The Wife by Shalini Boland
Expected publication date: September 9th, 2020
Synopsis:
This is the first novel I’ve read by Shalini Boland, and I am so impressed! Every chance I got, I was sneaking in a few pages of this thrilling book.
Switching back and forth from the past- 18 years ago, before Zoe met her husband to be, Toby, - a little nearer to present day, the wedding day, 10 years ago - and the present, in which Zoe and Toby will celebrate 10 years of marriage, this book is gripping.
18 years ago- Zoe’s mum died when she was very young, leaving her to care for her troubled little sister, Dina, along with her emotionally distant father. Zoe is working in a hair salon when someone makes her a wonderful job offer, but her “friend,” Cassie, snatches it from her.
10 years ago- On Toby and Zoe’s wedding day, Zoe faints and hits her head on the table. There’s much about that day that she can’t remember, and it nags at her as though she’s forgotten something important.
Present- Suddenly, Madeleine, Zoe’s sister-in-law, begins ignoring her, which is quite out of place as they are usually good friends. Before she knows it, she is on the outs with most of her friend group. Nobody will look at her or talk to her, but Zoe doesn’t know what she’s done wrong.
Based on the description, it might sound more like a drama than something truly terrifying. But it was thrilling and gripped my attention in a way not many books do. Every time I thought I had the story nailed down, I was wrong and it veered in a different direction.
The characters may have lacked a little development, but Ms. Boland more than made up for it in description. I totally want to visit England for a gloomy day now, but I’m pretty thankful I wasn’t married anywhere like that - and that I remember my wedding day. :)
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the free arc in exchange for an honest review! I can’t wait to read more from Shalini Boland!
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My Feelings/Reactions:
What a wild story. I am so glad that I didn't pass out on my wedding day (I just had a major panic attack and was screaming until my sister in law made me laugh by saying something about a god burrito). If I did have missing portions from the morning of my wedding, I think I would be pretty freaked out after reading this books. And Zoe was right to be freaked out and have those awful, weird, feelings regarding her wedding day.
The story veered off completely from where I thought it was going, and I was surprised at the red herrings.
One takeaway: The family you make is your family. And that can really be anybody.
Excerpts:
"The best shortage is a shortage of words."
"'I'm starving. What are we having for tea?' 'Fish fingers.' 'Yes!' Jamie does a little victory dance at the thought of his favourite food." What kid has fish fingers as his favorite food?! Is this an English thing?
"Ever since the two of us got together three years ago, his mum has treated me like the daughter she never had. We chat daily, meet for lunch, go on spa days, and tell one another pretty much everything." (The main character's relationship with her mother in law.)
Spoilers: Read at Your Own Risk!
This doesn't account for everything, so make sure you read the book!
Cassie was the red herring! Toby told Madeliene that Zoe cheated on him, but then he confessed to her that she killed her sister, Dina. And Zoe did not kill Dina.. Toby did, since he and Dina had an affair and Dina confronted him the morning of the wedding. Then Toby's brother helped him hide the body. And then Zoe's mother in law tried to kill her, but her dad came in at the last minute and tried to save her.
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