A Reliable Wife
discussion
What did you think of this book? (_A Reliable Wife_) The plot? The writing style? (No spoilers, please.)
I read this as part of a book group I organize (I didn't choose this one.) I feel as if reading the book was time wasted that I'll never get back.
Buddy wrote: "There is a movie in the works for this!? Wow, the author sure does have A LOT of friends in the publishing world! I'm amazed that this book made it to the "N.Y. Times Best Seller List" .. Since rea..."Good post, Buddy. I hope you wrote all of that in your Goodreads' book review for this book.
Brad wrote: "I read this as part of a book group I organize (I didn't choose this one.) I feel as if reading the book was time wasted that I'll never get back."Brad, perhaps you should put that in your Goodreads book review for this book.
Just did...and added a bit more. BTW, Joy, Buddy forced me to read it. I think he hates me.
I was not a fan of the book at all. The writing was really unclear and I thought the characters were all unlikable. I'd rather read Wisconsin death trip by Michael lesy.
I loved this book, although now that I have read most of your comments, I'm not sure I should admit that. I would agree that there was some repetition and there were points in the book when I had to remind myself that the author was a man. But I enjoyed the twists and turns, and was picturing all the characters as I read. An enjoyable and quick read.
Tina wrote: "I loved this book, although now that I have read most of your comments, I'm not sure I should admit that. I would agree that there was some repetition and there were points in the book when I had ..."Tina, that's what makes horse-racing. :) Different opinions.
Good point about the author being a man. Yes that was strange to think about at times.
Kerri wrote: "I was not a fan of the book at all. The writing was really unclear and I thought the characters were all unlikable. I'd rather read Wisconsin death trip by Michael lesy."Kerry, I'm glad you used the word "unlikable". So many times, people use the word "unsympathetic" to describe characters they don't like. I think the word "unlikable" is clearer.
I agree that the characters in this book were unlikable.
I finished this book within the last couple weeks, right after finishing the 50 Shades trilogy. Reading the two back-to-back was a exercise in opposites. The author of the 50 Shades books did a lot of things that irritated me like putting British colloquialisms in the mouths of American characters, but she wrote exciting sex scenes and made me care about how the story would turn out. Goolrick, on the other hand, crafted beautiful and haunting passages that did a good job of setting the mood. Unfortunately, it was a setting for characters and a story line that I didn't care anything about.
While I have read some books where I strongly disliked a lead charater, I think this was the first time have desired the death of all three of the main characters. I would not recommend this book.I listened to the audio book version on my work commute and the reader (an actor) was not very good in that he didn't vary his style for each character, other than trying to have a little lighter tone for Catherine. In the scenes where Antonio and Ralph were having a conversation, I had to rewind the scene because I wasn't sure which character was speaking what lines. Also, because the writer was too repetitive, I found myself tuning out several times.
Tony/Antonio wasn't a good villain. He was an immature, petulant child who wanted his revenge, but wasn't willing to do his own dirty work. A total Narcissist/Sociopath.
Catherine was so needy and desperate that she allowed herself to be manipulated, all the while deluding herself that she had some measure of control in seeking out the things she wanted and belived she deserved. And when it was revealed that she was pregnant, all I could think was thank goodness she is a fictional character, because that is someone who should not be bringing a child into the world.
And Ralph. I wanted to like him, but he had no redeeming qualities. The younger Ralph was too self-indulgent who bought friendships with money. Old Ralph was too obsessed with what everyone in town thought of him and his fixations with sex became tedious. I will say that one thing I found true to life was how instead of Ralph learning from his past relationship mistakes and trying to develop his relationship with Catherine, he just bought Catherine's affections by indulging her whims. Oh, I'm being poisoned by this person I have fallen in love with? Ok. What?
You know who I was rooting for? Mrs. Larson. I was so hoping she'd catch Catherine. But no, that didn't happen. That character's development was shortchanged, too.
I've read books that are dark and enjoyed them, but this one was not enjoyable. Oh yeah, and the so-called twist? The writer totally broadcast it early on! I can't believe people claimed they were surprised at the reveal.
