The Good Wife Strikes Back

by Elizabeth Buchan

Book Overview

This insightful novel, from the author of 'Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman', is about the true meaning of marriage.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670032808
• ISBN13: 9780670032808
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.7" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Another Vengefully Wonderful Read...

After reading (and loving) REVENGE OF THE MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN, I picked THE GOOD WIFE STRIKES BACK. I enjoyed it just as much as REVENGE. Elizabeth Buchan has such a beautiful way of telling stories. She describes those emotions that we feel, but cannot name. Not everything is anger, jealousy, love, hate, joy, and sorrow. No, there are some emotions that are so complex, so intertwined and messy, it's impossible to unravel them and give them title. Fanny seems to have the ideal life--a life she deliberately chose and has, for the most part, been happy with for the last 19 years. And yet, she finds herself yearning for something that is hers and hers alone. Any woman caught up in the needs of her family, of her career, of the expectations of friends, husbands, in-laws, and children, will understand and appreciate Fanny's point of view. What woman has not fantasized about the path not chosen? The lover not taken? The job given up? THE GOOD WIFE STRIKES BACK is a wonderful read. A big HURRAH! for Elizabeth Buchan.

Delicious, delightful, de-wonderful reading!

This is the third Buchan novel I've read so it's time to confess I'm a fan, and I'm not just waving air. This is a particular kind of wit that was inspired earlier by Fay Weldon and Buchan has done more with it. Buchan's novels are irresistable and mighty tasty reads. There's wit aplenty and intelligence as well as a worldview of interest. This one, "The Good Wife" has to do with a loyal MP's wife who, 20 years down the marriage pike, has to reassess her existence, her life, her marriage. It's quite good indeed. The other two Buchan books I enjoyed are: Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman and Perfect Love, this latter could have been somewhat shorter (editors note same). Buchan writes entirely fine novels but I dislike her titles which probably help her to sell well so I should shut up. I think the titles diminish the literary quality of the novels which is high.

Savor This Book

This book was an engrossing but soothing read with considerable depth. With humor and tenderness the author peels back the layers in the life of the "good wife" married to a somewhat self-absorbed a Member of Parliament. Buchanan has a true understanding of the compromises (and sometimes less than appropriate sacrifices) that are involved in a genuine partnership. I recommend this book highly and enjoyed it even more than Buchanan's previous works, including "Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman."

I liked it a lot

My wife insisted I should read this novel (was she trying to tell me something?) Normally I don't like 'Women's books', I like action novels better, but this English lady author writes very well, and she knows us men through and through. There were times reading her book when my ears went red. She sure knows what she's talking about. So, for once my wife was right, and everybody should read this novel.