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There are currently 22 member reviews
for How to Be a Good Wife
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Deanna S. (McHenry, IL)
How to Be a Good Wife
How to Be a Good Wife is a good book, but it's not exceptional. Chilling and well-paced, the storyline drew me in right away: When the narrator, Marta Bjornstad, starts having flashbacks, it's clear that someone in the Bjornstad household is mentally unstable. Is Marta's husband, Hector, deranged? Or is Marta delusional? This marriage between two morally (and mentally) ambiguous characters was somewhat reminiscent of GONE GIRL, though told only from the wife's perspective. Unfortunately, since I only heard Marta's side of the story, I found it difficult to fully sympathize with her or anyone else. Even so, Marta's story is intriguing and likely to appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
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Christine P. (Salt Lake City, UT)
How to be a good wife?
From the very beginning of this book, there was something unsettling about it. I would pick it up, read a little, and then, put it down. Something about it felt sinister. Emma Chapman paints a portrait of a woman, older, her son having recently moved out and not quite sure what to do with herself. As her story unfolds, it becomes clear that something is definitely not right. The imagery in this book is outstanding. Another positive about the novel is that it is a fast read. Once I got into it, I could not put it down. Its definitely a book that make you ask yourself what would I do if this happened to me or someone I loved.
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Melissa P. (Greenville, NY)
How to be a Good Wife
This book reminded me of Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson. Marta's mind seemed to be playing tricks on her all of the time--things seemed to be memories but she couldn't be sure if they were real or not. The book had good twists and turns.
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Jan T. (Leona Valley, CA)
How to Be a Good Wife
A creepy psychological thriller about a wife slowly remembering her life prior to her very disturbing marriage. At time confusing - it is difficult to ascertain reality vs. hallucinations. Is the wife delusional or recalling memories? It is unpleasant but I couldn't put it down. It is short (160 pages) but includes a plot twist which concludes the story nicely. I would recommend it as a book club read as there is much to be discussed - especially a book club comprised of women. The book's theme is topical. I don't want to spoil the surprise.
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Rosemary C. (Austin, TX)
A disconcerting life
An eerie, haunting story told in dark detail. We are inside the mind of Marta, witnessing all her thoughts. Are we seeing a descent into madness or something else? Either way, it is so precisely and graphically written that it was painful to read at times - but compelling.
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Nanette S.
How to Be a Good Wife
Very good debut story about the life of Marta and Hector. They have been married for so long Marta remembers nothing before her wedding to Hector, yet she is starting to hear voices and see a young blonde girl, or is she? Can it be she is missing her son since he has moved out for good, or is something from her past coming to the surface? Her life seems to be very simple, or is something deeper happening? Is she well, or does she need her pills, those same pills she had taken early in her marriage as suggested by her husband? Decide for yourself.
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Maggie R. (Canoga Park, CA)
This is going to divide its readers
Well written and tense, it won't let you draw easy conclusions. If you must "care about" characters, this may not be for you. If you want dark and unsettling, give it a try.
