catherinesmart 's review for:

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

4.0

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Normally, I am intrigued by the premise of a book and either dissatisfied or delighted by the execution. In this case, I have to admit I was put off by the premise (a fictionalized account of Laura Bush and her marriage??? What the???), but heard enough good things from people I trust that I gave it a shot…and I was ENGROSSED the whole time! Ultimately, it’s page-turning meditation on grief, identity, marriage and loving people you disagree with more than anything. I related a scary amount to Alice Lindgren and now I’m terrified I might accidentally marry a future republican president, one of the worst fates I can fathom. I really have to give it up to Curtis Sittenfeld, she writes some of the most believably human characters I’ve come across. Would be fascinating to read in tandem with Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess. 4.5 stars!