Like a House on Fire

By: Lauren McBrayer

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

A JULY 2022 BELLETRIST BOOK CLUB PICK

What would you do if you found the spark that made you feel whole again?

After twelve years of marriage and two kids, Merit has begun to feel like a stranger in her own life. She loves her husband and sons, but she desperately needs something more than sippy cups and monthly sex. So, she returns to her career at Jager + Brandt, where a brilliant and beautiful Danish architect named Jane decides to overlook the “break” in Merit’s résumé and give her a shot.

Jane is a supernova—witty and dazzling and unapologetically herself—and as the two work closely together, their relationship becomes a true friendship. In Jane, Merit sees the possibility of what a woman could be. And Jane sees Merit exactly for who she is. Not the wife and mother dutifully performing the roles expected of her, but a whole person.

Their relationship quickly becomes a cornerstone in Merit’s life. And as Merit starts to open her mind to the idea of more—more of a partner, more of a match, more out of love—she begins to question: What if the love of her life isn’t the man she married. What if it’s Jane?

©2022 Lauren McBrayer (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

“Wise, witty, and tender, Like a House on Fire is a multilayered examination of connection and desire that artfully tackles the question: What if the person you are isn’t the one you set out to be? It’s beautifully written with deep empathy and vivid characters. I was utterly seduced and satisfied by this book.” (Camille Perri, author of When Katie Met Cassidy and The Assistants) 

“Like a House on Fire is an un-put-downable novel about motherhood, middle-aged malaise, questioning identity and the choices women are forced to make. I found parts of myself on every page; every woman will find herself along the way as they turn the pages of Merit's life and get lost in McBrayer's raw, emotional and stunning prose. And the ending...well, I'm still shaking. Every woman should read this book. Alert your book club, this one will bring out the discussion, the confessions and the wine.” (Elyssa Friedland, author of Last Summer at the Golden Hotel)

“With a zippy pace, punchy dialogue, and beautifully crafted sentences that manage to capture the tenderness of longing and self-discovery, Merit and Jane’s love story feels both realistic and escapist, a queer romance done right.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) 

“Compelling…. Recommended for readers who enjoy introspective relationship fiction.” (Booklist)

Been there

I really loved this book. It handled the coupling of the two women with grace, tenderness, and dignity. I believe it is the story of many women who have chosen an alternative lifestyle.

Not for me

I didn’t realize this book was about a lesbian relationship. I don’t care who people love to each is own but I don’t want to read about it. Got cringey for me I fast forward to the end to see how it turned out. Yuck. Not my cup of tea. The narrator is great did a good job with different voices.

Wonderfully written!

This is my first book from this author. I can hardly wait for the next!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Everything about this book is worth 5 stars... the writing, the reading, the story. Very original and made me want to be part of these characters' lives. Totally recommend!

Slow start

The first eleven to twelve chapters were a bit of a slow start, but then it picked up quickly.

Intelligent dialogue

I really loved this book. It felt very real and the emotions and dialog were also very clever and heart felt.
Good book, when a lot of lesbian fiction is not so good.

What I’m always looking for but never find, in a story of attraction and love between two women

I am constantly looking for a contemporary love/attraction story between two women, mature, older, with complicated histories. Instead, most often I only find an abundance of young women’s stories, or lovely stories of young love, between teens or early adults. This was a rare gem, very well written, with an excellent reader. The children’s voices were a bit annoying, and the husband a dud, but the two women were very well acted and written. The ending was perfect. New ways of living, and loving. I listened three times, sad that once again, my search continues, and I’m doubtful I will find anything this good for a long time. I hope I am proven wrong!
Get this book.

Slow but good

This story will not keep you on the edge of your seat but it’s a nice slow and romantic ride. I enjoyed it!