Book Review : The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

I was very excited to read this book, the synopsis, cover and title instantly grabbed my attention. I’ve never read this author before, but after reading this I added two of her other books to my TBR.

Plot Overview

The Perfect Marriage is a suspenseful and twisty read, that is easy to consume in just one sitting. Each chapter keeps you turning each page, wanting to see what happens next.

Adam and Sarah Morgan are a ‘happily’ married couple, Sarah is the successful attorney and Adam is a struggling writer. Sarah is happy with her marriage — Adam not so much.

Adam is having an affair, until it meets a bloody ending. His mistress is murdered, right in the lake house he shares with his wife. And now, Sarah has to defend her adulterous husband.

It is a matter of life and death, and she doesn’t even know if he did it or not.

Character Analysis

Sarah is a pretty likeable character. Maybe I’m just a feminist, but I love strong, motivated and dedicated women. She is no pushover, and that is seen in the novel. Facing a very tumultuous situation, she keeps her cool for the most part — defending her husband in a situation that I don’t think would be easy for most women.

Adam is a much different story. He’s whiny. Kind of entitled — a has a serious case of overbearing mother and maybe mommy issues. He really pissed me off, I can’t even pretend. I of course understand his dilemma of being a struggling writer, he’s having a hard time creating. But the whole affair thing, while your wife is paying all your bills is diabolical work.

While you’re reading, you almost want to feel bad for him. But then he does or thinks or says something obnoxious — and you’re back to not liking him.

Theme and Writing Styles

The theme of failed expectations, forgiveness and resentment are really strong. It’s interesting how Jeneva Rose explores how resentment can truly affect your relationship and in turn the rest of your life.

I would say the writing style is very natural and conversational. It feels like you are in a confessional with Adam and Sarah as each chapter alternates between their perspectives. I really enjoyed reading this style because it feels more immersive and as the reader, you feel the complex range of emotions explored more deeply.

As Sarah feels betrayed by Adam, you feel the rage with her. As Adam feels resentful in the life and his wife’s inattention, you feel understanding towards his actions.

Conclusion

Overall, I will recommending this book to all of my friends just so I can talk about it with more people. It was hard to put down, funny at the right moments and the plot twist was perfection.

The characters and their interactions were realistic and made me feel like I was listening to my friends complain about their spouse, forced to pick a side — even though they both are kind of in the wrong.

Have you read this book? Would you read it?

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