Indiscretion by Charles Dubow combines some of my favorite literary elements into a delicious and opulent cocktail. The lifestyle of the extremely rich, an outside narrator with close connections to central characters (much like Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby), a love triangle with three strong and well-fleshed sides---Indiscretion has it all.
The plot revolves around the magnetic marriage of Harry and Maddy, a power couple that draws everyone around them into their glamorous life. Harry and Maddy seem to have everything---money, a beautiful son, and the kind of relationship everyone around them envies. But when they meet Claire, a young, charismatic woman, with an instant connection with Harry, the life they love so much is suddenly thrown into question.
Narrated by Maddy's childhood friend Walter, Indiscretion develops itself as slowly as the fine wine the characters love. Though usually I am understandably repulsed by affair narratives, this one was unique. It gave me the perspectives of all three individuals involved, and although it was from the somewhat biased view of Walter, it did work hard to develop each angle. Though I ultimately didn't sympathize with all the characters, and actually ended up hating some of them, I did love that I got a valid view from all perspectives.
However, the real strength of this narrative isn't the story itself, but the writing. Dubow is poetic and lyrical, illuminating the environment of very setting, from beach cottage to the city streets of Paris. I could almost taste the oysters sitting coldly on china platters!
Recommended to: any fans of relationship dramas (Nora Roberts, Jodi Picoult), people who party with Jay Gatsby, anyone who loves to fall in love with a setting.
The plot revolves around the magnetic marriage of Harry and Maddy, a power couple that draws everyone around them into their glamorous life. Harry and Maddy seem to have everything---money, a beautiful son, and the kind of relationship everyone around them envies. But when they meet Claire, a young, charismatic woman, with an instant connection with Harry, the life they love so much is suddenly thrown into question.
Narrated by Maddy's childhood friend Walter, Indiscretion develops itself as slowly as the fine wine the characters love. Though usually I am understandably repulsed by affair narratives, this one was unique. It gave me the perspectives of all three individuals involved, and although it was from the somewhat biased view of Walter, it did work hard to develop each angle. Though I ultimately didn't sympathize with all the characters, and actually ended up hating some of them, I did love that I got a valid view from all perspectives.However, the real strength of this narrative isn't the story itself, but the writing. Dubow is poetic and lyrical, illuminating the environment of very setting, from beach cottage to the city streets of Paris. I could almost taste the oysters sitting coldly on china platters!
Recommended to: any fans of relationship dramas (Nora Roberts, Jodi Picoult), people who party with Jay Gatsby, anyone who loves to fall in love with a setting.
Release Date: February 5, 2013 Pages: 400 Format: ARC
Source: TLC Book Tours Publisher: William Morrow Buy It: Book Depository
I absolutely LOVED this book. I literally cannot wait to write my review. But this is so much better than Jodi Picoult- she's awful.
ReplyDeleteBut I see you're reading Jennifer McMahon- she is GREAT. I've read all of her books and they are creepy, a little disturbing, but good. very good. :)
Hehe that was Meghan comparison, not mine (Zoe) but I think she meant for subject matter, not writing. I've read 3 McMahons in the past and they were awesome. This one I just started and I'm definitely enjoying it but it hasn't hooked me quite yet. Hopefully that's coming soon.
DeleteAnyway with everyone falling in love with Indiscretion I may have to read it myself too! Can't wait to see your review.