Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 1st April 2013
Time: 13hrs 48mins
Narrated by: Caroline Lee
Book Source: Own audio

Synopsis: From the author of the critically acclaimed What Alice Forgot comes a breakout new novel about the secrets husbands and wives keep from each other.

My Darling Cecilia
If you're reading this, then I've died . . .

Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret - something so terrible it would destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others too. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive . . .

Cecilia Fitzpatrick achieved it all - she's an incredibly successful business woman, a pillar of her small community and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia - or each other - but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband's devastating secret.

My Thoughts:
The Husband's Secret is an unputdownable look at the human psyche, the complexities of conscience, right and wrong. There's a slow peeling back of layers, puzzle pieces gradually forming a complete picture. 

Funny, poignant, shocking, heartbreaking, The Husband's Secret is all this and so much more. Liane Moriarty's characterisation is superb, and likable or not, the characters are relatable in their strength's and flaws.

Three women; Cecelia her ordered life shattered by her husband's devastating secret, Tess & Rachael irrevocably connected by that secret. Love, guilt, punishment and forgiveness all intertwined. 

Can't really go into any more detail without entering spoiler territory and this is most definitely best read with as little foreshadowing as possible. Surprisingly it's not all dark and achy, the dry humour and Cecelia's internal dialogue cracked me up. 

The Husband's Secret is compelling reading, I just had to know what happened; don't plan on putting this one down. Narrator, Caroline Lee does a stellar job with this one and the epilogue was one of the best ever. 

An immensely readable, thought provoking story of light and shade that leaves you questioning ...

Recommend: In a heartbeat


Connect with Liane Moriarty





24 comments:

  1. I enjoyed this one, too, and you said it perfectly: "There's a slow peeling back of layers, puzzle pieces gradually forming a complete picture."

    I always love this kind of storytelling.

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    1. me too Laurel, really keeps you invested. Did you know Liane's sister Nicola has a similar style. I loved her book Paper Chains, it's another 2013 fave.

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  2. Sounds good :D I have not read her books before

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  3. I thought this was fantastic. I was definitely surprised by the story too. It wasn't quite like I thought it would be. I liked What Alice Forgot and thought this was even better. I'm glad you enjoyed it too!

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    1. Thanks Christina, I want to read What Alice Forgot next :)

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  4. My plan is to get to this book before the end of the year. After learning Caroline Lee narrates, I may have to listen.

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    1. I know how much you love your audio Nise and I think you'd love this one!!

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  5. Okay I have been mucking around on internet because I am tired, but I really want to go and read! Having read your review I went over to audible and spent one of my credits on this book. Will be awhile before I get it but great to know you liked it on audio.

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    1. YAY nice my rave review inspired you to grab this one, you won't be sorry I'm sure :)

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  6. I loved it on audio. One of my favorites this year!

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    1. I can't wait to read more of her work Mary! Have you read Nicola Moriarty's??

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  7. I loved this one too. Sure to be one of my favorites! And I agree, the less you know the better!

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    1. absolutely! It's nice to see it unfold without a heads up of any form :)

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  8. I enjoyed reading your review. I enjoyed this book as well.

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  9. Right! I agree totally! I am listening to What Alice Forgot now by the same author.

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  10. Really well written. The book concentrates on three families, all connected through the most unlikely circumstances. I couldn't put the book down. And the cherry on top is the epilogue. It will leave you speechless.
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  11. Great review, I can't wait to read this one :)

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  12. Very interesting book, I hadn't heard about it before but I am definitely intrigued now. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I'll have to read it now you've made me need to know what happens!

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  14. sounds too painful a read for me at this time - nice you had it on audio!

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