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A review by sarahb_reads_
Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer
3.0
Merit is a mother of two in her mid to late thirties throughout this novel who begins to search for who she wants to be. Her first steps is to jump back into her career she had left behind to stay at home and pursue art. When she lands a job, she is expecting to get a breathe of fresh air from the monotony of caring for little ones and her soul crushing marriage, but is surprised when she instantly connects with her boss, Jane. Jane is everything. She is smart, beautiful, confident, really good at her job and everything Merit wishes she could be. Very quickly, like a house on fire, she and Jane become close friends. Then over the years, Merit realizes she may feel for Jane more than a friend should... and perhaps significantly more than she likes her husband of twelve years.
I, like many other people who have read this book so far, am torn on how I feel about it. Lauren McBrayer's writing is fantastic, which is the redeeming quality for me in this book, however, I am not a huge fan of the story line. While I knew the book would be about her falling in love with someone not her husband, I wasn't ready for the blatant cheating and not feeling bad about it. More over, while it was said she loved her children, it really truly did not seem like it at all from 98 percent of her thoughts. I found myself wanting to route for Merit, but she left a bad taste in my mouth. I wanted to shake her sometimes but also help her to find her better self. I think everyone deserves that, but maybe not while ignoring your family and cheating on your husband?
Also, Merit and her husband, Corey's, relationship was absolutely atrocious. She mentioned maybe 1 time while she liked him when they got married, but besides that he was a real piece of work and not a great partner nor father. Their communication skills were simply horrendous... so no wonder she was able to fall so deeply for someone else. Truly, not sure why she decided to get married to him in the first place.
I'm giving it 3 stars because I did enjoy the writing, but didn't love the story line nor the main character. I would not pick this book up if you are triggered or sensitive to the topic of cheating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the copy to read this novel.
I, like many other people who have read this book so far, am torn on how I feel about it. Lauren McBrayer's writing is fantastic, which is the redeeming quality for me in this book, however, I am not a huge fan of the story line. While I knew the book would be about her falling in love with someone not her husband, I wasn't ready for the blatant cheating and not feeling bad about it. More over, while it was said she loved her children, it really truly did not seem like it at all from 98 percent of her thoughts. I found myself wanting to route for Merit, but she left a bad taste in my mouth. I wanted to shake her sometimes but also help her to find her better self. I think everyone deserves that, but maybe not while ignoring your family and cheating on your husband?
Also, Merit and her husband, Corey's, relationship was absolutely atrocious. She mentioned maybe 1 time while she liked him when they got married, but besides that he was a real piece of work and not a great partner nor father. Their communication skills were simply horrendous... so no wonder she was able to fall so deeply for someone else. Truly, not sure why she decided to get married to him in the first place.
I'm giving it 3 stars because I did enjoy the writing, but didn't love the story line nor the main character. I would not pick this book up if you are triggered or sensitive to the topic of cheating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the copy to read this novel.