The Husbands

A Novel

By: Chandler Baker

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

A Good Morning America Book Club Pick

“Chandler Baker, queen of the feminist thriller, has delivered once again! The Husbands is a poignant exploration of what it would take for women to have it all." (Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister)

Chandler Baker, the New York Times best-selling author of Whisper Network, is back with The Husbands, a novel that asks: to what lengths will a woman go for a little more help from her husband?

Nora Spangler is a successful attorney but when it comes to domestic life, she packs the lunches, schedules the doctor appointments, knows where the extra paper towel rolls are, and designs and orders the holiday cards. Her husband works hard, too...but why does it seem like she is always working so much harder?

When the Spanglers go house hunting in Dynasty Ranch, an exclusive suburban neighborhood, Nora meets a group of high-powered women - a tech CEO, a neurosurgeon, an award-winning therapist, a bestselling author - with enviably supportive husbands. When she agrees to help with a resident’s wrongful death case, she is pulled into the lives of the women there. She finds the air is different in Dynasty Ranch. The women aren’t hanging on by a thread.

But as the case unravels, Nora uncovers a plot that may explain the secret to having-it-all. One that’s worth killing for. Calling to mind a Stepford Wives gender-swap, The Husbands imagines a world where the burden of the “second shift” is equally shared- and what it may take to get there.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"The Husbands is both a gripping, well-crafted mystery and an insightful critique of motherhood and marriage in the modern age - working mothers everywhere will feel seen in the best possible way.” (Kimberly McCreight, New York Times best-selling author of Reconstructing Amelia and A Good Marriage)

©2021 Chandler Baker (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Scratches an itch in my brain I didn't know I had

Legitimately enjoyed this book in a way I haven't in a while, would recommend.

Great book!

An interesting book, couldn’t put it down. Thrilling and exciting, fast paced. And the ending…!

It was ok

Story was fine but way too long and drawn out. It could have been half the length and gotten the point across.

Thought-provoking Premise

"The Husbands: A Novel" is an intriguing read that earns a solid four-star rating. This book stands out for its unique storyline and the author's ability to explore a thought-provoking premise.

The narrative revolves around a seemingly ordinary woman who stumbles upon a community where gender roles are reversed, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on societal norms. The concept is undeniably unique and thought-provoking, prompting readers to consider their own assumptions about gender and relationships.

The exploration of gender dynamics and the role reversal in the story is its strongest aspect. The author does a commendable job in presenting these themes and sparking reflection on the reader's part.

However, I'm giving it four stars because, while the premise is intriguing, there were moments when the execution felt somewhat uneven. Some plot developments and character motivations were not fully fleshed out, which left certain aspects of the story feeling underdeveloped.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "The Husbands: A Novel" is a captivating read that offers a fresh perspective on gender roles and relationships. It's a book that will make you ponder the societal expectations placed on both men and women. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and unique storyline, this book is certainly worth your time and consideration.

So relatable!!

Wow! Among the best books I’ve ever read. This author GETS what it is to be a working mom. Incredible! “Click” :)

Story is relatable/let down ending

The story is fine. Its totally relatable & every mother/wife’s fantasy, but the ending wasn’t what I was hoping for. Good performance.

Mysterious and delightfully entertaining.

A must read for every woman, wife and mother everywhere! Not what I expected both throughout and up until the very end! Delightfully entertaining. couldn't put it down.

For new-ish moms who feel like they pull most of the weight

This is definitely a good read for moms who are tired and feel like they are the ones who do everything. Do you feel like you’re a one person team sometimes? Are you the one who picks up after the kids, makes the meals, remembers that we need more diapers and which size the baby is currently in? Does your husband think he pulls half the weight when you know he only does 1/8 of what you do? Yep, then this is for you. I felt like so much of this book was relatable, until the climax/end. The climax wasn’t quite for me, but it was interesting for sure. I really enjoyed listening to this book on my way to and from work. There were so many times that I said to myself, “is she really talking about me?” Definitely a read for moms! Might even be a good read for young dads too, if they want to hear what moms feel haha.

Slow burn

The kicker is AWESOME, it just felt like a long long time to get there...

Great Book! 8.5/10

This book was great!! It was a little outlandish with the plot, in an on point with the times in a Handmaids tale kind of way. I enjoyed the outlandish ideas and think it really kept me interested in what was going to happen next. If I had the choice to read this again after having already read it I would.