Sometimes you just want a good, easy story to sink into.  One that seems both familiar and removed from your real life.  A book about the complexities of life…so dramatic that your own life is given a chance to feel boring for a change.  Or maybe where the complexities feel a little close to home.  That is what Sweeney has created here.  A book you can read in one effortless sitting.  

Sweeney’s storyline is well executed.  She utilizes the characters’ backstories to bring a depth to the plot while also creating an acuity in the characters.  Use of inner dialogue also drew me in and allowed me to feel what the characters were feeling in those moments.  

While the storyline was well executed, the ending was not.  Ambiguous endings work well for many books.  But in this case, it felt as though the symphony had reached its crescendo only to then set down its instruments and walk away.  The drama and betrayal of this novel had slowly built to a precipice and suddenly was just over.  (I mean… who can face betrayal head on only to just shrug your shoulders at it?!)  Not realizing I was at the actual end, I tried to turn the page and was left wanting.  The fuse had been lit but I was left with no fireworks.  

Ultimately, this is not a riveting book. But it was good and entertaining.  It’s a book that highlights inner struggles.  It’s a book about secrets, betrayal, and lies and deciding how to overcome them.  It’s a book about marriage and friendship at its best and worst.  

Many thanks to Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, Ecco, and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.