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The Codes of Love
Ryan and Emily appear to have it all, successful jobs, a beautiful house and the secret to a happy marriage. A secret that involves certain ‘rules’. But beneath the surface trouble is brewing in the shape of Ada. Whimsical, high-spirited and beholden to no-one, she represents the freedom that Emily’s been striving for and the escape that Ryan didn’t know he wanted.
- GenresFiction
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First published March 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 7, 2020
The Codes Of Love lands somewhere between Sally Rooney’s perennially popular Normal People and Simone de Beauvoir’s oft-overlooked She Came To Stay. When Ada sweeps into Ryan and Emily’s lives, she leaves a wake of deception and duplicity in her path. The timeline does jump back and forth a bit as events unfold, but the story takes place over such a short period (and the events are so closely interwoven) that it never feels disorienting. Steering clear of melodramatics and cliches, but always passionate, Pernaud delivers what she promises: “a page turning portrait of a contemporary marriage”.
An extended review is available at Keeping Up With The Penguins.
An extended review is available at Keeping Up With The Penguins.
June 8, 2020
The Codes of Love was definitely a different kind of read for me. I was hooked on the story and the characters, but never really liked any of the main characters. In the case of this book it didn't really matter and it helped the story.
Emily and Ryan do not have the traditional kind of marriage. Emily thinks this is why they have survived as long as they have. Ryan never really wanted an open marriage but he loved Emily so he agreed. Their open marriage has rules and Ryan is about to break one of them. He falls for Ada, a young and high spirited woman and they have an affair - breaking the rule of no long term partners. Emily is also intrigued by Ada and she becomes a big part of both their lives.
As much as some parts of this book were uncomfortable to read I ended up really getting lost in it. I was disappointed with the ending. An emotional story of love and jealousy. And that cover is just gorgeous with all the colours
Thanks to Bloomsbury Books for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Emily and Ryan do not have the traditional kind of marriage. Emily thinks this is why they have survived as long as they have. Ryan never really wanted an open marriage but he loved Emily so he agreed. Their open marriage has rules and Ryan is about to break one of them. He falls for Ada, a young and high spirited woman and they have an affair - breaking the rule of no long term partners. Emily is also intrigued by Ada and she becomes a big part of both their lives.
As much as some parts of this book were uncomfortable to read I ended up really getting lost in it. I was disappointed with the ending. An emotional story of love and jealousy. And that cover is just gorgeous with all the colours
Thanks to Bloomsbury Books for my advanced copy of this book to read.
February 15, 2020
The cover is what first attracted me to this novel. The colours are eye catching and it wasn’t until I finished the novel and really looked at it and noticed how apt it fits to the story itself.
The story flicks mainly between Ryan and his wife Emily. Each chapter is numbered with rules of an open marriage with a different subject matter. Some chapters are short and snappy, whilst others were a lot longer, allowing you to connect to the characters and get a feel of them.
I’ve never really understood the point of an open marriage and for me it made Emily comes across as being in control but as we get to know her, it’s as if she is covering up who she really is. The more I got to know Ryan, I felt sorry for him as its his love for his wife that has kept him there, trying to ignore all of his wife’s indiscretions. Don’t get me wrong, he isn’t perfect either but what he does is more in response to the attention he doesn’t get from his wife.
It is an interesting look into the dynamics of different relationships and what the feelings these characters have and how they act on them. All of who, seem to have ulterior motives. Ada and Leo help widen the cast and add more intrigue and tension to an already fraught story line.
The Codes Of Love is a very different type of read for me. It took me a little while to settle into the story but once I did, I was hooked into the characters lives and wondered if there could ever possibly be a happy ending for any of them. It was a bit like watching your favourite soap, waiting for revelations and the anticipation to how the characters would react. Overall I found this an enjoyable read. Personally I would have liked a bit more from the ending as it was a little abrupt but then I’m a sucker for everything being tied up nicely.
My thanks to Muswell Press for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story flicks mainly between Ryan and his wife Emily. Each chapter is numbered with rules of an open marriage with a different subject matter. Some chapters are short and snappy, whilst others were a lot longer, allowing you to connect to the characters and get a feel of them.
I’ve never really understood the point of an open marriage and for me it made Emily comes across as being in control but as we get to know her, it’s as if she is covering up who she really is. The more I got to know Ryan, I felt sorry for him as its his love for his wife that has kept him there, trying to ignore all of his wife’s indiscretions. Don’t get me wrong, he isn’t perfect either but what he does is more in response to the attention he doesn’t get from his wife.
It is an interesting look into the dynamics of different relationships and what the feelings these characters have and how they act on them. All of who, seem to have ulterior motives. Ada and Leo help widen the cast and add more intrigue and tension to an already fraught story line.
The Codes Of Love is a very different type of read for me. It took me a little while to settle into the story but once I did, I was hooked into the characters lives and wondered if there could ever possibly be a happy ending for any of them. It was a bit like watching your favourite soap, waiting for revelations and the anticipation to how the characters would react. Overall I found this an enjoyable read. Personally I would have liked a bit more from the ending as it was a little abrupt but then I’m a sucker for everything being tied up nicely.
My thanks to Muswell Press for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 12, 2021
An interesting take on power play, the strains of open relationships and love.
A different read for but enjoyed!
A different read for but enjoyed!
August 2, 2020
The Codes of Love is an intense read, dealing with multiple complicated issues within relationships (some of which I hadn’t even contemplated). It is a very detailed story with characters that are not necessarily likeable but fascinating. The intensity of feelings is in a similar vein to that in Sally Rooney’s Normal People but twenty years later when there are jobs, children and more life experience.
Emily and Ryan are a successful couple, with good careers, a plush house in London (with a swimming pool) and two teenage sons. To the casual onlooker, they have it all. But between the two of them, there are rules. They have an open marriage with a number of rules. But Ryan breaks one of those rules when he continues his fling with Ada beyond one night. For Ryan, Ada is the opposite to Emily – new, surprising and full of wonder. So when they buy a cottage in Wales together, it’s definitely breaking all of the rules. Could this be love? Emily isn’t exactly amused when Ryan takes a lover. It’s always been her who led by example with the rules of her marriage. Her life isn’t going as well, with an obsessed student making things difficult at work (and Emily isn’t exactly innocent in this case). So when she meets Ada at Ryan’s work party, their friendship leads to more fun than she has had in ages. The problem? Neither Emily nor Ryan know the depths of each other’s relationship with Ada. It can only end badly…
While The Codes of Love is essentially about a failing marriage, it’s also about things within that marriage. Power. Responsibility. Ageing. Emily has always held the power in the relationship and to see Ryan happy with someone else leads to a reduction in that power. Their children are also becoming more independent where Emily can’t control their movements. Ryan really doesn’t want the responsibility that goes with naughty teenage boys (deep down, he is secretly relieved when Emily wearily claims she will deal with it). Emily has to face the responsibility of a dalliance gone wrong. Finally, both Ryan and Emily are no longer a young couple – they have responsibilities to their children, their work and their actions even though sometimes neither of them really wants it. And what do they end up with? It’s a little open to interpretation but needless to say, it’s not really what either of them were expecting.
