Oohhhh boy. I’m struggling with how I’m going to word this review because The Change Room by Karen Connelly is full of…sex. A lot of it. Not like, harlequin romance sex where almost every other page is full of sweaty bodies, but like, at least 5 fairly descriptive sex scenes: some between a man and a woman, and more between two women. For some readers, this may turn them off this book completely (sorry for the pun), but I don’t want people to just assume this is a sex book. I’m going to call it a sexual yet literary tale, because there’s lots more to talk about than just the intercourse between characters-there’s intellectual intercourse as well. Side note, it’s really hard not to make sex jokes while writing this review, I’m doing my best here.
The Author Karen Connelly
We begin with Eliza’s twice-weekly swim; her coveted time to herself in between her numerous work and family demands (been there, done that). While there, she notices a new woman named Shar who she has immediate chemistry with. They begin an affair, and Eliza is swept away into a hedonistic and luxurious new relationship where the memories of cleaning her home after dark are a faint memory. But Connelly challenges some of our usual expectations with this development in Eliza’s life; for one, Eliza’s husband Andrew is handsome and fairly doting, they have a ‘nice’ marriage and two young boys, plus Eliza is seemingly fulfilled by her work life as a business owner of a flower shop. Because Eliza has such a seemingly well-rounded life it was surprising to me as a reader that she would put all that at risk for a physical relationship with Shar. We learn about a lesbian relationship Eliza had experienced as a young woman living in Greece (when in Rome I suppose) which somewhat explains her behaviour, but the gender of her lover is not what shocked me, I was simply disappointed in her selfish actions. Like any book I read that involves a cheating spouse, I find myself constantly on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop, and their life to blow up as a consequence. This doesn’t necessarily happen with Eliza, but I won’t give any more away than that.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, it’s got great pacing and the characters are fairly well developed and likeable, even when they’re doing bad things (ahem, Eliza!). Connelly’s writing is rich and evocative, and the sex scenes are written tastefully, rolling off the page as easily as her food and landscape descriptions that also populate these pages. I liked the political undertones of this book too-Eliza spoke up for what she believed in, even when her opinions were met with disbelief, and Shar’s experiences as a sex worker were handled with empathy and intelligence.
The ending of the book is the only thing I have any real complaints about. It’s abrupt, and leaves us hanging, and I know a lot of other readers felt this way too. I think some writers do this in an attempt to make their book appear more as a ‘piece of art’ rather than a story, but readers want closure dammit! I think it’s unfair to encourage such emotional investment in characters and then leave them in the middle of a pivotal situation, it’s just not right. But if you’re ok with open endings (and marriages!) than I suggest you give The Change Room a try.
So do you feel the same way I do when reading about a cheater? Do you want them to get what’s coming, or do you sympathize with them (the bastards)?
No sympathy what so ever. I have a firm view about cheating.
I find even in movies I feel hatred towards the actor/actress even though they are just playing a character… can’t help it. Rage inside, lol.
I would rather be told about the sexual & emotional attraction, discuss the option for a threesome, things to liven up the sex life, even fantasize about the other person during sex or discuss divorce … than be cheated on. It is respect for the other person and once that is thrown out the door I personally feel it cannot be retrieved again. And if you are going to cheat the relationship is already in trouble if not already over … so my thoughts are, at least give the person you love and respected the heads up even if it blows up the marriage.
Agreed! Although based on this book the author feels much differently…
No sympathy whatsoever. I would punish them by complete denial of cake until a year after they stop.
(Awww! Pearl’s a serious sweetiepie! I urgently want to kiss her nose! And, just to be clear, in no way does that imply I’d be cheating on Tommy and Tuppence… 😀 )
Haha thank GOD you clarified that or you could have some seriously miffed kitties
Here’s my question, though: is Eliza bisexual, or was she sort of shoved into a straight life by parents, society, etc? When you write that her husband is nice and supportive, that doesn’t say anything (to me) about their sexual relationship, which is very important, too. Does she feel romantically about her husband, or does she feel more friendly toward him? I think there’s a big difference between a “slip up” (as some people call greedy, solely selfish infidelity) and when one partner is truly, deeply unhappy. I try to be a realist, and my husband and I have discussed what would be best if we ever fell out of love: don’t be afraid to talk about it, don’t engage in a new relationship before ending this one, don’t get intimate with someone and then hide it. The last thing you want is a divorce and a disease.
Also, please note that when I ask my husband, “What happens if you ever cheat on me?” he immediately answers, “you gonna stab me!” because he knows. He knows.
Lol Eliza is bisexual I think. And what’s interesting is that she appears to have a really great sex life with her husband, which made things even more puzzling. She seems to have lots of romantic feelings for him, just not that exciting feeling of first love that inevitably dissolves after years together
Huh. I’m confused by this character, then. The word “greedy” comes to mind.
hmmmm yes, I could potentially agree with that!
Sometimes I get the feeling (when I’m reading books) that men don’t mind as much if their wives have an affair with a woman than they would if it was a man. Does this happen in real life too? Because to me it’s the same thing. Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because I’m wondering if it comes up in this book… when you mentioned that their lives don’t blow up over the affair. But answering my question might be a spoiler.
Hmm I’m actually reading a book right now that’s a memoir, and in it the woman has an affair with another woman and the husband is upset, but markedly less upset than he would have been if the affair had been with a man! They even discussed that, so it’s an interesting discussion forbsure
And I read a book a couple of weeks ago in which the couple went south to a swinger’s resort, and the husband was strongly encouraging his wife to be with a woman but absolutely didn’t want her with a man. It’s the kind of question that’s hard to get an answer to by just asking around. 🙂
Umm a book about a swingers resort? Do tell! I’ll be looking forward to that review
Between by Angie Abdou. It was so good!
Oh what? I had no idea that’s what her new book was about LOL I have to read it!
It’s not really *about* the swinger’s resort… but a significant part of the story takes place there. I think you’d like it!
I find it hard to sympathize with cheating spouses, fictional or not. There isn’t much, in my mind, that can justify that kind of betrayal. I’ve actually picked up this book, read the blurbs, and then put it back because I figured I’d probably end up just hating the main character.
It’s funny how many women in particular have had the same opinion re: cheating spouses. Now I just need a man to leave a comment on this issue!
Yes, I agree– I always want the cheater to get what is coming to them, and the one cheated on justice. : /
Yess!!!!!