I love a good work of fiction that focuses on marriage. Do I want to read a true story about marriage? Not particularly. But do I want to read about a fake couple and all the trouble they have without feeling guilty or voyeuristic? Absolutely. This is one of the reasons why I loved Dear Evelyn by Kathy Page, which won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize in 2018. It’s a book about a 70 year marriage, which is impossible to fathom because I’ve only been alive less than half of that time, and if that sounds like a brag, it is. I filmed this review on my new blue couch which I love, and Smokey makes a quick appearance at the end too. I’ll apologize in advance for how tired I look and sound in this video.
Book Review: Dear Evelyn by Kathy Page
Looking forward to discussing Dear Evelyn at book club
me too Gillian, it should be a good discussion!
I really, really, really think you would love the novel The Dangerous Husband by Jane Shapiro and the short story collection For Sale by Owner by Kelcey Parker. I’ve read both, but it was before I had a blog, so I would love to read them again and write a review. Lately, I’ve been doing buddy reads. Basically, another blogger and I read the same book and post our reviews on the same date. It’s not loads of work, you just have to pick a book and a date. If you’re interested in doing a buddy read with me for the Shapiro or Parker books, let me know!
This sounds like so much fun! But I just have a crazy backlog of publisher reads on my shelf, and I’m working on some book content pitches to other media outlets so I can’t really read what I want…you know what I mean? Every book I read (mostly) has a different purpose. Sigh.
I find I either love or hate books about marriage. I hate when they’re overly negative about marriage (having this problem with the book I’m reading now) and I find a lot of them unrealistic. But, as you say, I can’t really fathom what it’s like to be married for 70 years.
Although this marriage in this book is a bit depressing and not entirely positive, I didn’t find it’s depiction of marriage negative per se. And the end is a real tear-jerker!
A 70-year marriage?? So… a horror story. then? I reckon even George Clooney’s charms would wear thin after the first sixty years or so… 😉
BAHAHAHAH
Yes, well not surprisingly everything isn’t rainbows and lollipops, although I like to think my husband and I will stay together for the long run 🙂
I’m so glad you liked this… I loved it! What is it about spying on other peoples’ marriages?
My husband and I have been married for 20 years now… 50 more to go! No problem! 😉
20 years is impressive!
Sorry I missed bookclub last week. I had been too busy to read the book and I hate spoilers. I have just finished it and yes, I really liked it as well. I agree that it makes one reflect on one’s own marriage. I wish I had been there for the discussion, as I’m sure it would have been very interesting.
You were definitely missed! It was a great discussion. Hopefully you got the Wordfest email that was sent out a few days ago outlining the upcoming books and meeting dates?
Sorry for late reply- I did get the email re upcoming books. Will definitely be there in May! See you then!
fabulous! See you then.