The story is written beautifully with densely layered prose that captures all of the feelings of the characters and their surroundings. It captures the highs of new love and the ugliness of the breakdowns in relationships. It’s not a fast read, but a deep examination of the depths of relationships.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Emily and Ryan are a successful couple, with good careers, a plush house in London (with a swimming pool) and two teenage sons. To the casual onlooker, they have it all. But between the two of them, there are rules. They have an open marriage with a number of rules. But Ryan breaks one of those rules when he continues his fling with Ada beyond one night. For Ryan, Ada is the opposite to Emily – new, surprising and full of wonder. So when they buy a cottage in Wales together, it’s definitely breaking all of the rules. Could this be love? Emily isn’t exactly amused when Ryan takes a lover. It’s always been her who led by example with the rules of her marriage. Her life isn’t going as well, with an obsessed student making things difficult at work (and Emily isn’t exactly innocent in this case). So when she meets Ada at Ryan’s work party, their friendship leads to more fun than she has had in ages. The problem? Neither Emily nor Ryan know the depths of each other’s relationship with Ada. It can only end badly…
While The Codes of Love is essentially about a failing marriage, it’s also about things within that marriage. Power. Responsibility. Ageing. Emily has always held the power in the relationship and to see Ryan happy with someone else leads to a reduction in that power. Their children are also becoming more independent where Emily can’t control their movements. Ryan really doesn’t want the responsibility that goes with naughty teenage boys (deep down, he is secretly relieved when Emily wearily claims she will deal with it). Emily has to face the responsibility of a dalliance gone wrong. Finally, both Ryan and Emily are no longer a young couple – they have responsibilities to their children, their work and their actions even though sometimes neither of them really wants it. And what do they end up with? It’s a little open to interpretation but needless to say, it’s not really what either of them were expecting.
The story is written beautifully with densely layered prose that captures all of the feelings of the characters and their surroundings. It captures the highs of new love and the ugliness of the breakdowns in relationships. It’s not a fast read, but a deep examination of the depths of relationships.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
March 4, 2020
This is weird. It's not bad but this kinda fucked up lol Open marriage? Hah! Nothing much to say.
Thank you Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC!
Thank you Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC!
March 6, 2020
What a fabulously fascinating voyeuristic look at a marriage. I thought this was such an accomplished debut novel.
The Codes of Love are the rules of an open marriage. One of the rules marks the start of every chapter. Ryan and Emily have the open marriage, her idea not his. Ryan would prefer a conventional monogamous relationship but Emily didn't want that and he knew he would lose her if he didn't agree. They seem to have made a pretty good stab at it though and have made a good life for themselves and their two teenage sons. Until Ada comes along and bewitches them both, offering each of them something they didn't even know they wanted.
This is a twisty story and a salutary tale of being careful what you wish for. I was enthralled by the clandestine yet open nature of the relationships in this book and couldn't help feeling that despite the freedom within Ryan and Emily's marriage, it surely was all going to go wrong eventually, that one or other of them would want something different. All the way through I wondered how the tangled web would be brought to an end. When it came the ending was not quite what I was expecting but I think it worked well.
I'm trying really hard not to say too much in this review. The blurb is quite vague and I think it's important to approach the book with little prior knowledge so that it unfolds before your eyes. What I will say is that it's brilliantly observed and beautifully written. There is a certain volatility to the characters which I found nail-bitingly tense at times. A snapshot of a marriage teetering on the brink - will it be rescued or will it fall? If you're the nosy type then you'll like this intelligent and honest read. It felt like I was peering through the windows of the (very important to the plot) locations. I can't wait to see what Persaud writes next.
The Codes of Love are the rules of an open marriage. One of the rules marks the start of every chapter. Ryan and Emily have the open marriage, her idea not his. Ryan would prefer a conventional monogamous relationship but Emily didn't want that and he knew he would lose her if he didn't agree. They seem to have made a pretty good stab at it though and have made a good life for themselves and their two teenage sons. Until Ada comes along and bewitches them both, offering each of them something they didn't even know they wanted.
This is a twisty story and a salutary tale of being careful what you wish for. I was enthralled by the clandestine yet open nature of the relationships in this book and couldn't help feeling that despite the freedom within Ryan and Emily's marriage, it surely was all going to go wrong eventually, that one or other of them would want something different. All the way through I wondered how the tangled web would be brought to an end. When it came the ending was not quite what I was expecting but I think it worked well.
I'm trying really hard not to say too much in this review. The blurb is quite vague and I think it's important to approach the book with little prior knowledge so that it unfolds before your eyes. What I will say is that it's brilliantly observed and beautifully written. There is a certain volatility to the characters which I found nail-bitingly tense at times. A snapshot of a marriage teetering on the brink - will it be rescued or will it fall? If you're the nosy type then you'll like this intelligent and honest read. It felt like I was peering through the windows of the (very important to the plot) locations. I can't wait to see what Persaud writes next.
June 18, 2020
I've been a fan of Hannah Persaud's writing for a while, having read several of her short stories online and in anthologies. I wasn't surprised at all, then, to discover that her debut novel is both beautifully written and masterfully observed.
The titular 'codes of love' - rules for a successful open marriage - help to provide a framework for the story of Emily and Ryan, whose marriage is tested by the arrival of the impulsive and free-spirited Ada. As readers we move back and forth through time, observing different stages of a key few months in the couple's life, and from the viewpoints of both main characters.
Persaud pulls off this ambitious structure excellently. Emily and Ryan are both so well drawn and so complex that the reader becomes entirely immersed in their thoughts and actions. I found myself rooting for each of them in their respective chapters, even though neither one is entirely innocent and both are frustratingly... human.
The characterisation really is outstanding, and the whole concept - which could have easily been dealt with lightly and easily dismissed - is dealt with in such a way that it forces us to reassess the whole notion of marriage. This is a complex topic, and the novel gives the reader much food for thought.
Persaud's prose, of course, is excellent. The reader is easily drawn into the lives of the protagonists through the swift and lyrical prose, but there are also several beautiful turns of phrase that make you sit back and simply admire the writing.
'The Codes of Love' isn't a comfortable read, but it is powerful, gripping, accomplished, and extremely relevant. I look forward to seeing where Hannah Persaud goes next!
The titular 'codes of love' - rules for a successful open marriage - help to provide a framework for the story of Emily and Ryan, whose marriage is tested by the arrival of the impulsive and free-spirited Ada. As readers we move back and forth through time, observing different stages of a key few months in the couple's life, and from the viewpoints of both main characters.
Persaud pulls off this ambitious structure excellently. Emily and Ryan are both so well drawn and so complex that the reader becomes entirely immersed in their thoughts and actions. I found myself rooting for each of them in their respective chapters, even though neither one is entirely innocent and both are frustratingly... human.
The characterisation really is outstanding, and the whole concept - which could have easily been dealt with lightly and easily dismissed - is dealt with in such a way that it forces us to reassess the whole notion of marriage. This is a complex topic, and the novel gives the reader much food for thought.
Persaud's prose, of course, is excellent. The reader is easily drawn into the lives of the protagonists through the swift and lyrical prose, but there are also several beautiful turns of phrase that make you sit back and simply admire the writing.
