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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Truly Madly Guilty

Truly Madly Guilty

I've been looking forward to this book since I read Big Little Lies, which was my introduction to Liane Moriarty's writing. I loved it and went on to read The Husband's Secret, which I also enjoyed, so this is my third go around with Moriarty. I've seen some mixed reviews, so frankly I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to say I was not disappointed. I think Liane Moriarty has a knack for showing us the richness and absurdities of middle class suburban life, the folly and the joys of a first world lifestyle. This is a book about consequences, about accepting ourselves for who we are- and for accepting those around us for who they are. And perhaps most of all, for appreciating what we have.

This story is about what happens at a barbecue, and how it affects the lives of three couples afterwards. Like the ripples in a pond when a stone is thrown in, actions and consequences spread out and affect everything after. The heart of the story is the relationship between Clementine and Erika, two friends since childhood- and do they ever have baggage. Erika grew up with a hoarder for a mom, and so Clementine's mom took her in almost as a second daughter- and in her well meaning way she forced Clementine to befriend Erika. Over the years they truly became friends, but there are resentments on both sides, regrets and mixed feelings, and this affects their relationship. When something terrible happens at the barbecue, these fault lines are exposed and everyone is forced to reexamine their lives.

Moriarty tackles a lot of issues in this book- there are a lot of things going on. Perhaps too many? I don't want to get into spoilers but let's just say there are marriage issues, mental health issues, guilt and forgiveness- even a look at how these things affect kids. If it sounds a little heavy, it can be, but it's also funny and at times shocking. I suspected early on what had happened and was wrong, it went a different direction and there are a lot of side issues as well. And I was moved a bit by the end, a few things happen that I wasn't expecting and that made this a very thought provoking read for me. So many things happened here that I suspect I'll be thinking about this book for a while, sorting out my feelings.

I just want to mention too the humor. Maybe it's me but Moriarty has a way of portraying the middle class issues of this generation spot on. As serious as this book can be, I laughed a lot reading it- and that's certainly been the case for the other books by her that I've read. There's a wry voice throughout the narrative that pokes fun at our middle class lifestyle. And I love the way she uses Sydney as her setting- it's always nice when an author can share a place they know effectively like that.

Moriarty's books make me think and they make me laugh. A good combination. Big Little Lies is still my favorite but this one is good as well- I probably liked it as much or more than The Husband's Secret. And while I was nearing the halfway point and stating to get a little frustrated that I didn't know what happened at the barbecue yet, once the reveal happens I couldn't stop reading. And there's more than one reveal, so this kept me guessing. If the premise appeals to you or you just want to read a well written (and funny) look at how one event can change everything, this is an excellent pick. 

16 comments:

  1. I haven't read any of her books. I want to read this, but think I'll read Big Little Lies first.

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    1. I think Big Little Lies is a great place to start. I love that book and it's humorous too- I'd be curious to see what you think. :)

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  2. As much as I don't read many contemporaries, you've definitely peaked my interest about Moriarty! I love how you said that her books make you think and make you laugh. That's a hard combination to master and it seems like she does it beautifully. Glad you enjoyed this one my friend :)

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    1. I was never a big contemporary reader either, and this year it seems like I've been tackling those (and thrillers). And I really like this author- she cracks me up but she tackles real issues too. She seems to have a way to poke fun at middle class life. :)

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  3. Wow, sounds like there is a lot going on in this one. I'm glad you weren't disappointed with it. I haven't read one of her books before, but I need to for sure.

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    1. Big Little Lies is a riot if you get a chance to read it. All the snarking between the parents- that was my favorite part!

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  4. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Husband's Secret, and am looking forward to reading more by Moriarty. I like books that can make me think and laugh. This sounds like a good one. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. Thanks! I've liked all three of these that I've read.

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  5. I really need to read something -anything - at this point by Moriarty. I like how you blends the humor into some really stressful sounding situations. I think The Husband's Secret is calling me the most but they all look great. And am I losing my mind or did you change your background? I like it!

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    1. I think you can't go wrong with The Husband's secret but I also think Big Little Lies is so funny you might really like that one. But either way you're fine. And yes I finally changed my background ha ha- takes me forever to get these things done. :) Thanks!

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  6. This book sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing it.

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  7. I will definitely be reading one of the three books at some point. Thanks for sharing your review and the blog looks great!

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  8. I'm glad you really enjoyed! I think my expectations were a bit too high. Still it was very will written and I love Sydney as a setting too. Great review!

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  9. Nice review. I didn't like it as much as her others that I've read but it was still an interesting book with some unexpected twists. She is really good with writing complicated characters and I like the style of the writing too.

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  10. I enjoyed this one too, and I've heard that Big Little Lies is even better, so I definitely want to pick that one up now.

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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  11. Glad to hear this one didn't disappoint! Sounds like it has some important messages to share about consequences, acceptation and appreciation. It does seems to be heavy and a bit too much at times, but it's also great when an author can fit so much in a book and not have it feel too overwhelming. Great review!

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