Grounds For Divorce

by Remy Maisel

"Remy Maisel takes the madness of the modern world, marries it to an ingenious concept, and makes it personal, funny, and heartfelt." Dan McCoy, Emmy Award winning writer for The Daily Show

In a case of badly mistaken identity, Emily, a down-on-her-luck intern, is recruited by the State Department to solve the Palestinian problem. Only this time they want it handled as a divorce settlement. Travelling across Jerusalem and New York, Emily must rely on the experience of her parents' disastrous divorce to handle the case. Plus, she went to Hebrew school. If she survived that, how much harder can this be? In order to pull off the most acrimonious divorce of all time, she must let go of the family trauma that has tainted her whole life... but what if it won't stay in the past?

382 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2021

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did love the humorous streak through this book. The story was a very quick read and while it was a bit ridiculous at times it was a fun, sweet story. I could see this book making a very good Hallmark movie (and it seems one casting decision would be made for them already). Emily Price is struggling with adulting - she is an unpaid intern when she gets a mysterious letter from the State Department inviting her to an exclusive job interview. Before she knows it she is whisked away to try to negotiate Peace between Israel and Palestine by treating it like a divorce, something she has quite a bit of experience with.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the strange smear campaign going on against the author, I figured I'd update my review, especially as I've been thinking about this book quite a bit over the past few months. Overall I believe I've read this book 3 times (full disclosure, most of those reads were beta reads for the author) and recently bought a copy for a family member.

Satirical works are not my area of expertise -- I'd almost argue that satire is dead, but this book shows that isn't the case. Instead it's become similar to threading a needle -- you can come close numerous times, but you'll know once you hit the bull's eye.

***
OG Post:
Full review to come once the book is released, but I both loved this and am excited for its release!

[Heidi Slowinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is coming off a rough day when she finds herself receiving communications from the State Department about an interview for work on a highly specialized, top-secret mission. There’s just one little problem. They have the wrong woman. What’s the mission? Representing Israel in a divorce settlement-style mediation with representatives from the Palestinian leadership. Rather than correct the record about her identity Emily, a law school dropout and Hebrew school participant, accepts the job. But is she in over her head?

Maisel employs humor and sarcasm to ease the tension in this very entertaining story. She provides the reader with a great deal of insight into Emily’s inner turmoil and very complicated feelings throughout this ordeal. The supporting cast of characters’ bureaucratic frustration along with a healthy dose of wit. Everything one would expect from this type of political drama. Think of a more Jewish West Wing.

I did, at times, find myself wondering how none of the highly skilled government officials working with Emily failed to pick up on the clear case of mistaken identity. But, on the balance, without spoiling the story, this is a minor issue. And I found myself empathizing with some of the deep, difficult, and complex feelings Emily wrestles with as she tries to prepare herself to do the seemingly impossible.

This was an incredibly enjoyable read. I’d like to thank Stuart Schnee for the free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Stuart Schnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first word that comes to mind in thinking about this book is "delightful". Kudos to Remy Maisel for writing a book that is fresh and very funny while being about a topic that has been written about endlessly. Remy forgets no detail in describing pressurized international negotiations or the complex family the book's star comes from. And it's good she doesn't because it are these details that will have you laughing out loud sometimes and just plain smiling at other times. This is a sharp, funny book and well worth reading.

[Ashley Mertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grounds for Divorce by Remy Maisel
4 Star Review

Adulting doesn’t come easy for Emily. A down-on-her luck intern is “let go” from her intern position, receives an interview invite in the mail from the State Department, and finds herself on a plane with more luggage than she intended. After signing an NDA Emily learns she is on a top secret mission to negotiate peace during a Middle East crisis. When it is discovered that Emily was mistaken for someone else and accidentally chosen for the job, Thom decides it is best to hide that small detail and continues on with the mission. Emily did survive Hebrew school after all, what could possibly go wrong?