'The Codes of Love' isn't a comfortable read, but it is powerful, gripping, accomplished, and extremely relevant. I look forward to seeing where Hannah Persaud goes next!
October 8, 2023
"The Codes of Love" by Hannah Persaud is a thought-provoking exploration of sexual obsession and marital infidelity within a seemingly perfect marriage. The story revolves around Ryan and Emily, a couple who, on the surface, appear to have it all, including a set of secret "rules" that they believe have contributed to their happiness.
Persaud delves into the complexities of desire and attraction as the couple is separately drawn to Ada, a free-spirited individual who represents the freedom they both yearn for. The novel skillfully examines the consequences of breaking the established rules and the impact it has on the characters' lives.
The book's exploration of the power of sexual attraction is honest and unflinching, making it a thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles feel authentic, making it easy to empathize with their predicaments.
While "The Codes of Love" offers a compelling and insightful look at the complexities of contemporary relationships, it falls short of a higher rating due to some pacing issues. The middle of the book can feel slow, and some readers may find the narrative somewhat repetitive.
In conclusion, "The Codes of Love" is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that shines a light on the nuances of desire and infidelity within a marriage. While it may not be an easy or comfortable read, it offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges that can arise when people give in to their desires, and the consequences of breaking the rules they have established.
Persaud delves into the complexities of desire and attraction as the couple is separately drawn to Ada, a free-spirited individual who represents the freedom they both yearn for. The novel skillfully examines the consequences of breaking the established rules and the impact it has on the characters' lives.
The book's exploration of the power of sexual attraction is honest and unflinching, making it a thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles feel authentic, making it easy to empathize with their predicaments.
While "The Codes of Love" offers a compelling and insightful look at the complexities of contemporary relationships, it falls short of a higher rating due to some pacing issues. The middle of the book can feel slow, and some readers may find the narrative somewhat repetitive.
In conclusion, "The Codes of Love" is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that shines a light on the nuances of desire and infidelity within a marriage. While it may not be an easy or comfortable read, it offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges that can arise when people give in to their desires, and the consequences of breaking the rules they have established.
March 8, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC of The Codes of Love. The premise of the book interested me but I ended up enjoying the book even more than I thought I would. Ryan and Emily have a long, rocky marriage and two almost adult sons . Emily married Ryan with one condition = that they would have an open marriage, so that the marriage didn't fade away. Enter Adeline (Ada), who engages in a long term affair with Ryan, definitely against the rules of the open marriage. Ada also seduces Emily, separately, without Ryan's knowledge. The dialogue between the characters are genuine and I was very interested to see how the broken marriage, affair and deception would play out. A highly readable book without being over the top.
June 30, 2021
DNF 70 pages in. This wasn’t as exciting as the premise sounded - far too much architecture talk and in the end it turned into a completely unrealistic telenovela, complete with a melodramatic side plot and ridiculous dialogue. Fabulous cover though.
April 30, 2020
Fantastic account of the slow, inexorable falling apart of a relationship. Brilliant writing, great characters.
July 25, 2020
entertaining but feels disconnected
January 29, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Muswell Press for the eARC.
This is a difficult book for me to review, because I loved it, but didn't really like any of the characters.
Ian and Emily have an ostensibly perfect marriage; with two teenage sons, they're well-to-do, have a lovely home and a successful business.
But there are certain rules governing their marriage that Emily set up. Ian never was and is not happy about the rules, but has stuck to them faithfully. Until Adeline comes into the picture.
The marriage slowly but relentlessly crumbles. As I said, I loved the book, but found all three (supposedly) grown-ups selfish and totally self-centered...their poor sons. But it's a story that's hard to put down and well written; definitely recommended!
This is a difficult book for me to review, because I loved it, but didn't really like any of the characters.
Ian and Emily have an ostensibly perfect marriage; with two teenage sons, they're well-to-do, have a lovely home and a successful business.
But there are certain rules governing their marriage that Emily set up. Ian never was and is not happy about the rules, but has stuck to them faithfully. Until Adeline comes into the picture.
The marriage slowly but relentlessly crumbles. As I said, I loved the book, but found all three (supposedly) grown-ups selfish and totally self-centered...their poor sons. But it's a story that's hard to put down and well written; definitely recommended!
February 28, 2020
I loved this book!
If you are looking for a pacey plot, intrigue, and vivid characters, this is the book for you. This saucy tale is the story of a marriage in free fall and keeps the reader hooked throughout. I’m hesitant to write too much as I do not want to give anything away.
A brilliant debut from a talented author.
If you are looking for a pacey plot, intrigue, and vivid characters, this is the book for you. This saucy tale is the story of a marriage in free fall and keeps the reader hooked throughout. I’m hesitant to write too much as I do not want to give anything away.
A brilliant debut from a talented author.
February 20, 2020
The Codes of Love has an intriguing premise - that of an open relationship. When Ryan and Emily marry they agree their's will be an open marriage as long as they are truthful with one another, that the sexual liaisons are one-offs and do not result in an ongoing extramarital relationship. But then Adeline appears in their lives and unbeknown to either Ryan or Emily, she begins an affair with both of them. They are both sexually bewitched by her and she plays on their insecurities.
Emily suspects Ryan of being unfaithful when he spends more time away from home after he and Adeline secretly buy a rundown property together in Wales. To complicate matters Emily, a creative writing teacher, has a besotted student stalking her, creating further problems.
Some readers may not like the fact that none of the characters is likeable but they are human and realistic. I found the structure of the novel original and the psychological insight of the characters compelling. Many thanks to NetGalley and Muswell Press for the opportunity to read and review The Codes of Love.
Emily suspects Ryan of being unfaithful when he spends more time away from home after he and Adeline secretly buy a rundown property together in Wales. To complicate matters Emily, a creative writing teacher, has a besotted student stalking her, creating further problems.
Some readers may not like the fact that none of the characters is likeable but they are human and realistic. I found the structure of the novel original and the psychological insight of the characters compelling. Many thanks to NetGalley and Muswell Press for the opportunity to read and review The Codes of Love.
February 12, 2020
This is not the kind of story I like to read.
When I read the first chapter, I thought Ryan and Ava are slowly falling in love. But in the second chapter came Emily, Ryan's wife.
I finished the entire in one sitting because I wanted to know how this will end. But I must say this book was not good for my blood pressure, I wanted to kill someone while reading this book.
It shows an ugly image of marriage- an open marriage and insecurities. I liked how free Ava is but then I started hating her. She is good for herself but she messed up their marriage, I feel she is herself messed up. I hated Leo (Emily's student who falls for her and ultimately becomes her stalker) from the beginning but I liked his honesty at the end. I sympathized the most with Emily though I realize that she was responsible for it. I sympathized with Ryan as well yet I could not forgive him for his decisions. I feel pity for both Tom and Sam(Emily and Ryan' s children) and I like Sam the best. He has the emotional intelligence that the entire family was lacking. And I really felt it when Tom said about hoe Emily leads a life of pretension for the public.
Since I hate these ugly marriage stories , it would have been more appropriate for me to give this book a bad rating. Because this was blood curdling to say the least. Yet I would give it 4 stars because it is f**ked up in an unconventional way. There are probably couples out there living this and though I hate it , I can't close my eyes to reality. That is probably one of the reasons why I am giving this book 3 big stars otherwise I myself do not understand my generosity. Yet I know I am never going to read this again, it's simple not for me. Nonetheless, I appreciate the author for the fresh storyline and the beautiful way she has written this story.
