Outtakes from a Marriage: A Novel

by: Ann Leary

Published by: Shaye Areheart Books

Reviewed by Nicole M. Boals

Julia Ferraro is what I pictured in my mind as a typical high-brow New York housewife. She’s rich, married to an extremely successful (and extremely sexy) actor husband, raising two kids and living in a somewhat discontented haze. The rug is pulled out from under her one night when she hears a voicemail that is damning proof that her husband is having an affair. The chain of events that follow has her doing things she never fathomed were in her repertoire–from getting botox, to standing up to an overly analytical preschool teacher. Love, hate, self-respect, insecurities and often down-right twisted personal relations combine to make this a truly enjoyable book.

I found this book to be funny; really, really funny. It is a barbed-wire humor, sharp and acerbic. Sometimes you laugh and then wonder if laughing at the situation was inappropriate. It also has very poignant moments that make this book very real and gripping. You instantly connect with the characters and want to see them come out on top. It also has you questioning what you would do in such a situation. More than once I mentally chided Julia for her actions and then realized that I would have probably reacted the same way.

It’s a quick and easy read, which is amplified by the fact that you will suddenly develop an inability to put the book down the moment you read the first sentence. Highly entertaining, a catalyst for soul searching, and all around enjoyable, Outtake from a Marriage is a must read for, well, everyone.

Armchair Interviews says: Funny and well written great read.