Grounds for Divorce is a political drama full of humor, sarcasm, and many comical literal laugh out loud moments. Emily, a law school dropout, is expected to negotiate peace between Israel and Palestine as if it were a divorce. Good thing for Emily, she has plenty of experience in that department having gone through her parents ridiculous divorce. Popping beta-blockers like candy, Emily is determined to succeed by recruiting the help of her ex-boyfriend.

Grounds for Divorce is a quick, easy read that flows seamlessly through three separate sections: the present, the past, and back to the present. This style allowed the reader to understand what was happening now, past experiences, and how the two worked together to make the storyline. The family drama, emotional baggage, and romantic relationships had me continuously wanting to know what was going to happen next. Remy Maisel didn’t disappoint. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounds for Divorce by Remy Maisel was a very quick read. It was delightfully comical at times. A case of mistaken identity, interesting characters, a bit of mystery and a Middle East crisis kept the story interesting.

The story is told in three sections. The first is how Emily Price gets whisked away and pretty much forced into service by the State Department to negotiate a Middle East Peace Treaty. The second section takes you through the divorce of Emily's parents and introduces you to her sisters. It tells of how they all responded to the divorce. The third section is how Emily uses what she's learned going through her parents divorce and turning it into an idea for proposing a compromise between Israel and Palestine. This is all fine and good until she learns that the State Department isn't really interested in any settlement between the two countries and the mistaken identity really was mistaken at all. The State Department never wanted her to succeed.

The plot kept you guessing with its twists and turns, emotional baggage and an old boyfriend thrown into the mix.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed everything about this book! The main character Emily is a regular young woman who finds herself mixed up in trying to resolve an international diplomatic crisis. Despite the crazy situation, Emily's actions and conversations all come across as very realistic. She seems like someone you could meet in everyday life, and handles the situation like a real person probably would.

In addition to the political intrigue, the author shares a lot about Emily's life, from her parents' divorce to her relationship with her sisters to her relationship with her ex, the one who got away.

I liked the way the present-day story of Emily in Israel was mixed in with revealing tidbits of her past, and how she used her past experiences to help resolve her current problem.

On top of the great and unique story, the book is also downright funny in places.

Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for a great book that's a little different from everything else you've read recently!

[Hugo Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Remy Maisel's "Grounds for Divorce" isn't merely audacious, it's a cringe-worthy misstep from the very first sentence. Comparing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a messy divorce reveals a fundamental lack of understanding of the situation's gravity, a glaring misstep that foreshadows the shallowness that plagues the entire narrative.

The protagonist, Emily, embodies this shallowness perfectly. Thrust into the role of mediator in this international dispute, her qualifications are laughable: a string of dead-end internships, a smattering of Hebrew from childhood lessons, and the dubious wisdom gleaned from her own parents' failed marriage. This comical foundation sets the stage for a narrative that careens between forced humor and unearned gravitas, ultimately failing to achieve either.

The "humor" relies on tired tropes and insensitive clichés that grate against the weight of the subject matter. The jarring disconnect leaves the reader feeling bewildered and offended. Character development suffers a similar fate. Emily remains a one-dimensional caricature, her reliance on personal anecdotes and dubious historical references a testament to her shallow understanding of the complexities at hand. Her journey through the geopolitical quagmire lacks credibility and fails to evoke any genuine emotional connection.

The writing itself mirrors Emily's shallowness. Clichéd dialogue and predictable plot points litter the narrative, leaving the reader yearning for a more nuanced and original voice. The derivative nature is further amplified by the author's blatant attempt to capitalize on popular trends, resulting in a work devoid of originality and genuine inspiration.

One can't help but wonder if the author's desperate attempts to manipulate the review process through unsolicited outreach stem from a similar lack of confidence in her own abilities. This raises serious ethical concerns and casts a long shadow over the entire project.

"Grounds for Divorce" is a frustrating missed opportunity. The intriguing premise crumbles under the weight of the author's shallow understanding, derivative writing, and underdeveloped characters. The narrative's inconsistencies, lack of depth, and manipulative tactics leave the reader with a profound sense of disappointment.