PS : This is too emotionally disturbing. Not for the weak hearts.
When I read the first chapter, I thought Ryan and Ava are slowly falling in love. But in the second chapter came Emily, Ryan's wife.
I finished the entire in one sitting because I wanted to know how this will end. But I must say this book was not good for my blood pressure, I wanted to kill someone while reading this book.
It shows an ugly image of marriage- an open marriage and insecurities. I liked how free Ava is but then I started hating her. She is good for herself but she messed up their marriage, I feel she is herself messed up. I hated Leo (Emily's student who falls for her and ultimately becomes her stalker) from the beginning but I liked his honesty at the end. I sympathized the most with Emily though I realize that she was responsible for it. I sympathized with Ryan as well yet I could not forgive him for his decisions. I feel pity for both Tom and Sam(Emily and Ryan' s children) and I like Sam the best. He has the emotional intelligence that the entire family was lacking. And I really felt it when Tom said about hoe Emily leads a life of pretension for the public.
Since I hate these ugly marriage stories , it would have been more appropriate for me to give this book a bad rating. Because this was blood curdling to say the least. Yet I would give it 4 stars because it is f**ked up in an unconventional way. There are probably couples out there living this and though I hate it , I can't close my eyes to reality. That is probably one of the reasons why I am giving this book 3 big stars otherwise I myself do not understand my generosity. Yet I know I am never going to read this again, it's simple not for me. Nonetheless, I appreciate the author for the fresh storyline and the beautiful way she has written this story.
PS : This is too emotionally disturbing. Not for the weak hearts.
June 9, 2021
Ryan and Emily have it all - successful careers, a beautiful house, two sons, and a long marriage. But underneath all, they harbour a secret. And it gets unravelled with a newcomer, Ada, into their marriage.
As someone who has had open and polyamorous relationships, I dived into this book excited to read a topic that is so rarely the central theme of a story. Sadly, I came off the book largely disappointed. The first thing I did after finishing was to visit the reviews on Goodreads. They are roughly divided into two groups: the "ugly side of an open marriage lol" group and the "fascinated by the modern exploration of relationship and marriage" group. And here I am, belong to neither.
The story was told through a very heterosexual lens. While I'm unsure of the author's sexuality (she is married with husband and kids), the lack of nuance and complexity in the depiction of an open relationship makes the story more of a common imagination of an idea than a realistic (mal)functioning human interaction. Each chapter is titled with a rule that one shall keep in order to make an open marriage works, and the story follows with how the characters break them. I can't help but think the story was told with a preconceived bias, that the characters were chasing after possession and obsession after all. It is basically a typical cheating/love affair story with "open marriage" in disguise. Sure, trust, honesty, and responsibility are well explored in the story, but they are often so black and white, the readers are guided to point our fingers at the wrongdoers. You want drama, it has drama - one that the author concocted by betraying her own characters. What's to take home after the last full stop? There was no after taste.
Emily and Ada are clearly the more interesting parties in the novel. It's a shame that their bisexuality was given so little time and effort in the story. I dislike the way each character is given a vague background to justify their decisions for an open marriage. When can we escape the stereotype of a broken past with an "unusual" relationship? I shan't recommend this but what's stopping you?
As someone who has had open and polyamorous relationships, I dived into this book excited to read a topic that is so rarely the central theme of a story. Sadly, I came off the book largely disappointed. The first thing I did after finishing was to visit the reviews on Goodreads. They are roughly divided into two groups: the "ugly side of an open marriage lol" group and the "fascinated by the modern exploration of relationship and marriage" group. And here I am, belong to neither.
The story was told through a very heterosexual lens. While I'm unsure of the author's sexuality (she is married with husband and kids), the lack of nuance and complexity in the depiction of an open relationship makes the story more of a common imagination of an idea than a realistic (mal)functioning human interaction. Each chapter is titled with a rule that one shall keep in order to make an open marriage works, and the story follows with how the characters break them. I can't help but think the story was told with a preconceived bias, that the characters were chasing after possession and obsession after all. It is basically a typical cheating/love affair story with "open marriage" in disguise. Sure, trust, honesty, and responsibility are well explored in the story, but they are often so black and white, the readers are guided to point our fingers at the wrongdoers. You want drama, it has drama - one that the author concocted by betraying her own characters. What's to take home after the last full stop? There was no after taste.
Emily and Ada are clearly the more interesting parties in the novel. It's a shame that their bisexuality was given so little time and effort in the story. I dislike the way each character is given a vague background to justify their decisions for an open marriage. When can we escape the stereotype of a broken past with an "unusual" relationship? I shan't recommend this but what's stopping you?
March 26, 2020
There are rules of love, languages of love and codes of love. Everything turns around the magical word ´love´ but it might have different meanings and stir different associations for each and every single human involved in the process of love as such. We associate to love either social conventions - marriage, partnership - or strong feelings and commitments - honesty, openness. We want love to last, at least as long as a fairy tale, and when we, or one of us is out of love, we are heartbroken, a phenomenon which can be describe accurately in anatomical/medical terms.
Hannah Persaud debut novel The Codes of Love opens with a quote from Kahlil Gibran, On Marriage: `Love one another, but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your soul`. What is the bond about, actually? Being committed legally - through marriage - with shared bank account, the same family name, a mortgage? Depending on one another physically? Requesting absolute fidelity? Living for and through one another? How can you trace the map of your heart adding other people to the chart, but without keeping them against their own will.
Ada - Ryan - Emily are part of a triangle in the making. Dominated by an aggressive father, Ryan married the adventurous Emily as his first love. In their early 40s, he´s a successful architect, she´s teaching literature, they have two teenage soons and the secret of an open marriage. Emily´s idea, never fully accepted by Ryan. Emily and Ryan do have different needs that time did not change: she´s more sexual, he is more on the intellectual committed side. The fact that their marriage relies on an apparently stable set of rules, translating easily into codes made of fine everyday agreements does not protect any of them from the final countdown of the failure. In fact, it is the failure of a convention that gives further life to (probably) just another code (of love).
This is what we are witnessing in The Codes of Love: the end of a marriage that might make many envious, where physical trepassings are accepted in the name of an out-of-time commitment and mutual respect. For Ryan, who´s suddenly having a committed adventure with the independent and never committed Ada, Emily´s code of love was frustrating as he will openly tell her in one of their fights: ´Did you ever feel guilty for the pain you caused me as I watched you gallivating around?´ On the other hand, Emily suspects Ryan is having more than an adventure and is becoming unsecure and jealous - wasn´t it one of her rules to not sleep more than once with someone? Between Ryan and Emily the code of love is becoming a game of lies and a nasty display of power. Apparently, there are some limits to the open canvas of their marriage. The relationship erodes ´layer by layer, like rust´.
On her side, Ada is playing her own independent game: manipulating more or less consciously both of them, never losing herself. She´s excited about the unexpected and the adventure, but once she and Ryan are buying a cottage in Wales, there is no more excitement and the adventure has no present.