Persephone wrote: "While I have read some books where I strongly disliked a lead charater, I think this was the first time have desired the death of all three of the main characters. I would not recommend this book. ..."Interesting post, Persephone! Wish I remembered more about the book. I know I didn't enjoy it. I do remember that the writer was repetitive (as you mentioned).
Lisa wrote: "This book drew me in at first, but I ended up disappointed. I don't think it was well thought out or well written. Definitely won't recommend to anyone."Jennifer wrote: "I couldn't stand this book, and quit reading it. The sex was just too much. He talks about his weird desires way to much. Like I said in my review if my man ever has the desire to slice me open and..."
I didn't care for it either. BC read it because of the WI author. Disappointing. Finished it because of BC, but only for that reason.
What really annoys me are readers who think they have to 'like' characters in a book. Quit analyzing everything, people, and enjoy the reading experience.Here is part of what I just put in my review (I do not do 'reviews', more comments I think of as I read) of Robert Goolrick's second novel, which I finished reading a few days ago.
A couple of years ago, I read A Reliable Wife, after a high recommendation from a book review newsletter, and it is still one of the most amazing books I have read in the past few years. Wonderful writing style and very different from anything I had read before.
When I heard that his second novel was coming out, Heading Out to Wonderful, and I didn't even wait for a review but put a hold in at the library right away, where it was amazingly, already 'on order' and got it as soon as it came in. Read it, and his writing style remains the same, great story. I wasn't sure where it was going for a while, and cover summaries aren't always as reliable as they might be. But after a while, I saw that, again, RG is writing about people on the outskirts of society.
Both are what I might describe as drama, rather than straight fiction or thriller.
Some people think that Heading Out to Wonderful is not as well written as A Reliable Wife, I feel the opposite. I like Goolrick's second novel more than the first one. However, I feel that that characters in both books are somehow unrealistic. Both books are easy to read and can be finished in a day or two.
Absolutely loved this book. A couple of my goodreads friend recommended it to me and I was leery at first. It was not what I usually read. But the beauty of the book is that you don't necessarily have to be interested in its genre to get sucked into the story. I loved the imagery and was totally there in the room with each person. And the characters were flawed and that made them believeable. I'm so happy I read this one.
Kathryn wrote: "What really annoys me are readers who think they have to 'like' characters in a book. Quit analyzing everything, people, and enjoy the reading experience.Here is part of what I just put in my rev..."
Kathryn, take a look at what you wrote and think about it. If part of what a person enjoys about the reading experience is liking the characters, then who are you to tell them what they should enjoy?
It is what it is. You loved the book, I despised it. We're both right.
I keep hearing the book described as slow like it is a bad thing. I honestly feel like slow was the stage Goolrick was trying to set. The years of waiting for the son to plan his revenge and the time it took even when he had his mole in place...slow. The winters lasted so long they caused otherwise normal town's people to do unspeakable things to one another. I really thought he pulled off the mood.
Andrew wrote: "I keep hearing the book described as slow like it is a bad thing. I honestly feel like slow was the stage Goolrick was trying to set. The years of waiting for the son to plan his revenge and the ti..."It's interesting that there are so many varying opinions about this book. Since I read it a while ago, I've forgotten the plot details. However, what is left in my mind is the repetitiveness and flatness of the writing.
Below is a link to a member-review by Lora. It contains a good plot summary as well as negative comments which I agree with.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The final sentence of the review says:
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"The very fact that this is a #1 New York Times bestseller just reaffirms my belief that that list is crap and there's a lot of people who will forever love trash."
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Lora also commented on the "sexual excursions" in the book. She hit the nail on the head when she wrote: "...none of it is sex y". I agree. I've read much better in that regard. GR member, Kerry, said it well: "Even the sex scenes left me saying "I've read better." See her review at:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Kerri also wrote:
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"I feel like I just finished an historical fiction porno. Aside from the beginning which started off promising, every chapter was about the characters getting it on with eachother. Didn't like the writing, repetitive, unclear, and just bland."
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Lora and Kerri both gave the book only 2 stars. I also gave it only 2 stars.
