Actually, “light weekend reading” may be incorrect, because even though I’d definitely classify HEART OF THE MATTER as chick-lit, the subject of infidelity is never light or easy.
Emily Giffin’s books are as recognizable by their pastel hues as they are for covering topics you’d expect in chick-lit (I don’t mean this to be derogatory; is “women’s fiction” better?): weddings, babies, love, friendship, and now infidelity. After having read some deeper books, I was in the mood over the wintery weekend for an easy read and saw the purple spine on my bookshelf. I was ready to be lost in a world of chattering women and married suburbia… Instead, it was a love triangle with no easy way out.
Tessa is married to Dr. Nick Russo, a pediatric plastic surgeon dedicated to his work. Married for seven years with two young children, they have a seemingly happy life in a wealthy suburb of Boston. The short version is Nick gets overly attached to a patient and his single mom. Seemingly (inappropriately; unconvincingly) unsatisfied with his home life, he starts along the slippery slope of lying about working late; Halloween parties, etc. I won’t ruin the ending, but this was one of those books in which I didn’t really identify with any of the characters and found none of their actions to be totally reasonable/understandable.
“Moral” of my review: books focused on infidelity aren’t my thing. I don’t mind if it’s a plot point, but when infidelity is its own character I’m lost. I just like to think people are better than that – although my dad always says I’m too trusting. The silver lining is that it motivated me to update my blog! And y’all, this is a tenuous connection to my Southern list since the gorgeous Emily Giffin hails from Atlanta?!
Other books on infidelity that I haven’t loved include many of the Jennifer Weiner’s (I enjoyed the movie IN HER SHOES but was horrified that the sister slept with the others’ bf!), ADMISSION by Jean Hanff Korelitz (though I loved her WHITE ROSE novel), the one about the teacher and student with a green apple on the hardcover jacket (don’t remember the name of this one – anyone?)…
But I’m not a total prude: I have enjoyed many books for which infidelity takes place like Jonathan Tropper’s THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU (in fact, my literary-lovin’ pup just chewed this one up recently), Anita Shreve’s THE PILOT’S WIFE (though it was traumatizing and I will still not date a pilot… and have been disappointed by every Shreve novel since), Sue Miller’s THE SENATOR’S WIFE (infidelity was much less of a focus in this one) and I’m sure there are more, because for better or worse this seems to be a hot topic in our society.
This was a pretty boring review, sorry crew! I’m super excited for my Monday post on MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND – please come back then.
10 comments
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January 26, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Julie P.
WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? – NOTES ON A SCANDAL by Zoe Heller!
January 26, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Colleen (Books in the City)
It is interesting how many reviews cite the infidelity theme as a reason why readers dislike the book – for some reason, it didn’t bother me (not condoning it but OK with reading about it). I do agree with your comment, however, about the characters not making decisions with which I could identify.
Looking forward to hearing about Major Pettigrew!
January 27, 2011 at 10:14 am
nomadreader (Carrie)
I wasn’t a huge fan of this book either. I’m not sure if it was expressly for the infidelity or that I didn’t like anyone in the book (the two could be related, of course). Regardless, I really disliked Valerie and typically the characters in Giffin’s books are relatable, even when I don’t expect to like them (i.e. Something Blue).
January 29, 2011 at 6:33 am
Beth F
Infidelity as a theme doesn’t bother me at all, but I never seem to like women’s lit / chick lit as much as I think I’m going to.
January 30, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Michelle
I did not like this novel. Part of my issue was that I listened to it on audio and detested the narrator. Part of it was that I could not relate to any of the characters and the decisions they made. Then there was the infidelity. It was a trifecta of reasons for me and enough to make me question whether I truly want to read another of Giffen’s novels.
January 31, 2011 at 7:18 am
novelwhore
@Julie – YES that’s the book! NOTES ON A SCANDAL – did you like it?!
@Colleen and @BethFishReads – Actually upon looking at the books I list that I really liked that also have infidelity, I think I actually agree with both of you that it was less the infidelity than this book, for whatever reason(s), didn’t resonate with me. I think I need to find a new go-to genre for light reading since chick-lit has been disappointing to me lately.
@nomadreader – My favorite Giffin book is the green one, LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH. I thought those characters seemed far more real. I think Valerie in HEART was supposed to be a sympathetic character (single mom, put herself through school, etc) but instead like you, I just didn’t like her.
@Michelle – I think this was my least favorite of Giffin’s novels, but to me they’re all pretty similar. In this genre, I definitely prefer Sophie Kinsella and think I’ll stick with her from now on. Thanks for stopping by!
February 1, 2011 at 4:54 pm
The Girl from the Ghetto
I haven’t read Emily Giffen yet, hmmm.
February 3, 2011 at 12:38 am
Elyse/Pop Culture Nerd
I haven’t read this one yet but I’ve read all her other books and I liked LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH best. I don’t read a lot of women’s fiction but, like you, I was originally attracted to the covers and picked them up between heavier, darker novels.
Even though Giffin is from Atlanta, I have to mention she went to my alma mater UVA! Go ‘Hoos!
February 4, 2011 at 11:05 am
Elise
Like all genres, Chicklit can be great or terrible, depending on the individual author and story. For fun, light, smart reading, Eileen Cook’s Unpredictable is great. As for the infidelity theme, it can be a great catalyst for a novel, as it is in Marian Keyes’ Watermelon.
Great blog! I look forward to coming back for more!
February 18, 2011 at 11:38 am
scholarslip
You’re not into sisters sharing bfs? Darn, I really had my eye on Matt. NOT. I was also horrified by that part of the movie though I agree that I did like it overall. I guess we’re just so staunchly faithful (haha double meaning) that we can’t handle it when others aren’t!