What the intricacies of the relationships setting and unsettling in The Codes of Love reveals for me is the confusing multiplicity of commitments that never set for one, in fact: the commitment for an emancipated life - as Emily looks back to her relationship choices she said ´I´m just pushing for the same freedom that men have claimed for years´ - the commitment of independence, the commitment of adventure, the commitment of monogamy, the commitment of intellect overriding the instinctual desires. Each and every one of this commitments are breaking apart in million little pieces, and out of the shards new love paths are created, not necessarily code-bounded.
The writing flows in an uncomplicated way, like the lines of a building on the architect´s chart. Besides the three main characters, the other protagonists of the story are rather episodic and without a defined personality (for instance, I would have been curious to delve a little bit more into Emily´s sister story). The natural environment recreated - the Wales setting - suits perfectly the inner wildnerness of the characters.
The cover deserves a special mention, for the excellent visual rendition of the story.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Hannah Persaud debut novel The Codes of Love opens with a quote from Kahlil Gibran, On Marriage: `Love one another, but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your soul`. What is the bond about, actually? Being committed legally - through marriage - with shared bank account, the same family name, a mortgage? Depending on one another physically? Requesting absolute fidelity? Living for and through one another? How can you trace the map of your heart adding other people to the chart, but without keeping them against their own will.
Ada - Ryan - Emily are part of a triangle in the making. Dominated by an aggressive father, Ryan married the adventurous Emily as his first love. In their early 40s, he´s a successful architect, she´s teaching literature, they have two teenage soons and the secret of an open marriage. Emily´s idea, never fully accepted by Ryan. Emily and Ryan do have different needs that time did not change: she´s more sexual, he is more on the intellectual committed side. The fact that their marriage relies on an apparently stable set of rules, translating easily into codes made of fine everyday agreements does not protect any of them from the final countdown of the failure. In fact, it is the failure of a convention that gives further life to (probably) just another code (of love).
This is what we are witnessing in The Codes of Love: the end of a marriage that might make many envious, where physical trepassings are accepted in the name of an out-of-time commitment and mutual respect. For Ryan, who´s suddenly having a committed adventure with the independent and never committed Ada, Emily´s code of love was frustrating as he will openly tell her in one of their fights: ´Did you ever feel guilty for the pain you caused me as I watched you gallivating around?´ On the other hand, Emily suspects Ryan is having more than an adventure and is becoming unsecure and jealous - wasn´t it one of her rules to not sleep more than once with someone? Between Ryan and Emily the code of love is becoming a game of lies and a nasty display of power. Apparently, there are some limits to the open canvas of their marriage. The relationship erodes ´layer by layer, like rust´.
On her side, Ada is playing her own independent game: manipulating more or less consciously both of them, never losing herself. She´s excited about the unexpected and the adventure, but once she and Ryan are buying a cottage in Wales, there is no more excitement and the adventure has no present.
What the intricacies of the relationships setting and unsettling in The Codes of Love reveals for me is the confusing multiplicity of commitments that never set for one, in fact: the commitment for an emancipated life - as Emily looks back to her relationship choices she said ´I´m just pushing for the same freedom that men have claimed for years´ - the commitment of independence, the commitment of adventure, the commitment of monogamy, the commitment of intellect overriding the instinctual desires. Each and every one of this commitments are breaking apart in million little pieces, and out of the shards new love paths are created, not necessarily code-bounded.
The writing flows in an uncomplicated way, like the lines of a building on the architect´s chart. Besides the three main characters, the other protagonists of the story are rather episodic and without a defined personality (for instance, I would have been curious to delve a little bit more into Emily´s sister story). The natural environment recreated - the Wales setting - suits perfectly the inner wildnerness of the characters.
The cover deserves a special mention, for the excellent visual rendition of the story.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 11, 2020
I admit to being absolutely fascinated with the idea of marriage, family and the different ways in which the traditional has been adapted to survive modern thinking and circumstances. Whilst I’m very traditional in that sense, I do enjoy being challenged by different viewpoints. For that reason I was drawn to The Codes of Love, where the two main characters Ryan and Emily have an open marriage.
It is an exploration of their choice, and of the very institution of marriage itself. I found it an interesting turn of events that it was Emily who had insisted on their marriage being open; the set of rules being made into vows on their wedding day (and also serving as chapter headings throughout). It’s such an interesting concept – the whole point of their marriage being open was to ensure their marriage would last, and yet their vows seem more like a business transaction than a promise of love. The question is therefore begged – what is the basis of a good marriage? Love – intangible and often frivolous? Or is it two people with a common goal committed to standing beside one another in recognition of one anothers needs?
It doesn’t sound very romantic, does it? And that is evident throughout. There is a sense of cool distance between Ryan and Emily, and I found it interesting that as their memories of their past came forth that the keenness for the marriage to be an open one was not entirely mutual and as the years have rolled by their willingness to take advantage of the arrangement is very mismatched and you can feel the simmering resentment grow between them.
Despite that, there are elements of Emily’s argument that I understand, and the book in its entirety gives pause for thought, that perhaps we shouldn’t accept what is ‘traditional’ at face value, perhaps we should tamper with it until it suits. What becomes clear however is that the ability to be honest and transparent between one another is the true basis of marriage.
The Codes of Love is a simply brilliant novel. I found myself completely immersed in the increasingly complex relationship between the three key characters, Ryan, Emily and Ada. Ada, a work colleague of Ryan’s, becomes embroiled in an affair with him, whilst also becoming secretly involved with Emily. Ada is entirely free spirited and as time went on I really began to dislike her character. As the past and present collide we learn just how complicated it all is.
The non-linear narrative jumps around in time a fair bit, but although there were times I wished I was reading a paperback so I could easily flick back, it didn’t impede my enjoyment. The shift and development of the characters, the exploration of who they are and why they are the way they are, was impressive. They felt well rounded and entirely believable.
My only slight niggle was the ending. It felt a bit abrupt and I wanted more of a resolution from it. However, I do know that I’m a bit boring and like to have my endings gift wrapped with a bow on top – it’s very much a personal preference for me, but I will hastily add that in my opinion this is still a flipping brilliant read!
I absolutely loved this novel – and it comes very highly recommended from me. An exploration of the complexity of human nature in modern society – it’s both immersive and stunning. I will eagerly be anticipating future releases from Hannah Persaud.
It is an exploration of their choice, and of the very institution of marriage itself. I found it an interesting turn of events that it was Emily who had insisted on their marriage being open; the set of rules being made into vows on their wedding day (and also serving as chapter headings throughout). It’s such an interesting concept – the whole point of their marriage being open was to ensure their marriage would last, and yet their vows seem more like a business transaction than a promise of love. The question is therefore begged – what is the basis of a good marriage? Love – intangible and often frivolous? Or is it two people with a common goal committed to standing beside one another in recognition of one anothers needs?
It doesn’t sound very romantic, does it? And that is evident throughout. There is a sense of cool distance between Ryan and Emily, and I found it interesting that as their memories of their past came forth that the keenness for the marriage to be an open one was not entirely mutual and as the years have rolled by their willingness to take advantage of the arrangement is very mismatched and you can feel the simmering resentment grow between them.
