You Should Have Known, by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Faber April 2014)

Neil's picture
Neil

I guess this is another book which almost fits into the very popular 'marriage thriller' genre, but this one is perhaps a little more literary, a little more emotionally ambitious than most, relying as it does on the psychology of the lead character more than the plot twists. It's not without its revelations, however, and it's some way into the book before the character, Grace Sachs, a marriage therapist, and the reader, figure out just what has happened, and what her husband has been up to. It's a densely told story of 450 pages, detailing the ways in which we delude each other and ourselves in relationships. There are some uncomfortable truths, and sharp observations as Grace is forced to rebuild her life. A satisfying book, although discomforting.