American Wife
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Doubleday (an imprint of Transworld Publishers)
Date: 2008
Place: London
ISBN: 9780385616485 / 9780385616416
Price: R199 (Exclusive Books)
Page No: 558 pages
Reviewed by Brenda Daniels ©
As the world basks in the afterglow of the 2009 U.S. elections, it was appropriate that I should come across American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld; this epic novel tracks the life of Alice Lindeque, a woman who marries a man destined to become the President of America.
Alice is an ordinary, small town American girl with vague democratic political leanings. The events of her life ultimately lead her to marriage with Charlie Blackwell, a republican, and a man so different to her in character, upbringing and conviction. When Charlie becomes president (his position is based on that of George W Bush which I found rather irritating) Alice finds herself living a life with which she is uncomfortable and not wholly suited to. Finally, in her influential position as First Lady, Alice develops the courage to act on her convictions, and in doing so finds some sort of peace. Her courage grows gently, however, after many years of being undecided, living in two worlds. This is the theme of Sittenfeld’s writing and could easily apply to her readers – how many of us are not absolutely certain of our political convictions, our religious beliefs, romantic attachments or social stance?
But this gentle juxtaposition could also prove to be the book’s downfall. After a heady start with engrossing descriptions of sex, pages of 'show not tell' detail and sustained and accurate character portrayal, American Wife fails to climax, ending slowly and without fanfare. But, based on the book’s theme, perhaps that was the author’s intention; I’m not sure……..
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Doubleday (an imprint of Transworld Publishers)
Date: 2008
Place: London
ISBN: 9780385616485 / 9780385616416
Price: R199 (Exclusive Books)
Page No: 558 pages
Reviewed by Brenda Daniels ©
As the world basks in the afterglow of the 2009 U.S. elections, it was appropriate that I should come across American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld; this epic novel tracks the life of Alice Lindeque, a woman who marries a man destined to become the President of America.
Alice is an ordinary, small town American girl with vague democratic political leanings. The events of her life ultimately lead her to marriage with Charlie Blackwell, a republican, and a man so different to her in character, upbringing and conviction. When Charlie becomes president (his position is based on that of George W Bush which I found rather irritating) Alice finds herself living a life with which she is uncomfortable and not wholly suited to. Finally, in her influential position as First Lady, Alice develops the courage to act on her convictions, and in doing so finds some sort of peace. Her courage grows gently, however, after many years of being undecided, living in two worlds. This is the theme of Sittenfeld’s writing and could easily apply to her readers – how many of us are not absolutely certain of our political convictions, our religious beliefs, romantic attachments or social stance?
But this gentle juxtaposition could also prove to be the book’s downfall. After a heady start with engrossing descriptions of sex, pages of 'show not tell' detail and sustained and accurate character portrayal, American Wife fails to climax, ending slowly and without fanfare. But, based on the book’s theme, perhaps that was the author’s intention; I’m not sure……..
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