Despite that, there are elements of Emily’s argument that I understand, and the book in its entirety gives pause for thought, that perhaps we shouldn’t accept what is ‘traditional’ at face value, perhaps we should tamper with it until it suits. What becomes clear however is that the ability to be honest and transparent between one another is the true basis of marriage.
The Codes of Love is a simply brilliant novel. I found myself completely immersed in the increasingly complex relationship between the three key characters, Ryan, Emily and Ada. Ada, a work colleague of Ryan’s, becomes embroiled in an affair with him, whilst also becoming secretly involved with Emily. Ada is entirely free spirited and as time went on I really began to dislike her character. As the past and present collide we learn just how complicated it all is.
The non-linear narrative jumps around in time a fair bit, but although there were times I wished I was reading a paperback so I could easily flick back, it didn’t impede my enjoyment. The shift and development of the characters, the exploration of who they are and why they are the way they are, was impressive. They felt well rounded and entirely believable.
My only slight niggle was the ending. It felt a bit abrupt and I wanted more of a resolution from it. However, I do know that I’m a bit boring and like to have my endings gift wrapped with a bow on top – it’s very much a personal preference for me, but I will hastily add that in my opinion this is still a flipping brilliant read!
I absolutely loved this novel – and it comes very highly recommended from me. An exploration of the complexity of human nature in modern society – it’s both immersive and stunning. I will eagerly be anticipating future releases from Hannah Persaud.
September 10, 2020
The novel is an exploration of relationships and marriage, and takes the form of chapters headed with “Rules For An Open Marriage”. Initially I anticipated a study of a mutually agreed open marriage and how it worked for one couple (no doubt with difficulties along the way), but the story that Persaud presents is far more complex and nuanced than this. I actually found it quite shocking to discover that only Emily had wanted an open marriage, and that Ryan’s agreement was not only reluctant but very nearly coerced. At first, this gave me much more sympathy for Ryan than for his wife, but gradually Emily’s reasons, both explicit and implied, became clearer to me, and I think by the end of the novel she was the character I felt I most understood.
Although I occasionally struggled with the fact that the characters are really quite unpleasant to each other, that reflects more on my naive desire to have a ‘good guy’ to root for than on the book itself. The lack of emotional warmth is deliberate, I think, showing how relationships are in many ways contracts, with some of the terms and conditions clearly understood and others inscrutable and changing over time. This is an intellectually rigorous novel, reminding me of Sally Rooney and Tessa Hadley in its almost forensic dissection of the ways we interact with those we claim to love. At one point, a character on the periphery of the story comments explicitly on that ‘fine line’ between love and hate; indeed, the antagonistic way in which couples often interact is uncomfortably highlighted in this novel. The edge of dislike in much of the dialogue cuts close to the bone, and makes for an unsettling read. Fans of cosy romantic tales will find no refuge here.
Persaud excels at setting, and the Welsh cottage which features heavily in the story is practically a character in its own right. I could clearly picture its sloping croft, the open fire, the newly made staircase, and the nearby mountain. The physical distance between the cottage and London provides an opportunity for the characters to almost become different people in different locations, which, without saying more, works very well for this story. She also writes well about physical injury (as a clumsy person myself, I get mildly annoyed when fictional characters seem to sail through life without so much as a stubbed toe) and at various points this awareness of physical frailty creates a thrilling sense of danger. Recklessness is an important theme here, and the isolation of the cottage is effective in upping the stakes.
The story is far from straightforward, and Persaud does a very good job of balancing its many strands and its non-linear chronology. She also weaves in elements that are surprising and tantalising – a hint of other genres such as horror and crime that deepen the flavour of the book and show the writer’s range. At times I wanted to follow these threads further, although I can see why they are left as suggestions here. I think there is a lot more to come from this author, and I am excited to read more of her work in the future.
Although I occasionally struggled with the fact that the characters are really quite unpleasant to each other, that reflects more on my naive desire to have a ‘good guy’ to root for than on the book itself. The lack of emotional warmth is deliberate, I think, showing how relationships are in many ways contracts, with some of the terms and conditions clearly understood and others inscrutable and changing over time. This is an intellectually rigorous novel, reminding me of Sally Rooney and Tessa Hadley in its almost forensic dissection of the ways we interact with those we claim to love. At one point, a character on the periphery of the story comments explicitly on that ‘fine line’ between love and hate; indeed, the antagonistic way in which couples often interact is uncomfortably highlighted in this novel. The edge of dislike in much of the dialogue cuts close to the bone, and makes for an unsettling read. Fans of cosy romantic tales will find no refuge here.
Persaud excels at setting, and the Welsh cottage which features heavily in the story is practically a character in its own right. I could clearly picture its sloping croft, the open fire, the newly made staircase, and the nearby mountain. The physical distance between the cottage and London provides an opportunity for the characters to almost become different people in different locations, which, without saying more, works very well for this story. She also writes well about physical injury (as a clumsy person myself, I get mildly annoyed when fictional characters seem to sail through life without so much as a stubbed toe) and at various points this awareness of physical frailty creates a thrilling sense of danger. Recklessness is an important theme here, and the isolation of the cottage is effective in upping the stakes.
The story is far from straightforward, and Persaud does a very good job of balancing its many strands and its non-linear chronology. She also weaves in elements that are surprising and tantalising – a hint of other genres such as horror and crime that deepen the flavour of the book and show the writer’s range. At times I wanted to follow these threads further, although I can see why they are left as suggestions here. I think there is a lot more to come from this author, and I am excited to read more of her work in the future.
March 5, 2020
Ryan and Emily have the perfect marriage, built on a set of ‘rules’. Sexual liaisons beyond their relationship are part of what keeps them together, allowing Emily, particularly, a freedom to enjoy and indulge her libido, without any sense of disloyalty or infidelity. Where other couples have separated, Ryan and Emily remain strong.
Into this seemingly perfect life steps Ada, Ryan’s colleague. She is a free spirit, wild and unconventional, and Ryan – always the less ‘open’ in his marriage – is drawn to her.
Their affair takes leads them to buy a derelict house together, in an isolated valley in Wales. The landscape is significant: they have discovered an escape from reality, a savage, dangerous but fragile place. But as they renovate and rebuild the house together, the cracks in their relationship begin to show – as Ryan’s marriage to Emily also rocks under the strain.
None of these characters is warm, or especially sympathetic. The genius of Hannah Persaud’s writing is that, despite this, you are inexorably sucked into both the affair and the breakdown. She writes about these relationships from the inside out, so that the characters are laid bare even as they attempt to build, rebuild or deconstruct their lives.
The prose is sharp and delicious, at times lyrical and often intense. The story twists; it catches back and forth in different moments of the affair and breakdown, offering a sense of the jagged, distorted, and ambiguous nature of love, lust, and disappointment. But it is in the description of the wild and untameable landscape that the reader is left most exhilarated and, ultimately, most exposed to the elements.
Into this seemingly perfect life steps Ada, Ryan’s colleague. She is a free spirit, wild and unconventional, and Ryan – always the less ‘open’ in his marriage – is drawn to her.
Their affair takes leads them to buy a derelict house together, in an isolated valley in Wales. The landscape is significant: they have discovered an escape from reality, a savage, dangerous but fragile place. But as they renovate and rebuild the house together, the cracks in their relationship begin to show – as Ryan’s marriage to Emily also rocks under the strain.
