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A review by jessyhayward
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have mixed feelings on The Wives by Tarryn Fisher. Truly.
On one hand, it was a super engaging and suspenseful mystery and psychological thriller that made me question absolutely everything I thought I knew. I had no idea what was actually true half the time. I liked the main character and really, really felt for her.
On the other, though, this book is a terrible representation of polyamory, mental illness, and domestic violence — especially in the second half. If you are particularly sensitive about this, don’t read it. It was particularly jarring (and outright inaccurate) when it came to psychosis. I thought the ending, while indeed as shocking as it was meant to be, was unnecessary and didn’t make much sense. If it wasn’t for these factors, I would’ve rated it much higher because it was quite interesting otherwise.
On one hand, it was a super engaging and suspenseful mystery and psychological thriller that made me question absolutely everything I thought I knew. I had no idea what was actually true half the time. I liked the main character and really, really felt for her.
On the other, though, this book is a terrible representation of polyamory, mental illness, and domestic violence — especially in the second half. If you are particularly sensitive about this, don’t read it. It was particularly jarring (and outright inaccurate) when it came to psychosis. I thought the ending, while indeed as shocking as it was meant to be, was unnecessary and didn’t make much sense. If it wasn’t for these factors, I would’ve rated it much higher because it was quite interesting otherwise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Child death, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Gaslighting and Emotional abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse and Drug abuse