While the book might hold a morbid fascination for those seeking a literary trainwreck, anyone seeking thoughtful exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or simply a well-crafted story, should steer clear. "Grounds for Divorce" serves as a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the perils of overambition and the importance of self-awareness before tackling sensitive issues. This is a project that ultimately fails to deliver on its promises, exposing the author's lack of depth and trivializing a complex and crucial geopolitical issue.

[Nicole (coliolie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books you just don’t wanna put down! Vulnerable and sharp tongued sense of humour. And an interesting plot line with commentary on a century old conflict. Not the type of ‘divorce’ you’d imagine.

[Robert Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Grounds for Divorce" by Remy Maisel is a novel that, unfortunately, falls short in several crucial aspects, earning it a mere two-star rating.

The premise of the book, involving a young intern named Emily tasked with solving the Palestinian problem through the lens of a divorce settlement, is intriguing but poorly executed. The plot seems to hinge on a bizarre and somewhat insensitive comparison, treating a complex and deeply-rooted international conflict as akin to a marital dispute. This analogy, while potentially interesting as satire, is handled with a lack of depth and nuance.

Maisel's writing style appears to borrow heavily from other works in the genre, with several instances in the book raising concerns about potential plagiarism. The narrative lacks originality, and the parallels to existing literature on similar themes are too conspicuous to ignore. This lack of originality detracts significantly from the book's overall impact and credibility.

Furthermore, the character development, particularly that of the protagonist, Emily, is lackluster. Her reliance on her experience from Hebrew school and her parents' divorce to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy comes across as implausible and even trivializing a serious topic. The attempt at humor and levity in the narrative often misses the mark, leaving the reader disengaged.

Compounding these literary shortcomings are the external controversies surrounding the author, Remy Maisel, particularly allegations of animal neglect. Such allegations, whether substantiated or not, cast a shadow over the work and can affect the reader's perception and enjoyment of the book.

Overall, "Grounds for Divorce" is a novel that promises much but delivers little. It's an ambitious project that ultimately fails to provide a coherent, respectful, or insightful exploration of its chosen subject matter. The book could have been an opportunity to delve into complex issues with sensitivity and depth, but it instead settles for superficiality and questionable parallels.

[Lim Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of the book is undoubtedly ambitious. Maisel attempts to tackle the intricate issue of the Palestinian conflict through an unconventional lens – likening it to a divorce settlement. This unique perspective is the book’s strongest suit, offering a fresh albeit risky angle to approach such a sensitive topic. However, the execution of this idea is where the novel falters. The narrative struggles to balance the gravity of real-world issues with its lighter, more humorous elements, often leading to a tone that feels mismatched and disjointed.

Character development in the story is a mixed bag. Emily, the protagonist, is a relatable figure in some aspects, particularly in her portrayal as a young professional navigating a challenging and bizarre career situation. Yet, her experiences and background, particularly using her parents' divorce and Hebrew school education as a framework for international diplomacy, stretch the bounds of believability. This not only undermines the character’s growth but also trivializes the complex subject matter at hand.

The writing style of Maisel shows potential, with moments of engaging dialogue and vivid descriptions. However, the novel seems to lean on clichés and occasionally comes across as derivative of other works in the genre. This lack of originality in voice and style detracts from what could have been a more impactful narrative.

It's worth noting that I received this book for free from Remy Maisel, who also expressed a keen interest in receiving a review. While I appreciate the author’s engagement and the opportunity to read the novel, this external interaction did add an element of pressure that somewhat colored my reading experience.

In conclusion, while "Grounds for Divorce" has its moments of creativity and offers an unusual take on a serious issue, the overall execution and narrative shortcomings make it difficult to recommend. Readers looking for a more coherent and nuanced exploration of similar themes might want to explore other titles.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story. Sort of like when you’re riding a roller coaster that starts out slowly as it chugs up the incline, but you know soon you’ll be whizzing down the slope. Then there’s another twist and turn, and suddenly you’re going backwards, in the opposite direction. And holding on tightly. That’s how I felt while reading this book which started out as a political narrative and then, using humor and satire, turned into a family farce.