None of these characters is warm, or especially sympathetic. The genius of Hannah Persaud’s writing is that, despite this, you are inexorably sucked into both the affair and the breakdown. She writes about these relationships from the inside out, so that the characters are laid bare even as they attempt to build, rebuild or deconstruct their lives.
The prose is sharp and delicious, at times lyrical and often intense. The story twists; it catches back and forth in different moments of the affair and breakdown, offering a sense of the jagged, distorted, and ambiguous nature of love, lust, and disappointment. But it is in the description of the wild and untameable landscape that the reader is left most exhilarated and, ultimately, most exposed to the elements.
March 23, 2020
The Codes of Love isn’t the kind of book I normally pick up so I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone for this one, but I’m glad to say it paid off!
As soon as I read the synopsis I was intrigued. I wasn’t sure whether to expect literary fiction or a domestic thriller, but it ended up being an artfully weaved blend of the two. The writing definitely leans towards literary fiction – there are some very unique turns of phrase which I haven’t encountered before, and the writing flows in a very musical way – but there are some scenes set at night in the Welsh countryside that had my heart racing for no particular reason. Hannah Persaud is already a master at crafting atmosphere, despite the fact that this is her debut novel.
Ryan and Emily have an open marriage, but we quickly learn that it’s not the mutual agreement that it first seems. With each chapter giving us a different rule that their marriage follows, the reader is quickly whisked through the pros and cons of an open marriage, and they aren’t always exactly what you’d expect.
I struggled at times because this story is written in the third person present tense, which is one of my least favourite writing styles, and it made it a little bit difficult to follow some of the flashbacks. It helped that the start of the chapter told you where and when the next few pages were set, but the non-chronological way that the story played out had me flipping backwards and forwards at points, desperately trying to reacquaint myself with when and where we were.
That being said, I think it actually added to my investment in the story. I was trying so hard to figure out the timeline that I had it all very fleshed out in my mind, and despite the fact that I didn’t particularly like either of the main characters – they can both be horrible people, so I don’t think this is a hot take! – I found myself very interested in what was going to happen to them and how the story was going to end. It took me a few days to read the first half of the book but I flew through the second half in a couple of hours because the pacing picks up dramatically.
I did only end up giving The Codes of Love three stars, but considering there were a lot of things in there that would automatically put me off of a book that rating is much higher than I had anticipated. I’m certainly glad that I tried something new, and Hannah Persaud is an author who I’m going to keep a close eye on in the future.
This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Blogger.
As soon as I read the synopsis I was intrigued. I wasn’t sure whether to expect literary fiction or a domestic thriller, but it ended up being an artfully weaved blend of the two. The writing definitely leans towards literary fiction – there are some very unique turns of phrase which I haven’t encountered before, and the writing flows in a very musical way – but there are some scenes set at night in the Welsh countryside that had my heart racing for no particular reason. Hannah Persaud is already a master at crafting atmosphere, despite the fact that this is her debut novel.
Ryan and Emily have an open marriage, but we quickly learn that it’s not the mutual agreement that it first seems. With each chapter giving us a different rule that their marriage follows, the reader is quickly whisked through the pros and cons of an open marriage, and they aren’t always exactly what you’d expect.
I struggled at times because this story is written in the third person present tense, which is one of my least favourite writing styles, and it made it a little bit difficult to follow some of the flashbacks. It helped that the start of the chapter told you where and when the next few pages were set, but the non-chronological way that the story played out had me flipping backwards and forwards at points, desperately trying to reacquaint myself with when and where we were.
That being said, I think it actually added to my investment in the story. I was trying so hard to figure out the timeline that I had it all very fleshed out in my mind, and despite the fact that I didn’t particularly like either of the main characters – they can both be horrible people, so I don’t think this is a hot take! – I found myself very interested in what was going to happen to them and how the story was going to end. It took me a few days to read the first half of the book but I flew through the second half in a couple of hours because the pacing picks up dramatically.
I did only end up giving The Codes of Love three stars, but considering there were a lot of things in there that would automatically put me off of a book that rating is much higher than I had anticipated. I’m certainly glad that I tried something new, and Hannah Persaud is an author who I’m going to keep a close eye on in the future.
This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Blogger.
November 20, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down.
This was a weird one, looking back now that I have finished it, not much actually happens, though it was strangely captivating given that. We open with meeting our main characters: Emily and Ryan, who are in an open marriage, a fact that the reader is reminded of throughout the book. The story then goes on to describe the different ways that each Emily and Ryan are going about their lives with this in mind, and the effect that this is having on their two sons, Sam and Tom.
A lot of the story .
What I do give the book credit for though, is the ending, as much as I despised the concept of it I can see why it worked really well and . It's an insane idea and I'm not sure I like it as a conclusion, but it's been awhile since I was this surprised by a book so giving it some credit for that.
This was a weird one, looking back now that I have finished it, not much actually happens, though it was strangely captivating given that. We open with meeting our main characters: Emily and Ryan, who are in an open marriage, a fact that the reader is reminded of throughout the book. The story then goes on to describe the different ways that each Emily and Ryan are going about their lives with this in mind, and the effect that this is having on their two sons, Sam and Tom.
A lot of the story .
What I do give the book credit for though, is the ending, as much as I despised the concept of it I can see why it worked really well and . It's an insane idea and I'm not sure I like it as a conclusion, but it's been awhile since I was this surprised by a book so giving it some credit for that.
May 11, 2020
I'm not really sure what to make of this one. I requested it off the basis of it's synopsis alone, and so I sort of expected something along the lines of a domestic thriller, with a dangerous woman coming in to mess everything up. Something nice and easy and probably quite forgettable.
What you get instead is an incredibly vivid and compelling depiction of the complexities of an open marriage, and the joy and pain and wonder that they can lead to. There's also elements of the more traditional thriller thrown in, but I won't comment on that due to fear of spoilers.
While I can't say that I liked any of the characters, I did find the insight you're given into their relationships to make for particularly compelling reading, even if at times it did feel like I was peering through a window that I should probably step away from! It made a refreshing change to read about a more non-traditional marriage, and while the mid-section of the novel was a tad slower in pacing, I did find it a very interesting and unique book that I'm sure would appeal to many, especially fans of more literary fiction. However, for me I found it to be a case of everyone being a little too unlikeable for me to really connect with and care about.
Disclaimer - I received an advance reading copy from NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
What you get instead is an incredibly vivid and compelling depiction of the complexities of an open marriage, and the joy and pain and wonder that they can lead to. There's also elements of the more traditional thriller thrown in, but I won't comment on that due to fear of spoilers.
While I can't say that I liked any of the characters, I did find the insight you're given into their relationships to make for particularly compelling reading, even if at times it did feel like I was peering through a window that I should probably step away from! It made a refreshing change to read about a more non-traditional marriage, and while the mid-section of the novel was a tad slower in pacing, I did find it a very interesting and unique book that I'm sure would appeal to many, especially fans of more literary fiction. However, for me I found it to be a case of everyone being a little too unlikeable for me to really connect with and care about.
