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kathleenww's review against another edition
4.0
A fun and entertaining novel about a couple who enter into an "arrangement," in an attempt to liven up their marriage. I liked the couple, and enjoyed reading this train wreck of a novel. Not serious literature, but their is some food for thought here as far as what's important to people: in a marriage, in a community, and in life.
aktunmore's review against another edition
3.0
Decided to read this when it was recommended for bookclub but not chosen. it was ok, but a bit predictable and I think it ended rather abruptly. but I like the authors writing style and it was a quick, easy read
gonzorama's review against another edition
2.0
Fairly fluffy and not at all "hilarious" (despite the pull-quotes), but there were enough insightful observations (and one snort-aloud-inducing moment) to warrant two solid stars. I like the way Dunn wrapped this one up. A decent summer/airplane read.
hsrudolph's review against another edition
3.0
Happily surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. Fluffy stories about people behaving stupidly usually don’t appeal to me. But this was a well constructed, witty and well written novel that comments subtly yet meaningfully on relationships in our culture.
nixieknox's review against another edition
3.0
Got better and better as the book went on. Can't say more till book club!
jordanaalford's review against another edition
4.0
So much fun to read! If you enjoyed "little big lies" this one's for you! Fast pace and couldn't put down.
mackenzie_sitstudio's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
meghanandy's review against another edition
4.0
For such a lighthearted and easy read, it touched on some very poignant truths about relationships and the sacrifices we make to maintain them. I found myself drawn in by the parallels in both desires and frustrations between myself and the characters, and was surprised by the emotional depth I found there. Quick and always interesting, the story never dragged.
purrfectpages's review against another edition
3.0
Owen and Lucy are your typical middle class American couple. They live in a safe community, share equal parts in contributing to the household, and both take care of their special needs son, Wyatt. One night while having dinner with friends, a discussion of open marriage comes up. Lucy and Owen listen intently about what their friends are considering doing, but that would never be them. After all, they're both happy, in love and content.
But admittedly, the proposition fascinates both of them, and before they know it, they are writing out the terms of their arrangement. It will only be for six months and then things will go back to normal. It will be fun, exciting, and different and not at all damaging to their relationship. Of course what follows is anything but.
The Arrangement was a hard book to read, and not for the reasons you might expect. For starters, I didn't really like Lucy or Owen as characters. Maybe if I had seen them more as a couple in the beginning I would have had something to root for, but since they dive into the arrangement rather quickly the reader doesn't really get to know them well as a unit prior to the arrangement.
I also found parts of the book to be rather predictable. Of course things were bound to get messy. Naturally feelings were going to get hurt. In the middle though I didn't see these characters as torn, I saw them as selfish. Like the part where Owen hurt his back and Lucy didn't even care about how he was person to person. It made me wonder what these characters were doing in terms of motivation and purpose.
And speaking of characters, I didn't love the sudden shifts to other characters in the town of Beekman. If I didn't care about Lucy and Owen I cared about everyone else even less. The sudden introduction and relative dedication to huge chunks of the book developing these characters with otherwise loose connections seemed weak and unsubstantiated.
The Arrangement oddly enough redeemed itself a bit for me in the end. I liked Izzy's letter to Owen and felt it wrapped things up rather nicely given the otherwise uneven tone of the book. It also served as the easiest way to end things in a positive way without coming across as unnecessarily corny.
But admittedly, the proposition fascinates both of them, and before they know it, they are writing out the terms of their arrangement. It will only be for six months and then things will go back to normal. It will be fun, exciting, and different and not at all damaging to their relationship. Of course what follows is anything but.
The Arrangement was a hard book to read, and not for the reasons you might expect. For starters, I didn't really like Lucy or Owen as characters. Maybe if I had seen them more as a couple in the beginning I would have had something to root for, but since they dive into the arrangement rather quickly the reader doesn't really get to know them well as a unit prior to the arrangement.
I also found parts of the book to be rather predictable. Of course things were bound to get messy. Naturally feelings were going to get hurt. In the middle though I didn't see these characters as torn, I saw them as selfish. Like the part where Owen hurt his back and Lucy didn't even care about how he was person to person. It made me wonder what these characters were doing in terms of motivation and purpose.
And speaking of characters, I didn't love the sudden shifts to other characters in the town of Beekman. If I didn't care about Lucy and Owen I cared about everyone else even less. The sudden introduction and relative dedication to huge chunks of the book developing these characters with otherwise loose connections seemed weak and unsubstantiated.
The Arrangement oddly enough redeemed itself a bit for me in the end. I liked Izzy's letter to Owen and felt it wrapped things up rather nicely given the otherwise uneven tone of the book. It also served as the easiest way to end things in a positive way without coming across as unnecessarily corny.