Below is a breakdown of the number of Goodreads stars which this book has received:
5 stars - 3,629
4 stars - 10,767
3 stars - 12,878
2 stars - 6,081
1 star - 2,418
Other people's reviews are just that; other people's reviews. I honestly don't give them a lot of (if any) weight. I think that reading a book is as personal an experience as taking a bite of food or viewing a sunset. I usually write reviews so I can remember (at a later date) what I though of the book when I finished, or accidentally buy it to read again. Sharing statistics of what other reviewers thought to make a point seems kind of weird.
Andrew wrote: "... I usually write reviews so I can remember (at a later date) what I though of the book when I finished, ... Sharing statistics of what other reviewers thought to make a point seems kind of weird. "Andrew, that's usually why I write reviews, for my own benefit.
However, I do enjoy comparing. As to your comment, I must say that there's nothing weird about comparing. It's been done for years by many respected people and by many reputable institutions. It's a basic part of critical reading and thinking. In addition, if it's so weird, why would Goodreads make the rating statistics part of its program? I find it a valuable feature. I'm interested in what other people think and HOW they think. It reveals a great deal about them.
Joy H. wrote: "DISCUSSION TOPIC ON A Reliable WifeNo spoilers, please.
I'm in the middle of reading this book. The plot unravels slowly. There are twists and turns which are interesting. They're not hard to fol..."
I found the writing style made the characters (as well as the plot) very haunting. The style kept me involved, and I enjoyed the book; however, I gave it only three stars. Honestly, I cannot find the words to say why only three, but that is how I felt at the time. I will probably read the author's newest novel, because of his writing style.
By the way, if you read Robert Goolrich's memoir, you'll understand the darkness that many have interpreted from this novel.
Mary Jane wrote: "... By the way, if you read Robert Goolrich's memoir, you'll understand the darkness that many have interpreted from this novel."That's interesting, Mary Jane. Thanks for telling us.
The first thing I have to say about this story is that it's very predictable. The characters aren't very realistic either. Their behaviors are just not believable. It was a quick read, but definitely not on my favorites list.
I felt that way too, Ray.
I liked the book. Remember the time period is the early 1900's.
This book is on my list of worst books I have ever read and there are not many on there. The story was flat, completely predictable, overly contrived and there was not one single redeeming character whom I felt anything but distaste for. I totally agree with the poster who mentioned wishing the three main characters would all die, I think that is why I made it to the end just in hopes that would happen.
Cathryn wrote: "This book is on my list of worst books I have ever read and there are not many on there. The story was flat, completely predictable, overly contrived and there was not one single redeeming character whom I felt anything but distaste for. ..."Yes, Cathryn, "distaste" is a good word for the feeling I was left with.
Has anyone read any other books by the author??
Diane wrote: "Has anyone read any other books by the author??"Diane, that's a great question.
I haven't and I don't intend to. :)
I enjoyed reading it but was looking more for something historical. Romance is ok, as a part of a story, but this seemed to dwell there more than anywhere.
The beginning of the story really sounded like it was going to have a promising and thrilling ending. But, towards the second half, the book just began to slow down for me (which I didn't like) and although I was content with the ending, I felt deprived. There wasn't much "action" I guess you can say.I guess what I'm trying to say is that the book didn't have me on the edge of my seat like I thought it would, you know?
I really would've enjoyed the book more if there was more depth and passion behind it. Plus, the sex scenes were pretty mundane as well.. I mean come on, who doesn't like a good sex scene?
There is a movie with Angelina Jolie and Antonio Banderas which is almost like this book- called "Orignal Sin". It is what I pictured thru the whole book- there are parts of the movie that are identical and then there are parts that are way off. Anyone else see that movie and read the book?
I read A Reliable Wife for a book club, and so I plowed through it even when it was slow. It helped to discuss it at the book club meeting. It reminded me of Theodore Dreiser's book Sister Carrie. It is a sort of a redemptive story and certainly worth reading.
Buddy wrote: "There is a movie in the works for this!? Wow, the author sure does have A LOT of friends in the publishing world! I'm amazed that this book made it to the "N.Y. Times Best Seller List" .. Since rea..."I read this book for a book club. I loved it. In another book we Skyped the author. Very interesting talking to him. He started in advertising. That's how he developed his clear, crisp writing style. Read Heading out to Wonderful. Didn't like it as much as Reliable Wife. He does have friends in publishing, editing, writing. In Heading out to Wonderful he acknowledged a guy I went to high school with and is now well known in the NY literary world.
