Pages

3.07.2012

A Review: I Married You for Happiness by Lily Tuck


But always there is the same suffocating heat; always the same shattered light in the room separated from the terrace by the beaded curtain; always the dog nervously shifting his weight outside; always a glimpse of her red sarong draped over the chair and the acrid smell of sea, earth, and rot.

I found I Married You for Happiness while perusing the recent releases section at the library.  I remembered I'd added this to my Goodreads list long ago and figured I could get through it rather quickly while working on finishing King's 11/22/63. While this is a short read, coming in at just over 200 pages, its pages are filled with heavy content.

Nina sits by the bedside, gripping the cold hand of her now deceased husband, Phillip.  While Nina holds vigil in the span of an evening, the audience drifts through snapshots of the happiness and sorrow endured while sharing a life together.

If I was asked to use one word to describe the novel, I'd most likely voice somber. As Nina's only just come to terms with her husband's passing, when it occurs unexpectedly on a seemingly normal evening in their home, the audience is forced to share the emotions and thoughts passing through her head. The images of the past and the present move in succession quickly, almost like experiencing a dream sequence. And, in a sense, I guess that's what it may be for Nina. From time to time, Nina can hardly believe that he's actually gone. And I believe these were the hardest sections of the novel for me.

Nina's character may be overly jealous, and a bit selfish. However, I believe that many people have the tendency to ask themselves how they'll continue once they've lost someone they share so much with. We also see how she's developed as an individual next to Phillip. We see his character through her lens, a man very confident and content with his life, as opposed to herself, who struggles with her negative perception of herself as an artist. I will note that Phillip's character is a mathematics professor at an Ivy League school, and Tuck constructs much of Phillip's voice through his discussion of complex theorems with Nina, many of which she doesn't generally care for or pay attention to. I will also admit that I know these added another level to the novel, but was ambivalent about many of the probability rants and probably missed many connections on that score.

She thinks back on the moments when she was unfaithful, and back to when she knew he was as well. While I'll admit that I found the storyline of the wealthy and intelligent professor/artist couple, traveling to exotic locales, and engaging in unfeeling affairs, wholly unoriginal, I was able to move past the shell of these characters to enjoy the work on a deeper level. The intensity of the physical relationship, the stability a partner offers, the little habits that are so endearing/irritating, each pieces that made this work so relatable. While Nina and Phillip would never be considered a model relationship, I do believe that the intimacies otherwise offered a realistic portrait of a 40 year marriage.

All and all, Tuck's novel won't be one of my favorite titles of the year, but I did enjoy the intimacy it offered and the reflection it prompted. I suggest you pick it up if you're looking for something that is both moving and effortless.




10 comments:

  1. This sounds like a tough read in terms of emotions. When I first read about this book I was drawn to the title and the cover.

    I like how you mentioned it's effortless - after the never ending book Love in the Time of Cholera that takes a whole lot of effort, I am desperate for something a little less tedious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brenna,
    It actually was a pretty tough read. I mean just as a compassionate human being it was, but I think more so because I do share a life with someone that means the world to me. I think that aspect of it made it even more sad. But - I think anyone would see it that way. I will say that I felt the infidelity aspect and the big secret piece a little tiring. The prose saved it and made me enjoy it much more.

    It's certainly a fast read despite content. I finished it in two afternoons split. I can only imagine with Love in the Time of Cholera...Marquez is intense. & confusing. You should definitely give it a go!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds hard to read, if only because I would imagine myself in the same situation, and that's something no one likes to think about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sam,
      That's exactly how I felt. It doesn't really seem like fiction..it's very realistic. The language is really beautiful and I think it's worth a shot.

      Delete
  4. I think I've checked this one out from the library at least three times and never actually read it. The premise sounds fascinating, as I'm a huge fan of marriage tales and realistic fiction. I need to check it out (again) and actually read it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie,
      I do that so often but I decided to stick it out on this one. It's a quick read, albeit heavy, but I think you could polish it off in an afternoon. I'd love to see your thoughts on the title!

      Delete
  5. Every time I see this book cover I pause--there's something very haunting about those two lonely chairs.

    I'm not sure this one is for me, but if I'm ever looking for a very emotional read, I'll seek it out.

    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rayna,
      The cover art is quite moving and so telling of what's in store for the reader. I definitely recommend it.

      Delete
  6. Sounds like a nice scorcher to me. I like when my readings don't leave me in one piece.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ben, I'd say so. It's far more realistic than most of the fiction I've surrounded myself lately. Very refreshing.

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...