Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Taking a Break from Marriage


Cass and Jonathan appear to have everything in a marriage: good jobs, financial security, and a lovely New York apartment. They’ve been married five years and are discussing whether to have children, but Cass isn’t so sure they’re ready. Her childhood, divorced parents and financial insecurity, have something to do with it. She suggests a six month separation to test their commitment.

Jonathan is surprised. Cass can be irritating, but he loves her. His wealthy family has given him more security, but in the end he agrees with Cass. She takes a job in Los Angeles. This puts them a continent apart the only real contact when they fly their dog back and forth for joint custody.

I wasn’t impressed with either Cass or Jonathan. I thought she was selfish. Marriage isn’t easy. You have to try to communicate. Putting distance between you and your partner only leads to more problems. I liked Jonathan better. He seemed the more balanced of the two. His marriage wasn’t perfect, but he felt comfortable and didn’t want to change things. Both partners made regrettable choices when they were apart.

Their story is told in alternating points of view which gives insight into each partner’s good and bad qualities. The novel is character driven with a thin plot. However, it’s a fast read and would make a good book to take on a vacation.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.


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