American Wife

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“I chose over relationship over my political convictions.” That in a nut shell is what Curtis Sittenfeld’s latest novel American Wife is about. The book is about an assuming librarian from a small town who marries a wealthy son of a politician who eventually becomes the president of the United States. The story is well told and filled with the intricate details I like. However, I didn’t love it. Maybe it’s because I knew it was loosely based on Laura Bush, and so I spent half the book wondering what was true and what was fiction. Maybe it’s because I have been quiet about my political and personal convictions both in relationships and social settings causing myself sleepless nights wondering if I am being true to what I really believe. That said, the book was a very interesting read that gave me more respect for the women (and sometimes men) who stand beside the political forces that are their spouses. I don’t know how they do it.

ps. I may or may not have bought this book because of its cover with the justification that the blurbs on the cover were from reputable sources. Don't judge me please.