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torturedreadersdept's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Blood, Cursing, and Alcohol
Minor: Dysphoria, Pandemic/Epidemic, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Infidelity, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Drug use, Grief, Homophobia, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Sexual content, Violence, and Stalking
mandi_lea's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Medical content, Drug use, Abandonment, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Blood, Violence, Alcohol, and Stalking
clichemarker's review
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
You'd think
It started with her trying to justify staying with her shitty rich husband, and escalated from there
It wasn't all bad, but you know.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Stalking
kermittuesday's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Blood, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Vomit, Cursing, Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, Stalking, and Infidelity
All of the items listed are extremely minor and I even hesitated to put some on but if someone is triggered, I want them to know.thecriticalreader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Sexual content, Vomit, and Drug use
Minor: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
lawsonemmae's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Domestic abuse, Medical trauma, Infidelity, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Fire/Fire injury
lorialdenholuta's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
But the blurb hooked me, and in no time I'd settled into my favorite reading spot, cracked into the book, and was willing to give it my afternoon. It's a longish book, so it took three of my afternoons to reach a conclusion I'd grown to greedily anticipate as I had absolutely no clue how this situation could be resolved.
While the premise may sound cute and fairy tale-ish, it's anything but. Our protagonist and perpetual new bride in old marriages is Lauren. How her attic turned into a reality-changing space that switches out not only husbands but entire realities isn't known, and not important. What IS important are the people it affects. That's Lauren, her endless parade of husbands, and also Lauren's family, friends, workplaces, and neighbors.
As the novelty of being able to change husbands as soon as one becomes annoying wears off, Lauren's rationalization and actions become darker, more cynical. When she thinks she may have found 'the one' to stick with... well I won't go into details because following the escalation of events is most of the fun.
Most of the people in this story, and there are many, are a mess. Author Holly Gramazio doesn't flinch away from showing people at their absolute worst, when the situations call for it. And you'll recognize people you know, and even yourself among them. In a nutshell, The Husbands is a scathing commentary on modern-day relationships. It shines a scolding light on how we treat hook-ups, dating, and marriage.
My thanks to author Holly Gramazio, Doubleday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Graphic: Alcohol, Gaslighting, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Vomit
astoriareader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- One night, Lauren returns home to her flat in London and discovers a man who claims to be her husband.
- Despite having no recollection of him, evidence suggests they've been together for years.
- Meanwhile, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb, but suddenly disappears.
- In his place, a new man appears, and a new, slightly altered life forms around Lauren.
- She soon realizes that her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, leaving her questioning what the right path and perfect match might be.
- Very unique plot. From the start, I was intrigued by what would happen. Major kudos to the author for creativity.
- Thoughtful and witty. Enjoyed the writing.
- Blends several genres (contemporary, sci-fi, literary fiction)
- Explores interesting concepts, like seemingly endless choices & overanalyzing your decisions.
- Lauren’s partner choice also impacts other areas of her life. Close friends, jobs, hobbies, decor, and all aspects of her life are different, depending on the husband that emerges from the attic.
- My only complaint is it got a bit repetitive in some sections, and I think it could’ve been shorter
Moderate: Blood, Stalking, Sexual content, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Alcohol and Drug use
runlaurarun's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Stalking, Medical trauma, Sexual content, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Alcohol, and Homophobia