Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Husband's Secret

I loved how all the main women’s lives were intertwined. The stories developed together and independently, it was really interesting. I was able to empathize with each character despite maybe being in different circumstances. I didn’t know how the book was going to be wrapped up but I definitely didn’t expect the ending. The author wrapped it up so nicely and in such an interesting way that I really felt the message of the story.

Content Warnings

holly_ferris21's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

carlaabra's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is a rare case where I loved the writing (cutting and sarcastic with a shrewd eye for suburban hypocrisy) but disliked the plot. About halfway through, the plot really started to lag. The plot with Cecilia/Rachel seemed to dominate over the Tess portion, especially towards the end.

Overall the book explores how we keep secrets from our closest friends and family, and the bitter consequences of guilt and shame. Can you ever truly know someone else? What happens when your morality is put to the test, especially when your family is on the line? The plot lives in moral greyness. The characters are human and, imo, not very good people but trying their best, mostly. My one critique is that they could be stunningly ignorant to their own feelings and those around them- so many immature forty-somethings. However this is true to life.

Content Warnings

hkantola11's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

briarsreviews's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ohhhh boy. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty is a dramatic read and I loved every second of it.

Cecilia Fitzpatrick goes up to her attic and finds a letter written by her husband. It's a note that she's only supposed to read if he dies... and little does she know until her curiosity finally peaks... There's something in there that will change everyone's lives forever.

Liane Moriarty is an ace at crafting stories of people that intertwine in intriguing ways. She brings drama, romance, and a bit of comedy to all of her stories. If you've read or watched Big Little Lies, you'll know exactly how this author is - and it's fantastic. Her books are some of my favourite since I can just disappear into them and enjoy soap opera like drama that feels relatable.

The mystery slowly unveils itself, and I found I was slowly piecing it together as I was reading the book. It's not obvious by any means, but if you're smart and have watched as many soaps as I did when I was growing up, you'll get it. Throughout the whole book, the morals are questionable but I think that's part of the fun of this book. Why are these women acting the way they do? Why is all of this drama and havoc happening to them? You'll question a lot about these women (specifically, white middle class ladies), but you'll enjoy it too. It's like a tornado is coming for them and they just don't know it yet.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I know not everyone will, but for me it was an escape that felt over the top but also kind of real. I could understand the character's motivations and reactions even if they weren't always the most appropriate. There were times I even wanted them to go for the morally wrong choice because it just seemed right based on the book. This is definitely a new favourite of mine and I highly recommend it if you want soap opera level fun.

Five out of five stars!

Content Warnings