Unpaid intern Emily Price is mistakenly recruited by the State Department to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She is flown to Jerusalem and given the assignment of handling the conflict as a divorce settlement. Representing Israel, she finds herself working with a collection of characters: a sniveling assistant, a shifty lawyer representing Palestine, a Norwegian mediator, two chauffeurs, Rabbi Gold, an untrustworthy hotel manager, her old boyfriend, and a Secretary of State who looks just like Helen Mirren. It’s a bit like Alice in Wonderland at this point, but with a Middle Eastern political flavor.

Then when I thought I was finally putting all the people together and starting to understand the political plot, Part II begins. Now we've traveled back to when Emily was still a high school student living at home in New York with her three younger sisters and her parents, who are getting a divorce. See why I used the analogy of a roller coaster? Twists and turns, Jerusalem to New York and back again, horses, and Starbucks drinks.

Told with humor and originality, author Remy Maisel has written a story about how Emily is still getting over her parents’ divorce – after ten years, and how she finally grows up and becomes a confident adult while attempting to solve the Middle East crisis.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emily Price, an unpaid intern, is recruited by the State Department for a divorce settlement between Palestine and Israel. The only problem? Emily is not a legal professional as her employers have mistaken her to be. And now, she can't quit her job with only the experience of her parents' divorce to rely on for this unforgettable project.

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and The Book Guild. All opinions in this review are purely mine. I DNFed this book at 55.7% to be exact. I started reading when I had a few hours left to read it only (my fault) and I forced myself through half of it, before realizing that I wasn't really enjoying it. The first three-four chapters were interesting, with Emily living her normal life, but I think it was when she got on the flight for her new job, I lost my interest. While requesting the book, I didn't read the description well, and requested it on the basis of its title, beautiful cover and labeled genre- Women's Fiction, which I adore (again, my fault). I was intrigued by the simple main character and her sarcastic humor, but that just became a side dish that I began to grow tired of. I can't really judge a book when I only skimmed half of it. But that's my honest review.

Rating- 2.5/5

[Suzanne Reisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this before the current tragedy unfolded in the fall of 2023, and we need Emmy Price more than ever. This is a funny take on the overlap between divorce and peace negotiations. Someone else mentioned it would be a perfect Hallmark movie, and that is what I pictured as I read it, too!

[Mark Haber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remy Maisel somehow manages to write a book that is both thought provoking about the world but also deeply personal to the trauma that someone might have gone through. Would highly recommend to anyone.

[Zoe Durran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remy has a way with words and her use of humour makes this a great read!!

[Orian Navat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book... I read it with the context/intention that it is a satire and witty read, not to be taken too seriously in light of the actual broader conflict. And it delivered exactly that. It was refreshing to read and a page turner. I find that Remy is a creative and thoughtful author and I look forward to reading her next novel.

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many good things to say about this book! First, main character Emily is a joy! She finds herself in an unprecedented situation, and handles it with good humor, intelligence, and a lot more common sense than most people would have.

The story is told in three parts, with parts 1 and 3 focusing on Emily's present-day situation and challenges, and part 2 revisiting her past and her parents' divorce. All three parts were so well done that I was torn between wanting more of that timeline and being excited to see what happened next in the other one. Both stories were incredibly well-told and interesting. I particularly liked the way the childhood storyline was presented at just the right time to fill in some back story details I was starting to wonder about.

As an added bonus, much of the story is set in Israel. I haven't read many books set there, and was interested to follow along with Emily as she explores various parts of the country. (She also explores various parts of her hotel, but that's another issue...)

Honestly, this book has everything: family drama, revisiting a past romantic relationship, career issues, horses, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Somehow, the author skillfully weaves all of that into one cohesive story, and everything works perfectly.

Side note: Read the acknowledgements at the end. The last bit is hilarious!

