Hi guys! I am back with another book review for you. I’ve been a fan of Liane Moriarty ever since I was introduced to her through Big Little Lies a couple of years ago. (You can catch my review of that here). Because I enjoyed that one so much, I have also read The Husband’s Secret, The Hypnotist’s Love Story, and Three Wishes; I’m hoping to read What Alice Forgot and The Last Anniversary soon, too. Basically, I am a fan. I love Moriarty’s wit and easy conversational writing style, and I love that within each book, we see many different character’s points of view. When I came across one of hers I had not read at the library a couple of weeks ago, I snatched it up and read it quickly. Today I am sharing my thoughts on it in my book report: Truly Madly Guilty.
Out of all of the Moriarty novels I have read, this one is my least favorite. That being said, she set the bar high for me with all of the others and this one just didn’t have the same pull. The story revolves around 3 couples and a barbecue. Erika and Oliver are the childless, uptight, Type A, responsible couple. Their friends Clementine, a cellist, and Sam, are the more care-free creative couple, with two little girls. They appear to have a relatively normal married life. Erika and Oliver’s neighbors, Vid and Tiffany are a little older, with a tween daughter, in addition to Vid’s grown daughters from a previous marriage. They’re the life of the party, always up for socializing. Vid and Tiffany invite Erika and Oliver to an afternoon barbecue, which results in Clementine and Sam coming as well. In the first 3/4 of the book, we read backgrounds, learn a little more about the less than domestic bliss happening in the homes, and we hear all about something that happened at the barbecue. 3/4 of the book!!!! There is just so much build up to the events of the barbecue that the novel is written around, and honestly, what actually occurred was just not as exciting as I thought it would be. I kept pushing through waiting for this big thing, and it was like…. “womp womp.” The storyline was disappointing. That being said, the book was written in Moriarty’s humorous and casual style that I enjoy. If you’ve already read much of Liane Moriarty’s books, then you might want to give this one a try. However, if you have never read a novel of hers, I suggest you don’t start with this one because you’re sure to never pick up another again. And then you’d be missing out.
For the record, I really dislike writing harsh or negative reviews, but I want to be honest with you and don’t want you wasting your time on something you’re not going to love. Life is too short for that!
I’m already onto the next book, The Girls, by Emma Cline. I had heard a lot of buzz about this one, so felt like I should give it a whirl; it’s a novel about a girl in a cult in the 60’s. I’ll be sure to share my thoughts on it in a week or two. Have you read Truly Madly Deeply? Any other books you’re reading that are simply a must? Spill!
