of 35? I know there must be a feeling of abandonment, but I feel like there’s more to it than that. Are we *meant* to have two parents, or do we just *think* we’re meant to because we’re taught that at a very young age?
This sounds like a really good one too – and great title! I always look forward to your literary wives discussions, they are fascinating!
I think you’d like this one, Anne – marriage and parenting!
I may join in the read/review for the Sea Wife.
We’d love to have you! 🙂