Author:  Randy Susan Meyers   
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source: BEA

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Goodreads:  Accidents of Marriage explores a topic rarely shown in fiction: the destruction left in the wake of spouse’s verbal fury. Ben never meant to hurt Maddy. He never imagined his recklessness would lead to tragedy.

Maddy is a social worker trying to balance her career and three children. Years ago, she fell in love with Ben, a public defender, drawn to his fiery passion, but now he’s lashing out at her during his periodic verbal furies. She vacillates between tiptoeing around him and asserting herself for the sake of their kids – which works to keep a fragile peace – until the rainy day when they’re together in the car and Ben’s volatile temper gets the best of him, leaving Maddy in the hospital fighting for her life.

Randy Susan Meyers takes us inside the hearts and minds of her characters, alternating among the perspectives of Maddy, Ben, and their fourteen-year-old daughter. Accidents of Marriage is a provocative and stunning novel that will resonate deeply with women from all walks of life, ultimately revealing the challenges of family, faith, and forgiveness.

Ope’s Opinion:  I am having a hard time reviewing this book.  I think it is a good story to highlight emotional abuse.  I am not sure there was anyone in this family who were not emotionally abused.  I think this was a realistic look inside a difficult family.   There were lessons to be learned from this book – they are hard lessons.  

 I did not “enjoy” reading it.  There were a few times I almost stopped reading.  It was kind of depressing.  I wanted to see improvement in the relationships, I wanted some resolution and I wanted to eventually like the family – that did not happen.

I have read Randy Susan Meyers and I will read her again. I think I would recommend The Comfort of Lies, if you have not read her before.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.