The Wife

by Meg Wolitzer

[clementine]

3.5 stars

There is something quite enjoyable about this incisive, unflinching novel despite its flaws. The chief problem is that I figured out the much-hyped twist within the first quarter of the book. While Wolitzer's writing is generally strong, there were some sections that felt awkward and forced, and I never quite shed the consciousness that I was Reading the Work of a Serious Writer. In terms of the theme of gender dynamics within heterosexual relationships and women compromising their desires and creative and intellectual powers because of patriarchy, it's been done before and done better. (The third book in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan series is like... the absolute best for this. The series as a whole does this brilliantly, but the third shines particularly.) But the sheer force and anger of Joan's narration, the clarity with which she discussed these themes, was compelling, and ultimately this is a quick, enjoyable, well-crafted read. The ending was equal parts frustrating and satisfying, and pitch-perfect, I thought.