Tessa wrote: "I read A Reliable Wife for a book club, and so I plowed through it even when it was slow. It helped to discuss it at the book club meeting. It reminded me of Theodore Dreiser's book Sister Carrie..."Read both books and it's interesting that you thought they were similar. I'm following Goolrick and reading everything he writes. Read all of Dreiser. Love his work.
Mary Jane wrote: "Joy H. wrote: "DISCUSSION TOPIC ON A Reliable WifeNo spoilers, please.
I'm in the middle of reading this book. The plot unravels slowly. There are twists and turns which are interesting. They're ..."
I read Goolrick's memoir. It did help me to understand his mindset. We Skyped him in a book club and said he started in advertising and that influenced his writing style. Saying the most with the fewest words.
Kathy wrote: "Tessa wrote: "I read A Reliable Wife for a book club, and so I plowed through it even when it was slow. It helped to discuss it at the book club meeting. It reminded me of Theodore Dreiser's book..."interesting
Well I am surprised it lasted so long on best seller list as itwas no super story! However I do know for whatever reason it was popular for book clubs for awhile so then you got everyone going out and buying it!! Cha-ching!!! Then I myself have fallen victim to reading g the sunday paper best seller list and and to myself if a book is on a list for 60 weeks then it must be great! So then I join in and buy it and feel I wasted $15! I did not waste a penny on this particular book. I read it in 2011 ina beach in Florida. The hotel lobby had a shelf of books. One of those take a book leave a book! It was interesting at times for what I remember!
Lesley wrote: "Well I am surprised it lasted so long on best seller list as itwas no super story! However I do know for whatever reason it was popular for book clubs for awhile so then you got everyone going out ..."Idind't much enjoy reading it, and I had a good idea of how it was going to end when I was halfway thru it
I thought I didn't like this book but at the same time felt compelled to finish it. Interestingly, I just borrowed and read another of his books and like it a lot (the road to wonderful). Have you read it?
Jacky wrote: "I thought I didn't like this book but at the same time felt compelled to finish it. Interestingly, I just borrowed and read another of his books and like it a lot (the road to wonderful). Have you read it?"Jacky, do you mean: Heading Out To Wonderful by Robert Goolrick?
Haven't read it.
Here's an interesting review of the book ("Heading Out to Wonderful") by a GR member:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I loved the book. Yes, it was dark and as the story progressed I had less sympathy for the characters. As to writing style, I didn't have a problem with it as I was wrapped up in the story. I liked the twists and turns and was totally surprised by a few.
Hard to say a lot without "spoiling" the plot, but I thought it was very interesting and gripping, if dark. I picked this one for our book club, I also selected The Road, and Lord of the Flies. I guess I'm the one who selects "dark" books at our club.
Yes, it was dark and kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm not familiar with The Road.
Goolrick is a brilliant author......A Reliable Wife is riveting. As far as the same olde story being told over and over as I've read in some of the reviews, that's nonsense. Many plots are told over and over in new and clever expressions. We are the same person each and every day of our lives except we are older with each sunrise. Hats off to Goolrick. A Reliable Wife is the pony express of deceit & redemption: first a trot, a canter and finally a galloping ending!
I really didn't like the plot, story line,or writing. It could've been a lot better.
Sara wrote: "I had absolute regret at recommending it for my book club. Egad! Critics hailed A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick as "thrilling, suspenseful and mesmerizing." Good marketing and a fantastic publ..."
No kidding.
It was a dark plot, but our book club really liked the book.
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My opinion, this is one of the worst books I've read in 2012 .. heck this is probably one of the worst books EVER! The only reason I finished it was because of my book club. 85% of the book club did NOT like this book, 15% did. The plot was idiotic, and not one of the characters was even a "tiny bit" likeable.
Reading this book has taught me a valuable lesson. Because of this book, I now read book reviews on amazon and goodreads. I also sort them in order from "Newest" (descending) so that I can see some recent reviews .. from "real" people. This new system to select my next book read has helped to keep me from wasting my valuable time on books that have been hyped via false fabricated reviews from author friends, publishers, etc.