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There are currently 62 member reviews
for Accidents of Marriage
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Rory A. (Henderson, NV)
The Darkest Months of an Already Dark, Dangerous Marriage
Told from the alternating, even-handed perspectives of the Illicas (long-suffering wife Maddy, abusive husband Ben, and beleaguered eldest daughter Emma), "Accidents of Marriage" is a subtle, solemn, sobering, deep exploration of a marriage gone to hell for quite a long time, and the parties involved waking up to it after a horrific reckless act.
Randy Susan Meyers has written this family, including two younger children, as well as surrounding family members and friends, so vividly and so strongly. There are moments of talking back to the pages, objecting, finger pointing at particular passages, surprised, and yet not surprised, at how Ben cannot see what his violent actions have done to this marriage, to his children, and especially to Maddy. It will not only make some readers sadly wonder if Meyers stayed over at their house for a couple of weeks without them knowing, but it will also tap everyone who reads it on the shoulder for weeks and months afterward, quietly haunting them. And perhaps it will also empower those who feel they are powerless in their marriages, just like Maddy.
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Sandra H. (St. Cloud, MN)
Marriage is never simple
Randy Susan Meyers "Accidents of Marriage" is an intense and often painful look at what happens in a relationship in which the couple has lost the ability to communicate. Ben and Maddy have been married for over 15 years and have 3 children between the ages of 14 and 6. At one time a close and sexual relationship, they hardly know each other any more. Ben is a rising young lawyer who loves the limelight and Maddy a wife and mother who sees their life spiraling out of control. In a riveting opening we watch horrified and helpless as Ben's need to be in charge boils over into a dangerous car battle between himself and another car with tragic consequences for their entire family.
The story is told in alternate chapters through Ben, Maddy and Emma, their 14 year old daughter. Slowly we begin to see the dynamics of their relationships with each other, their grandparents and siblings, colleagues and friends. The novel demands that we understand our responsibility to each other as well as to ourselves without letting our egos rule.
Meyers handles those dynamics well and manages to create believable, rounded characters trying to come to terms with who they are within a husband and wife relationship as well as in their family and their concept of who and what they are as individuals. All of which makes "Accidents of Marriage" a wonderful choice for a book group discussion.
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Sarah H. (Arvada, CO)
So much more than a book about marriage
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the first page I could feel the tension in the marriage, in the family. The characters are so distinct and vivid, I felt like if only someone could tell the others what they were thinking, maybe they could work things out. This story is as much about Emma as Maddy and Ben, I also felt compelled to reach into the book and save her! That intimate connection with the characters is Randy Susan Meyers' gift.
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Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)
Family Dynamics
It does not take long to be drawn into the families dynamics. Family life with children can be very hectic. Randy Meyers has written this book, having the reader actually feel the emotions of each of the characters.
We find out how each family member deals with the stress of their abusive father and Maddy's accident and healing. This book was written so I could get into Maddy's mind, to feel her thinking, frustrations and exasperation.
The reader will see how parenting conditioning reflects on the children and adult children. Physical and verbal abuse not only affects the poor or uneducated.
Definitely a book club read to be discussed.
A very satisfying read.
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Jill S. (Chicago, IL)
Psychologically-astute with real characters
So much for expectations: I expected Randy Susan Meyers' latest book to be a run-of-the-bill novel about how an ordinary family is crippled by the father's poor anger management control. In other words, a "lesson" book.
Yes, in the very loosest sense, that's what Accidents of Marriage is about. But I'm pleased to say that it also includes the psychological acuity, beautifully-rendered insights and strong character development that causes it to soar to the top of its genre.
Accidents of Marriage will not win any literary awards. But not every book has to. There's something that's also valuable in books that tell a good story and make the reader want to turn pages well into the night. Accidents of Marriage is that kind of book.
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Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL)
Anger Management
Families with an angry member can become very dysfunctional and everyone suffers. Written very well and I didn't want to stop reading. I now want to read other books Ms. Meyers has written.
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Lucy B. (Urbana, OH)
A family's disaster
No one wins in the story about this family Many things can happen in an instant that affects people in very devastating ways, and there is no way to reverse what has happened. I believe that Maddy did the right thing in the end, but my sadness is really for Emma, Gracie, and Caleb. Children can't always understand why some decisions are for the best.
The author did a great job presenting this story from start to finish. I feel like everyone should read this book. I'm glad that I had the opportunity.
