Sixteen years later, they are no closer together, and, in fact, they are living parallel lives. Communication is scanty. Their two children, Janine, 15, and Ethan, 8, are the glue that hold them together…along with their memories of happier times.
One devastating night changes everything. They argue, they fight, but they stop short of physical violence. Just smashed glass and harsh words. But enough to change the course of their world.
The next day, Hannah goes missing, and it would be many months before answers come about what happened to her.
Lovell and Hannah are alternating narrators, and her voice comes to us at carefully timed intervals, revealing what happened that day, leading us through each moment.
Meanwhile, the family left behind is falling apart, with Janine acting out with curses, a shaved head, and total defiance. Even as I could understand her feelings, I found most of her behavior appalling. She was a hard character to tolerate.
Lovell had his own struggles holding it together, and often lashed out as well.
The Daylight Marriage was a portrayal of how a marriage can unravel slowly, and then devastatingly crumble in just a few moments. The characters felt like real people struggling to make the most of their differences, but failing miserably. A tense and engaging story that was unforgettable. 5 stars.
I’m just now seeing some reviews of this book and it’s recently come out in paperback, right? I also think I’ve seen it in the library. Anyway, sounds like a good one. I like your description of how it affected you as you read it. I’ll be watching for it again at the library.
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Thanks, Kay, and I had put off reading it, because I was afraid it would be boring! Definitely not…at least not for me.
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When a book has unlikable character the plot has to be strong and it sounds like this kept you reading! I don’t think I would’ve been particularly interested in this one but it sounds like one I really should read. Thanks for sharing! Adding to my TBR.
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Thanks, Katherine, I wasn’t even sure I would enjoy it, but found myself turning pages, not wanting to stop reading.
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Ooh sounds good – I was actually approved on NetGalley for this one but the file wouldn’t open – For some reason I’m especially taken with tales of marital strife, I think it is the fact that no-one really knows what goes on behind closed doors!
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I know that my interest in family issues, especially strife, stems from all those social work years….LOL. I can’t seem to leave it behind.
Now I’m thinking I need to check all of my NetGalley books as soon as I download them…hadn’t really imagined that the file might not open. Thanks for stopping by, Cleopatra.
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Oh wow, this sounds like a really great book to read – it sounds really real and true to life~! Glad to see you really enjoyed it – I’ll have to check it out!
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Yes, it definitely felt real, Geraldine….thanks for stopping by.
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Hmm can’t imagine this one ending happily, sounds like a very good read. Would love to know what happened to her.
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Yes, you have to read it to find out, Kathryn…lol. But as you probably guessed, not a happy ending. Thanks for stopping by.
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Bummer of a marriage; sounds like a family on the brink! 5 stars, good to know.
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Oh, for sure, Susan….and no HEA ending, either. Thanks for stopping by.
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