A fascinating and unexpected debut novel that examines the dark nature of humanity in the face of illness and loneliness. The book describes the rich landscape of 1907 Wisconsin and delves into how the harsh winters can affect the people of a small isolated town. Ralph Truitt, the wealthiest man in town, is surprised when Catherine Land steps off the train. He has placed an ad in the newspaper for “A Reliable Wife” and Catherine does not match the photograph she sent.
The book chronicles the uneasy start of Catherine and Ralph’s marriage and the reader comes to find that Catherine is certainly not the pure, faithful woman she claims to be. Ralph, too, proves to be more than he appeared at first sight and encourages Catherine to help him locate his estranged son. The story escalates when Catherine begins poisoning her husband slowly and we are allowed insight to the tortured thoughts of a conflicted woman.
A Reliable Wife is an interesting character study where each player is deeply developed. They may not be entirely likable, but each character is real with histories and intricacies that make them both believable and endearing. I also enjoyed how Goolrick turned color into a character all its own, with beautiful descriptions. Woven into the main plot are fascinating vignettes of how easily “cabin fever” can turn to madness when a small town is cut off from society. This book is not for the faint of heart; it is dark and sometimes sad, but the conclusion is satisfying. I would recommend this title for the reader who doesn’t mind desperate and truly flawed characters.
I listened to the audio version of this (Recorded Books), and it was riveting. Would make a great discussion book. :-)
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