I have a couple of Clare Chambers books on my never-ending TBR (to be read) pile, including the massively successful Small Pleasures. However, I’m ashamed to say I haven’t actually read any of them yet.
The Editor’s Wife was the first Clare Chambers novel I read. I was lucky enough to read a copy through Netgalley and I had high expectations.
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Plot
Aspiring novelist Christopher Flinders drops out of university to write what he hopes is going to be a masterpiece. When editor Owen Goddard loves his book, Christopher is welcomed not only to Owen’s office but also to his family home. It is here that Christopher meets Diana, Owen’s charming and sophisticated wife. He is instantly drawn to the two of them and the life they lead that is so far removed from his own. After a situation causes massive repercussions for Christopher and the Goddards, he is devastated and moves away from London to a remote part of Yorkshire.
Twenty years on Christopher meets a woman who is researching Owen Goddard and he is forced to face his past and the consequences of his actions.
The Editor’s Wife Book Review
The book is undoubtedly beautifully written. The prose flows nicely and is peppered with subtle humour and acute observations.
However, I just found it a little dull. The story moves at a slow pace and I was often left wondering where the story was going. There was a plot twist which, although I predicted it, was a little far fetched. I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and it all felt a bit bleak at times.
The last quarter of the book was the best for me. There was a scene in Christopher’s home towards the end of the novel where a lot of the main characters were brought together. It was touching and humorous and it easily was my favourite part of the whole book. I did also enjoy the insight into the world of publishing.
Ultimately it was a very well written novel but sadly just wasn’t for me. I can easily see why others loved it but personally, I prefer a little more story and depth.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.