Take My Husband: A Novel by Ellen Meister

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

A witty, insightful domestic comedy about one woman's unexpected, thought-provoking journey out of her marriage as she realizes how much better off she would be if her husband had not survived a serious car crash.

When Laurel Appelbaum gets a call at work from the local hospital informing her that her unemployed husband Doug has been in a serious car accident, she is in shock. Summoned immediately to his bedside, she doesn't know in what condition she will find him. As she rushes to the ER, her mind is full of dire thoughts of this abrupt and unpredictbale end to her marriage...that is until she remembers the large life insurance policy they are carrying in his name.

Suddenly Laurel can't help but imagine what a life on her own might look like...a new little cottage perhaps, the dog she has always wanted but can't have because of Doug's allergies, and the money to travel to see their only son. By the time she arrives she is ready to assume the role of grieving widow, only to find Doug sitting on a gurney, annoyed that she has taken so long to come pick him up. All of the tiny assaults on her freedom and dignity that have chipped away at their marriage and her happiness over the years flood in. She realizes now that she is finally ready to journey out of her marriage because the life really at stake is her own. She just has to figure out how to do it.

my thoughts:

Take My Husband by Ellen Meister is a funny and dark read! Laurel is exhausted of being treated like crap by her overly-demanding husband, Doug. One day at work, she gets a call that Doug has been in an accident. Worried, she rushes to the hospital and winds up imagining what her life would be like if Doug died. She remembers the huge life insurance policy under his name and she can easily picture a much happier life alone. And then, she arrives at the hospital to find him upset that she took so long to get there. Looks like her fantasy life will remain a fantasy, because Doug didn't die. Then again, Laurel realizes that she can get her fantasy life if she leaves her husband. The only thing is to figure out how. And, that is all I will write about this story - you need to read it for yourself to find out if Laurel winds up living out her fantasy life or not. 

Meister has written a terrific story that will grab you right from the start. It's smart, twisted, and humorous - all of which make it a treat to read. Definitely check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!