Disclaimer - I received an advance reading copy from NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
March 1, 2020
The Codes of Love caught my eye because of the premise of marriage with a set of rules. The reader quickly learns that the rules are set for an open marriage. Dynamic of an open marriage must be completely different than of regular one, and the book gives us a glimpse into the lives of one of such open marriages.
Each chapter starts with a particular rule set for Emily and Ryan's marriage, and each chapter then shows us how they both start to break all the rules. And it all starts when they meet Ada, mysterious woman that intrigues both Emily and Ryan. Each interaction with Ada crumbles the foundation of their marriage. All of the characters are unlikable, but they all make choices that are understandable. The reader will not cheer them, wishing them success in their endeavours, but we all somehow will get why they doing it. They were pushed to their limits and didn't know how to deal with it all differently. They did their best, no matter how poorly it looks.
The story is a clever exploration of relationships, with a curious sprinkle of suspense on what is true and who actually is the narrator in the book. Could it be a twisted story of one of the characters, or am I reading too much into it?
Each chapter starts with a particular rule set for Emily and Ryan's marriage, and each chapter then shows us how they both start to break all the rules. And it all starts when they meet Ada, mysterious woman that intrigues both Emily and Ryan. Each interaction with Ada crumbles the foundation of their marriage. All of the characters are unlikable, but they all make choices that are understandable. The reader will not cheer them, wishing them success in their endeavours, but we all somehow will get why they doing it. They were pushed to their limits and didn't know how to deal with it all differently. They did their best, no matter how poorly it looks.
The story is a clever exploration of relationships, with a curious sprinkle of suspense on what is true and who actually is the narrator in the book. Could it be a twisted story of one of the characters, or am I reading too much into it?
March 2, 2020
I rarely give a book 5 stars. To merit that accolade, it needs to have swept me into its world and kept me captive there. The Codes of Love is one that did so. I read it in a rush, but stopped before the final 45 pages so that I could relish the end. I read these final chapters before I went to sleep and they got into my dreams in ways which have yet to percolate to my conscious mind. Then read the last pages of the book again in the morning, to complete a very satisfying experience.
It’s a story about love, the myriad forms it takes in a marriage, and how difficult it is to maintain relationships when people’s hopes and expectations of one another are disrupted by outsiders and their own fallibility.
The main characters in this story – the married couple Ryan and Emily, and those who disrupt their lives, Adeline/Ada and Leo – are vibrant, and they and the tangles they get into are skilfully portrayed and entirely believable, as are the couple’s teenage sons, Sam and Tom. I am not going to give any spoilers, so the details of the plot you, the next reader, must discover for yourself. I would simply urge you to be that next reader.
This is a fine debut from Hannah Persaud.
It’s a story about love, the myriad forms it takes in a marriage, and how difficult it is to maintain relationships when people’s hopes and expectations of one another are disrupted by outsiders and their own fallibility.
The main characters in this story – the married couple Ryan and Emily, and those who disrupt their lives, Adeline/Ada and Leo – are vibrant, and they and the tangles they get into are skilfully portrayed and entirely believable, as are the couple’s teenage sons, Sam and Tom. I am not going to give any spoilers, so the details of the plot you, the next reader, must discover for yourself. I would simply urge you to be that next reader.
This is a fine debut from Hannah Persaud.
February 7, 2020
The Codes of Love
by Hannah Persaud
I was given a complimentary e-copy of this book by NetGalley and Muswell Press in exchange for an honest review.
I found The Codes of Love to be interesting and intriguing with sinister undertones always lying just below the surface. I didn’t feel a connection to the characters, even though they were well developed. The married couple, Emily and Ryan weren’t likable, in my opinion. They are a couple in an open marriage - the “codes” are noted throughout the book. Emily is the proponent of this arrangement, with Ryan being a passive, reluctant participant.
And I really didn’t like Ada, Ryan’s work partner/turned lover. I was also left with too many questions about Ada.
Although it was a page turner, I felt it was disjointed - the chapter changes with date and character changes were hard to follow. I also thought the events didn’t flow smoothly.
The setting is beautiful, the is story very interesting, but it just wasn’t my ideal. A good solid, read though!
Caution/warnings:
Physical violence
Sexual content
#TheCodesofLove
#Netgalley
by Hannah Persaud
I was given a complimentary e-copy of this book by NetGalley and Muswell Press in exchange for an honest review.
I found The Codes of Love to be interesting and intriguing with sinister undertones always lying just below the surface. I didn’t feel a connection to the characters, even though they were well developed. The married couple, Emily and Ryan weren’t likable, in my opinion. They are a couple in an open marriage - the “codes” are noted throughout the book. Emily is the proponent of this arrangement, with Ryan being a passive, reluctant participant.
And I really didn’t like Ada, Ryan’s work partner/turned lover. I was also left with too many questions about Ada.
Although it was a page turner, I felt it was disjointed - the chapter changes with date and character changes were hard to follow. I also thought the events didn’t flow smoothly.
The setting is beautiful, the is story very interesting, but it just wasn’t my ideal. A good solid, read though!
Caution/warnings:
Physical violence
Sexual content
#TheCodesofLove
#Netgalley
August 1, 2020
Sucked in by the beautiful cover of 'The Codes of Love' by Hannah Persuad (Muswell Press, March 2020), I hadn't read the synopsis and imagine my surprise and delight when the title of the first chapter was: Rules of an open marriage #1: Never sleep with the same person more than once. This is going to be good, I thought... and I wasn't wrong.
"Bodies are sandstone, etched permanently by touch" (chapter 24).
In her debut novel Persaud explores the relationship between married couple, Emily and Ryan, who have been married 22 years and have two teenage sons. Unlike many of their peers, whose relationships are falling apart, they think they've cracked married life and the answer is having an open marriage. But the rules agreed upon, and said out loud at their ceremony, need to be adhered to for it to work and what happens when they start breaking the rules?
This debut novel is stunning and shocking in equal measures and should not be missed!
"Bodies are sandstone, etched permanently by touch" (chapter 24).
In her debut novel Persaud explores the relationship between married couple, Emily and Ryan, who have been married 22 years and have two teenage sons. Unlike many of their peers, whose relationships are falling apart, they think they've cracked married life and the answer is having an open marriage. But the rules agreed upon, and said out loud at their ceremony, need to be adhered to for it to work and what happens when they start breaking the rules?
This debut novel is stunning and shocking in equal measures and should not be missed!
April 12, 2021
In The Codes of Love, Hannah Persaud places a modern, rather unconventional marriage, sexuality, mid life, the psychological wounds and desires of her characters under the spotlight. Ryan and Emily’s open marriage, the complications, and a tangled web involving a startling and seductive character named Ada, all of this kept me thoroughly gripped. So too did the smart, original structure, dictated by the rules of the relationship. Of course, we all know, rules are made to be broken, and we soon witness an enticing unravelling. Here are complex grown up humans at play, not always likeable (who is?) but always fascinating in their struggles, needs and flaws. I won’t share the ending, but Persaud's beautiful, sensuous, elegant prose carries the reader somewhere they may not have expected to go. This is a hugely accomplished debut novel, and an exciting, vivid, emotionally intelligent story that has stuck with me, and really made me think. Oh, and I was a big fan of the stunning cover.
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