A review by drymming
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

This was a thriller i was able to unravel while I read. 

This is a book about bad family dynamics and TRIGGER WARNING abuse. Domestic abuse and sexual assault. Are topics to watch out for.

The three women read distinctly enough since we were almost literally in their heads and they had distinct voices, something Sally does really well.

It is a multiple POV book which i tend to enjoy a lot as well.

I didn’t necessarily feel attached to any of the characters but i was pushed by their plight to keep going.

Stephen is an abusive husband, a manipulator, a narcissistic gaslighting freak. 

SPOLIER WARNING 

I did not expect his own daughter to murder him in the end tho. It was very interesting to see the family repercussions and how each victim of abuse dealt with their shit. Despite the fact that Tully seemed the one to suffer the least of this manipulative shit. Ironic that each parent thought one or the other of the kids was stronger.

The romance with Darcy was kind of unnecessary i feel. Rachel didn’t need a man to push her into therapy with his corny jokes and “I’m your saviour” mentality.

I don’t understand where the disjointed family dynamics with Nathalie’s son, Miles comes from. Why is this 3 year old not potty trained and takes random dumps on the rug?

Heather has daddy issues which explains her relationship but also falls into the dynamic she was raised seeing. However it was agreeable  to see how increasingly aware she was becoming of the abuse. UNTIL THE FUCKING PSYCHOLOGIST GASLIT HER???? Sick.

Overall a very fun, past-paced travel read.