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Melissa H (Stowe Twp., PA)
(06/19/14)
Slow, too slow.
Unfortunately this book moved very slowly for me. I liked the premise of it and while the ending wasn't exactly what I expected, it was better than I had anticipated. Yet, the majority of the book seemed to slough along. I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for a quick, exciting read, but would possibly recommend it to a married couple.
Dorothy T. (Victorville, CA)
(06/18/14)
Accidents of Marriage
I almost gave up reading this book after the first 50 pages because of the unlimited use of foul language, particularly the popular f-word, and because I didn't like the characters of Ben and Maddy. It is not that the language improved--in fact it got worse until the end--but I became interested in the aftermath of the accident. I can understand the use of bad language to illustrate character qualities, emotions such as anger, and an effect of a traumatic brain injury, but with a little more effort I believe an author can find other ways to do this.
This novel gives a very depressing view of marriage, parenting, and family. It does serve to point out, however, that a family that is not founded on some set of clear principles, be it Christian, Jewish, or a mixture of both (these are the backgrounds of Ben and Maddy) or some other belief, is likely to crumble apart.
I expect this book will end up as fodder for book club discussions but not for me.
Beth T. (Savannah, GA)
(06/18/14)
Touching, Compelling
I found "Accidents of Marriage" be a fascinating, touching, and thought-provoking study of consequences. A compelling story line, well-drawn characters, believable dialog, and good pacing. I cared about the characters and what happened to them and was sad to come to the end of the story. Should be an excellent choice for book clubs.
Rory A. (Henderson, NV)
(06/18/14)
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.
Sandra H. (St. Cloud, MN)
(06/17/14)
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.
Sarah H. (Arvada, CO)
(06/17/14)
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.
Marge W Bonita Springs, FL
(06/17/14)
Accident of Marriage
After struggling through the first couple of chapters, I enjoyed reading this book. I think it would be lead to very good discussion as a Book Club selection. I liked the author's method of letting us into the thoughts of the three main characters.
Elizabeth L. (Beavercreek, OH)
(06/16/14)
Disappointing
I wanted to like this book as I found the subject intriguing but I didn't like it much at all. I thought the characters were very one dimensional and often their emotions did not seem to ring true. I particularly despised the way Ben's character was drawn. He seemed to have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It would have been a richer story if there had been a hint of redemption in the way Ben handled the crisis instead of an overwhelming sense of narcissistic priggery.