A Reliable Wife

By: Robert Goolrick

Narrated by: Mark Feuerstein

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Robert Goolrick's riveting debut novel is both foreboding and sensual. When a wealthy man first meets his mail-order bride in 1907, he realizes this statuesque beauty is anything but a "simple missionary's daughter." But he doesn't know of her devious plan to leave Wisconsin as a rich widow. Nor does she know of the furious demons he longs to unleash during the lonely months of snowbound isolation.

©2009 Robert Goolrick (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A sublime murder ballad that doesn't turn out at all the way one might expect." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"This darkly nuanced psychological tale builds to a strong and satisfying close." ( Publishers Weekly)

Intriguing

I enjoyed the book - it is a very solid story. The writer brings interesting characters into a web of a plot. It made my evening walk lively.

Homage to Walt

...Whitman, that is.
I enjoyed this read, in spite of its retro aspect. I usually avoid novels that are dated pre-2000, but this book held my attention. It's very evident that the author's prose style is heavily influenced by the work of Walt Whitman, with all the richly layered series of descriptions and details. It's also a very visual narrative style and many scenes come together like a still life painting.

The story line is quite powerful and is based on a woman in charge of her destiny. She decides what she wants, formulates her plan and delegates the players within that. Revolutionary for 1907. Thus I felt that the narrator should have been female, instead of the scratchy-voiced older male - although he did lend a "period piece" quality to the reading.

I even liked the narrative style - a bit "stream-of-consciousness" for me, but here it seemed to work.

The reason I give this book only 3 vs 4-5 stars is the preponderance of the customary male pre-occupation with sex and sensuality. There seems to be way too much time and energy devoted to this aspect of human interaction, and I found myself resenting the long sexually descriptive passages, as though they were taking time away from possibly more interesting (to me) topics. I realize this may sound sexist or prudish - and I am the exact opposite - but there is generally a different focus among male vs. female writers in this department. Exceptions abound, of course. The work of Wally Lamb (among others) comes to mind.

Or, regarding the heavily layered sensuality in the book, perhaps there just was nothing more to describe vis-a-vis recreation during a 1907 Wisconsin winter. No internet, email, even telephone conversations. Not that these characters would indulge in video games or online scrabble.

But, on balance I'll give this one a "go".

Story of Forgiveness

I really enjoyed this story. The roles each person plays in different and complex. They all had hardships in life and strived for a better life despite the adversity. Some became a better person in the end and others did not. I really enjoyed listening to the role of Ralph. He has many ways of forgiveness that we take for granted. He does display how we are all imperfect, we all make mistakes, we all thrive for love, and that happy ending. I thought is was beautifully written. Sad, yet lovely in its own way.

Beautifully written

An unusual story of love and redemption. This book gets under your skin and won't give you any peace until you finish it. The writing is lirical and the narrator does a wonderful job of painting the scenes with his voice.

Memorable Read

What did you love best about A Reliable Wife?

I love the symbolism throughout the story. This book is disturbing to read, which makes it very memorable and all of the symbolism reinforces the storyline. It really is an amazing story about the pursuit of happiness.

I Couldn't put it down.

I DEVOURED this book. The first book I've read in a long time that kept me guessing. It was such a raw and honest depection of human nature. Some parts were cringe worthy, others beautiful. Definitely worth the read. (posting on my husband's account)

spine chilling

This is a story that will not let you go. It is compelling and fascinating. The author draws a vivid landscape as well as characters who are both well defined yet complex.

LOVED THIS BOOK

This is an incredible book. Not only is the story incredible but
the reader is excellent. The best audio book I have ever listened
to. Book and reader perfect together.

Interesting but disturbing.

I can't say I didn't finish this book, but it went to some very dark places.it's a redemption layered over about a half dozen betrayals. It's also a view of rural Wisconsin in the 1880s that I suspect is probably quite true.

Didn't expect it to end the way it did.

Interesting story, Some of the characters personalities were impossible to believe. If I heard, "I want him dead, you promised" one more time, I would have screamed. If he wanted him dead so badly, why didn't he do the deed himself. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was definitely missing. No one had a conscience, except for Ralph and that was way to little to late.