Books matching: dysfunctional marriage
35 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A sharp, quietly unsettling portrait of a marriage gone wrong - less a thriller, more an absorbing psychological study for readers who appreciate complex, messy relationships and slow-building tension.
The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison is a psychological thriller that delves into the gradual disintegration of a 20-year marriage between Jodi Brett and Todd Gilbert. The story is narrated through alternating chapters from the perspectives of both husband and wife, providing a deep exploration of their characters and relationship dynamics. The book has been compared to Gone Girl for its use of dual narrators but is praised for its focus on character development rather than relying solely on plot twists.
The plot follows Jodi, a psychologist, and Todd, a successful builder, as their relationship unravels when Todd gets a young woman pregnant and decides to leave Jodi. The novel explores themes of denial, betrayal, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The writing style is noted for its detailed characterizations and the way it delves into the psychological underpinnings of the characters, making for a compelling and introspective read.
It’s early September. Jodi Brett is in her kitchen, making dinner. Thanks to the open plan of the condo, she has an unobstructed view through the living room to its east-facing windows and beyond to a...June 2013•370 pages - #2
Save:A relentlessly twisty thriller that keeps you off-balance, with zero easy answers and characters you’ll love to hate. Not for the faint of heart, but totally unputdownable if you like your fiction dark and sharp.
'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a psychological thriller that delves into the dysfunctional marriage of Nick and Amy. The story unfolds with a man coming home on his 5th wedding anniversary to find his house destroyed and his wife missing, leading to a search where all clues point towards him. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, portraying the cunning dynamics between the characters, creating a chilling portrait of the ill effects of narcissistic disorder and manipulation. The novel keeps readers on edge as it explores themes of deception, betrayal, and the dark aspects of human nature.
When I think of my wife, I always think of her head. The shape of it, to begin with. The very first time I saw her, it was the back of the head I saw, and there was something lovely about it, the angl...June 2012•453 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, angsty historical romance that starts strong but may falter for those wanting deeper characters and unpredictable twists.
"Another Eden" by Patricia Gaffney follows the story of Sara Cochrane, who is stuck in a dysfunctional and abusive marriage with Ben. Sara's life takes a turn when Alex McKie, an architect hired by Ben to build a mansion, enters her life. As Sara and Alex develop a friendship that turns into a complex love, they struggle with the impossibility of their relationship due to Sara's commitment to her son and fear of Ben. The plot unfolds with themes of ambition, love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships, set against the backdrop of Newport and Rhode Island.
Sherry's was crowded for a wet Thursday night. Alexander McKie sipped rye whiskey and scanned the dining room with a practiced eye. The attractive redhead at the banquette was watching him again. All...October 1992•460 pages - #4
Save:'The Fortress' by Danielle Trussoni delves into the intricate workings of a failed marriage between the author and her husband, Nikolai. Trussoni takes the reader through the emotional journey of love, betrayal, and self-examination as she navigates the painful dissolution of her relationship. The narrative explores the explosive beginning of their relationship, the slow deterioration of trust, and the heartbreaking end of their marriage, all set against the backdrop of living in an ancient fortress in the south of France.
Trussoni's writing style in 'The Fortress' is described as thought-provoking, brutally honest, and emotionally gripping. The author presents a realistic account of her experiences, refusing to paint herself as a victim and instead taking a searing, incisive look at her vulnerabilities and the ways they were exploited. offers a compelling exploration of belief, desire, and self-discovery, captivating readers with its engrossing, tantalizing, and heartbreaking narrative.
Or, more precisely, I lived with my husband and two children in La Commanderie, a medieval fortification at the center of the French village of Aubais, pronounced “obey,” as in “love, honor and…Aubais...September 2016•335 pages - #5
Save:A touching, quietly profound novel about regret, hope, and finding meaning at any age. Take this journey if you’re in the mood for a reflective, emotionally rich read that stays with you long after the last page.
'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' follows the story of Harold, a recently retired man who embarks on a 600-mile walk across England to visit his dying friend, Queenie. As Harold walks, he meets various people who impact his journey and reminisces on his life, leading to revelations and self-discovery. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of relationships, portraying Harold's transformation and his wife Maureen's parallel journey of self-discovery.