Second side note: If Ms. Maisel happens to read this review, I'd love to read sequels about:
1. Zara's college experience
2. Rabbi Gold's memoirs
3. A children's book about the adventures of Poco

Definitely 5 out of 5 superb cheese blintzes!

[Emily York · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Grounds for Divorce" - A Disappointing Misstep by Remy Maisel

"Grounds for Divorce," Remy Maisel's latest novel, attempts to tackle the complex and sensitive issue of the Israel-Palestine conflict through a quirky and unconventional lens. Unfortunately, it falls significantly short of handling the topic with the necessary depth and sensitivity.

The protagonist, Emily, a seemingly ill-fitted intern, is thrust into the middle of an international crisis, drawing parallels between a geopolitical conflict and her parents' messy divorce. The premise itself is a stretch and does a disservice to the gravity of the real-world situation it attempts to satirize. The use of a personal divorce as a metaphor for the Israel-Palestine conflict is not only superficial but also distasteful, given the ongoing turmoil and suffering in the region.

Character development, or the lack thereof, is a major shortfall in this novel. Emily's character comes across as underdeveloped and her actions and decisions throughout the book seem implausible. The secondary characters, meant to provide insight and depth, are instead flat and contribute little to the narrative. The reader struggles to connect with any of the characters or understand their motivations.

Maisel's attempt to infuse humor into such a sensitive and complex topic feels misguided. The narrative tone wavers, failing to strike a balance between addressing a serious political issue and providing entertainment. The humor often feels forced and inappropriate, diminishing the seriousness of the real-life conflict it parallels.

Moreover, the book's resolution feels hurried and oversimplified, trivializing a centuries-old conflict. The lack of substantial research or understanding of the political, cultural, and historical context of the Israel-Palestine conflict is evident and disappointing.

In conclusion, "Grounds for Divorce" is a misjudged effort by Remy Maisel to blend geopolitical drama with personal narrative. The novel not only fails to deliver meaningful commentary on a significant international issue but also struggles to develop its characters into relatable or believable figures. The attempt at satire comes off as insensitive, leaving the reader dissatisfied and disheartened.

[Olly Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Emily's story in this novel is a baffling blend of absurdity and implausibility, which makes for a rather frustrating read. She, a law school dropout, somehow gets entangled in a top-secret, international mediation mission due to a bewildering case of mistaken identity. The premise itself stretches credibility to its limits.

The author's attempt at using humor and sarcasm to lighten the narrative often falls flat, failing to mask the sheer implausibility of the plot. The portrayal of Emily's internal struggles and emotional turmoil is overwrought and lacks depth, making it hard to empathize with her character.

The supporting cast, consisting of supposedly seasoned government officials, is astonishingly oblivious to Emily's obvious misplacement in such a high-stakes political scenario. This oversight is not just a minor plot hole but a glaring flaw that undermines the entire story.

Throughout the book, the narrative tries to mimic the political drama and wit reminiscent of something like a "Jewish West Wing," but it sorely misses the mark. The dialogues are burdened with forced witticisms, and the bureaucratic frustrations of the characters come across as contrived rather than insightful.

The concept of a layperson accidentally thrust into a complex political situation could have been intriguing. However, the execution in this case is unconvincing and leaves much to be desired. The book struggles to maintain a balance between being a political drama and a comedic farce, ultimately succeeding at neither.

While I appreciate the free copy provided by Remy Maisel for an honest review (after much insistence), I must candidly express my disappointment in this work. It is a book that had potential but was unfortunately marred by its far-fetched plot and lackluster character development.

[Emily Oldfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a few people have commented this was an ambitious story line to take on and I wondered how on earth it would come to a satisfactory conclusion. But the humour, fun absurdity and imagination keep you going all the way through to the end. Sharing a name with the main character and sympathising with her situation at the beginning made me root for her all the more. I've lent this book to various friends and they have all been surprised at the subject but grateful for the recommendation after they finished reading because it's something a bit different.