The Wives
- First published 2019
- 320 pages
- English
Imagine your husband has two other wives. You have never met them. You don't even know their names, only that they get him on different days of the week. You have agreed to this arrangement because you are deeply in love with him, and you believe you are fine with the situation. This is Thursday's life. She loves her husband, Seth, and has accepted that she only gets one day a week with him in their unconventional marriage. She has convinced herself she is happy.
But her contentment shatters when she finds a clue that leads her to one of the other wives. What begins as curiosity spirals into a dangerous obsession to uncover the identities of these other women. When she engineers a meeting with one of them, she discovers signs of abuse and begins to question the man she married. The perfect husband she knows is not the man his other wife describes. As Thursday digs deeper into her husband's secrets, she is pulled into a disorienting reality where she must confront the terrifying possibility that the man she loves is a monster, and nothing about her life is what it seems.
But her contentment shatters when she finds a clue that leads her to one of the other wives. What begins as curiosity spirals into a dangerous obsession to uncover the identities of these other women. When she engineers a meeting with one of them, she discovers signs of abuse and begins to question the man she married. The perfect husband she knows is not the man his other wife describes. As Thursday digs deeper into her husband's secrets, she is pulled into a disorienting reality where she must confront the terrifying possibility that the man she loves is a monster, and nothing about her life is what it seems.
What readers say
3.65
247K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book is widely praised for its ability to immediately hook readers, proving to be a fast-paced and unputdownable psychological thriller. Many reviewers found it to be a devilish, surprising, and mind-bending read that kept them guessing throughout. The author's writing style is frequently described as brilliant, engaging, and perceptive, drawing readers into a complex and often uncomfortable storyline. Its unique and intriguing premise, centered around a polygamous marriage, was a major draw, offering a compelling and entertaining experience that some likened to reality television.
Despite its initial allure, a significant number of readers found the book's second half to take a drastic turn, becoming convoluted, unbelievable, and even ridiculous. Many felt the plot went "off the rails" around the halfway mark, with twists that were either predictable, fell flat, or felt cheap and manipulative. The protagonist, Thursday, was a divisive character; while some empathized with her, others found her unlikeable, naive, contradictory, or a "doormat," making it difficult to connect. Concerns were also raised about plot holes and the use of certain sensitive themes as mere plot devices, leading to an ending that many found unsatisfying, rushed, or simply too "wacky" to be impactful.
Overall, "The Wives" is a polarizing read that delivers a dark, twisted, and often chaotic experience. It is recommended for readers who enjoy intense psychological thrillers featuring unreliable narration and dramatic, unexpected shifts in plot. Those who appreciate a fast-paced story that challenges perceptions and don't mind a high level of "craziness" or a controversial premise are likely to find it a compelling read. However, readers sensitive to discussions of infertility or who prefer grounded, highly believable plots with neat resolutions might find themselves disappointed by its unconventional direction and ending.
Despite its initial allure, a significant number of readers found the book's second half to take a drastic turn, becoming convoluted, unbelievable, and even ridiculous. Many felt the plot went "off the rails" around the halfway mark, with twists that were either predictable, fell flat, or felt cheap and manipulative. The protagonist, Thursday, was a divisive character; while some empathized with her, others found her unlikeable, naive, contradictory, or a "doormat," making it difficult to connect. Concerns were also raised about plot holes and the use of certain sensitive themes as mere plot devices, leading to an ending that many found unsatisfying, rushed, or simply too "wacky" to be impactful.
Overall, "The Wives" is a polarizing read that delivers a dark, twisted, and often chaotic experience. It is recommended for readers who enjoy intense psychological thrillers featuring unreliable narration and dramatic, unexpected shifts in plot. Those who appreciate a fast-paced story that challenges perceptions and don't mind a high level of "craziness" or a controversial premise are likely to find it a compelling read. However, readers sensitive to discussions of infertility or who prefer grounded, highly believable plots with neat resolutions might find themselves disappointed by its unconventional direction and ending.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- HQ Fiction US, 2023
- ISBN
- 9781867283270
- Language
- English
Original edition The Wives Originally published in 2019 · English · Graydon House
