The Uncoupling

By: Meg Wolitzer

Narrated by: Angela Brazil

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

When the elliptical new drama teacher at Stellar Plains High School chooses for the school play Lysistrata—the comedy by Aristophanes in which women stop having sex with men in order to end a war—a strange spell seems to be cast over the school. Or, at least, over the women. One by one, throughout the high school community, perfectly healthy, normal women and teenage girls turn away from their husbands and boyfriends in the bedroom, for reasons they don’t really understand. As the women worry over their loss of passion, and the men become by turns unhappy, offended, and above all, confused, both sides are forced to look at their shared history, and at their sexual selves in a new light.

©2011 Meg Wolitzer (P)2011 AudioGO

Now there’s a thought….

Another well written book by Meg Wolitzer. Ebb and flow. That’s how relationships go, and that’s what this is about. It didn’t move at an earth shattering pace but it was engaging, and made me laugh out loud in places, and say “Hell yes,” and Hell no,” a few times.

Writers don't ever seem to be happy with success

My second Meg Wolitzer book. She is definitely a women's author. Unique plots told strictly from a woman's perspective. Interestingly, in her interview with Bob Edwards, she talks about not being just for women. Her plots are very original, but about one tick from being Romance titles. Not as good as Kim Wright, but if you're a man (like me) who likes books that help you understand a little of how women see life, try Wolitzer's "Position" first then this one. Also try Kim Wright's "The Unexpected Waltz".

Made a mockery of CFS

I enjoy Meg Wolitzer's books very much, and I often feel aligned with her views. However, in The Uncoupling, a minor character has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is cured by a Chinese herb. I realize that this is fiction, but as one of the millions of sufferers of ME/CFS I was appalled! We are working hard to educate the public of the seriousness and complexity of our disease. Meg Wolitzer has further harmed us.

Wolitzer's Weakest is Still Strong

If you could sum up The Uncoupling in three words, what would they be?

Stimulating, satisfying, brief.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Uncoupling?

I wouldn't dare spoil any of the novel's surprises, but there is a dynamic performance of a high school play.

What about Angela Brazil’s performance did you like?

Brazil has a way of making us care, and bringing out the compassion of the characters.

If you could take any character from The Uncoupling out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would dine with the central couple. They know what they're doing.

Any additional comments?

This could be my least favorite of Meg Wolitzer's novels, but she is such a good writer, the novel is still more than worth your time.

A Pleasant Surprise

I bought this book based on a generally favorable New York Times review and the quirky concept upon which the story is based. I expected something a little better than ordinary; something quick and entertaining.

Yes, it met those expectations.

What I didn't expect was writing of extraordinary quality. The book moved from laugh-out-loud funny to painfully sad then back again. Meg Wolitzer fearlessly delves into the most intimate aspects of relationships that, at first, generates a (blushing) "wow," then evolves into an enthralled "wow."

The book is read beautifully.

All in all, this is one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I cannot recommend the book highly enough.

Wonderful writing, interesting feminist slant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Probably only a female friend, and someone who liked literature.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the story, and continue to turn the gender politics of it over in my mind. Great narrative, and strong narration. Wonderful book.

fascinating read

Such an interesting concept, really enjoyed this book, beautifully read and beautifully written Recommended read

unique imagining

Wolitzer eloquently captures through magic realism the enigmatic moment when desire disappears in relationships, while love may or may not remain. Although not her best work, Wolitzer's Lysistrata inspired book is imaginative, enjoyable and ambitious.

An Appetizer Impersonating a Main Course

This is a short story stretched to novel length with predictable results

The mystical element is undeniably evocative but there's no structural support for the premise. The book is crowded with characters but they're diluted or distilled into caricatures, none of whom stand out as clear protagonists.

There's no discernable story arc, only a singular but unspectacular mystical event on repeat.
O Tedium. O Redux.

This is a clever bit of whimsy, allegorical short fiction; a novel story but not enough story to fill a novel.