Authors: Shannon Hale
Pages: 339
Publisher: Bloomsbury (2009)
Review:
I’m certain most people have watched a romantic comedy at least once in their lives. So really, as the title implies and to quote this book’s blurb, “Becky’s story of a steadfast housewife and the handsome star is the ultimate romantic fantasy”. And yet, that is such a tremendous lie, that I can’t even begin to describe it (yes, I did take that line out of context).
There is no point in describing the plot, which is – for once – somewhat irrelevant. The characters, however… aye, there’s the rub! First, we have the third person narrator, with such a distinct voice that I feel the need to give him (it?) a heartfelt thumbs up for carrying much of the novel’s weight and giving it a distinct style. Then, we get to more tangible characters: Felix proves his worth as a debonair actor, Becky comes through as a charming and ordinary woman, and her husband – what can I even say about Mike that will describe him? Their relationship is so genuine and real, outside of the glittery Hollywood situations, grounding the book and allowing it to take flight at the same time. Through them, we explore an interesting point: what constitutes infidelity? Can married beings have close friends of the opposite sex?
I must’ve cried a few buckets at certain points during the book (I’ve got somewhat itchy and puffy eyes to stand witness), laughed outright at some other points (there are live witnesses in this case), thought hard about certain issues (my brow is permanently creased, at least until tomorrow), and ultimately sighed at the not-quite fairytale in my hands. Emotions, thoughts, conflict that rages inside the characters: this is what makes the novel stand apart from others and be indefinable in genre.
The religious worldview of Becky Jack, mother of four children, Mormon housewife, might make certain people think twice before picking up this book. See beyond that, and realize that the book’s much more than that. Regardless of how you feel about the ultimate decisions of the characters and the way the story plays out, the feelings expressed there are real, poignant, and moving. You won’t be disappointed, even if you find it too hard to come back to the story very often – I think I’m definitely included in that category.
Which doesn’t mean I won’t keep it on my shelf and cherish it. And when it gets made into a movie, as it should, I’ll be there with popcorn and treats. Scout’s honor.