THE LETTER THAT would change everything arrived on a Tuesday. It was an ordinary morning in mid-April that smelt of clean washing and grass cuttings. Harold Fry sat at the breakfast table, freshly sha...July 2012•363 pages - #6
Save:Powerful, heartbreaking, and deeply authentic, "The Woman Who Walked Into Doors" is a tough but unforgettable read about survival and self-worth. Bring tissues - and a readiness for emotional honesty.
'The Woman Who Walked Into Doors' by Roddy Doyle is a powerful and realistic portrayal of the life of Paula Spencer, a woman who suffers from domestic abuse at the hands of her husband Charlo. The book delves deep into Paula's struggles, her descent into alcoholism, and her journey towards self-discovery and liberation. Written in a raw and unflinching style, the novel captures the emotional turmoil and complexities of Paula's life, offering a poignant and harrowing insight into the harsh realities of domestic violence.
I knew before he spoke. It clicked inside me when I opened the door. (For years opening that door scared the life out of me. I hated it; it terrified me. We had this screeching bell like an alarm that...January 1996•242 pages - #7
Save:A suspenseful, secrets-packed mystery that keeps you guessing - great for fans of domestic thrillers and legal drama, though it takes a few chapters to hit its stride.
A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight is a legal thriller that delves into the complexities of marriages, secrets, and compromises. The book follows Lizzie, a corporate attorney who is drawn into defending her old friend Zach, who is accused of murdering his wife Amanda. Through alternating narratives, the story unfolds revealing layers of deception, questionable motives, and dysfunctional marriages within a posh community in Park Slope. As Lizzie navigates through twists, suspense, and revelations, the reader is taken on a journey of uncovering the truth behind the facade of seemingly perfect marriages.
The sun was sinking lower in the skyscraper forest outside my office window. I imagined myself sitting there at my desk, letting the darkness fully descend. Wondering if tonight it might finally swall...May 2020•400 pages - #8
Save:A complex, beautifully written exploration of love, deceit, and self-deception - the ultimate unreliable narrator novel. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for those willing to get lost in its layers.
The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford is a tale of passion, miscommunication, and deception set in the late 1890s, focusing on the intertwined lives of two couples. Narrated by the deceived husband, the story unfolds in a non-chronological order, revealing the complexities of relationships and the unreliability of perception. The novel delves into themes of betrayal, hidden truths, and the facade of societal expectations, offering a nuanced portrayal of human nature and societal norms of the Edwardian era.
1915•351 pages - #9
Save:A lyrical and subtly gripping exploration of a family's fractures and secrets. Perfect for fans of literary fiction who don't mind a few loose ends.
'Swimming Lessons' by Claire Fuller is a multi-layered narrative chronicling the aftermath of Ingrid's disappearance and its impact on her family. The story is told through a combination of present-day interactions between Ingrid's husband, daughters, and their discoveries of her hidden letters, and past letters written by Ingrid herself. The book delves into themes of family dysfunction, secrets, and the complexities of relationships, offering a poignant exploration of betrayal, love, and the sacrifices made over a lifetime.
The ringing woke Flora from a deep sleep. Richard, lying next to her, had a pillow over his head, so she climbed across him and out into the cold and gloomy room. She stepped over the debris of clothe...February 2017•356 pages - #10
Save:A clever, often uncomfortable look at goodness and marital malaise - witty, honest, but heavier (and sadder) than you might expect from Hornby. Worth reading if you like messy, real-life dilemmas.
'How to be good' by Nick Hornby follows the story of a married couple whose lives take a drastic turn when the husband undergoes a transformation from being the Most Angry Man to becoming altruistic, causing chaos in their household. The novel explores themes of marriage, morality, and the complexities of human nature through a mix of humor and dark undertones. The writing style is described as a blend of black humor, wit, and insightful observations, with a focus on questioning what it truly means to be a good person.
The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate through a series of unconventional events, leading to introspection on the concept of goodness and the consequences of trying to live up to societal expectations. presents a thought-provoking exploration of morality, relationships, and the struggles of balancing personal values with everyday life, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging tone throughout.
I am in a car park in Leeds when I tell my husband I don't want to be married to him any more. David isn't even in the car park with me. He's at home, looking after the kids, and I have only called hi...January 2000•318 pages
