Rory A

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.