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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
This book was good but at times confusing. I think the main problem with this book is that Mary wasn't an author in the typical sense before setting pen to paper - she had no practice and a very specific, wandering, convoluted story to tell. I do feel bad for her and the other victims of Will. I am also interested in reading her new book, The Psychopath - I'm hoping that that one will flow a little smoother. 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
*This is a review of an arc from NetGalley*
The Bigamist is a tragic story of so many lives torn apart due to the selfish acts of one man. Mary’s life was turned upside down by Will, a man who appeared to be everything she could ask for, and more. Although some things didn’t quiet add up, Will was always quick to explain and the explanations seemed kinda plausible. But there was much more to Will than met the eye: more lies, more wives, more children, and much much more trouble.
I’m giving this book a 3/5 because although the story was well told I found the writing a little troubling.
I found it difficult to read about all of the positives Mary saw in Will, but perhaps it was solely to help the reader understand why she felt the way she did about him? I know Mary has had much longer to process her life than the reader, but knowing the end of the story and seeing anything positive about Will made my stomach turn. Overall, I thought the book was a little slow and focused too much on the early relationship with Will. Honestly I would enjoy knowing more about Mary and appreciated Part 2 of the book far more than Part 1.
The Bigamist is a tragic story of so many lives torn apart due to the selfish acts of one man. Mary’s life was turned upside down by Will, a man who appeared to be everything she could ask for, and more. Although some things didn’t quiet add up, Will was always quick to explain and the explanations seemed kinda plausible. But there was much more to Will than met the eye: more lies, more wives, more children, and much much more trouble.
I’m giving this book a 3/5 because although the story was well told I found the writing a little troubling.
I found it difficult to read about all of the positives Mary saw in Will, but perhaps it was solely to help the reader understand why she felt the way she did about him? I know Mary has had much longer to process her life than the reader, but knowing the end of the story and seeing anything positive about Will made my stomach turn. Overall, I thought the book was a little slow and focused too much on the early relationship with Will. Honestly I would enjoy knowing more about Mary and appreciated Part 2 of the book far more than Part 1.
challenging
sad
slow-paced
An account of someone who fell in love with a psychopath, her life is a perfect example of the “sunk cost fallacy” - she’d already invested time and money into believing him so to now question it would mean she was wrong to believe him to begin with. An interesting account although completely unfathomable that someone like the husband could exist.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Pedophilia
sad
slow-paced
Having read The Psychopath first The Bigamist was exactly what I expected it to be and it think that’s why I enjoyed it - it was containing. I enjoyed the fresh way Mary describes being open with her children after all the emotional and financial abuse they experienced. I enjoyed how the book is written from a victims perspective, often I read fiction books where the psychopath themselves are the main character!!! I definitely think I’ll recommend this book to others who are interested in psychology or mental health as it’s a nice short read based on true events and an area that is perhaps quite stigmatised. I think I’ll also just be more open myself going forward when you hear similar stories on the tv or internet as I feel maybe I had my own prejudices built from a lack of understanding for victims in this area so that’s something I’ll be mindful of going forward myself.
My jaw was on the floor for most of this book. Brilliant read!
During the quarantine, I went through a bit of a True Crime kick and picked up a copy of [b:The Psychopath: A True Story|55472484|The Psychopath A True Story|Mary Turner-Thomson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601250972l/55472484._SY75_.jpg|82686760] on Amazon. However, once I started, I realized it was actually a sequel to her first memoir, [b:The Bigamist: The True Story of a Husband's Ultimate Betrayal|52517440|The Bigamist The True Story of a Husband's Ultimate Betrayal|Mary Turner-Thomson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1587712802l/52517440._SY75_.jpg|55406224].
I enjoyed reading 'The Bigamist', however it was hard to read through her life and not scream at her to look at the giant red flags exploding into fireworks in front of her. Thomson did a great job explaining her relationship to Will Jordan and how he was able to slowly manipulate her without her knowledge, and turn her against her friends and family. I think looking back at her life now, all she can see are red flags, but she does a great job explaining how Will Jordan constantly kept her on her toes and slowly escalated the lies to the point that she was completely entrapped. He even faked conversations with former and current 'co-workers' that would corroborate his story, although we later learn how he was able to manipulate others to act on his behalf as well.
I would recommend this book to others, however, I did feel that the overall writing was pretty poor, so knocked out a star. But it is a pretty quick read if that kind of thing doesn't bother you, and the story itself is pretty captivating.
EDIT 3/13/2021 - Finally "finished" the original book I picked up, 'The Psychopath', which I would not recommend. If you are interested in Mary's story, this is the best one to read through.
I enjoyed reading 'The Bigamist', however it was hard to read through her life and not scream at her to look at the giant red flags exploding into fireworks in front of her. Thomson did a great job explaining her relationship to Will Jordan and how he was able to slowly manipulate her without her knowledge, and turn her against her friends and family. I think looking back at her life now, all she can see are red flags, but she does a great job explaining how Will Jordan constantly kept her on her toes and slowly escalated the lies to the point that she was completely entrapped. He even faked conversations with former and current 'co-workers' that would corroborate his story, although we later learn how he was able to manipulate others to act on his behalf as well.
I would recommend this book to others, however, I did feel that the overall writing was pretty poor, so knocked out a star. But it is a pretty quick read if that kind of thing doesn't bother you, and the story itself is pretty captivating.
EDIT 3/13/2021 - Finally "finished" the original book I picked up, 'The Psychopath', which I would not recommend. If you are interested in Mary's story, this is the best one to read through.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Shocking tale of how an intelligent woman (in fact many intelligent people) were taken in by an all too plausible and charming psychopath. A cautionary tale for everyone.
I struggled deeply with this book.
I began reading it with interest and thought the writing style was interesting.
However, the longer I read, the more I began to see the flaws. I struggled a lot with sympathy for Mary. The red flags were all there and she refused to acknowledge them for years. She forgave him over and over, even when he stood her up countless times, took every cent of her money, didn't arrive for the birth of his two children, and continued to act like a total asshole; she ignored it and forgave him.
Despite all of this, she does deserve a semblance of sympathy for enduring what she did and he deserves to rot.
But this story should definitely be a sign for people to question their partners shady actions. Don't let things go and just accept it even when you know deep down it seems weird.
If they don't show up, give lame excuses, or lie; find out why. It might save you heartache in the end.
I began reading it with interest and thought the writing style was interesting.
However, the longer I read, the more I began to see the flaws. I struggled a lot with sympathy for Mary. The red flags were all there and she refused to acknowledge them for years. She forgave him over and over, even when he stood her up countless times, took every cent of her money, didn't arrive for the birth of his two children, and continued to act like a total asshole; she ignored it and forgave him.
Despite all of this, she does deserve a semblance of sympathy for enduring what she did and he deserves to rot.
But this story should definitely be a sign for people to question their partners shady actions. Don't let things go and just accept it even when you know deep down it seems weird.
If they don't show up, give lame excuses, or lie; find out why. It might save you heartache in the end.