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libraryjewels's review against another edition
2.0
This was a first reads giveaway. The writing had a good flow, but it was a slower read in the first half. I did like that the story was written in the different views of the main characters. It was an okay read, not one I would rush to recommend to anyone.
shalif29's review against another edition
5.0
Normally it takes me 2-3 weeks to get through an audiobook. I listen in the car, so while working remotely has been amazing, it’s severely cut down on my audiobook listening time (plus I’ve become obsessed with Hadestown so that’s been taking over my phone and stereo the last month). However, I devoured this entire audiobook in a week.
Cass and Jonathan are married, but they both have secrets they can’t — or won’t— share. Their otherwise normal marriage is weighed down with secrets that they don’t even realize, so Jonathan is taken entirely by surprise when Cass suggests not a separation, but an “intermission.” The more time they spend apart, the more they realize that the delicate webs they’ve spun over the course of their five years of marriage may be too complicated to unravel.
Cass and Jonathan are married, but they both have secrets they can’t — or won’t— share. Their otherwise normal marriage is weighed down with secrets that they don’t even realize, so Jonathan is taken entirely by surprise when Cass suggests not a separation, but an “intermission.” The more time they spend apart, the more they realize that the delicate webs they’ve spun over the course of their five years of marriage may be too complicated to unravel.
melissadelongcox's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the concept of this book and it was good in the beginning, but for some reason around the last quarter, it totally fell off for me. I'm not sure why - there wasn't a huge noticeable change, just something clicked off for me and I wasn't that into it anymore.
sbojo32's review against another edition
3.0
I read "The Arrangement" by Sarah Dunn last year, and the concept behind "The Intermission" is nearly identical. However, in "The Arrangement," there is more depth to the characters, more understanding of why they need a separation and why they do the things they do. In "The Intermission," neither Cass nor Jonathan are very likable, in my opinion, and if they were both honest with little things, they wouldn't be having the problems they are having.
They like to pretend they are a golden couple, with an enviable marriage, but that's far from the case. There are secondary characters that are introduced and then forgotten about. Those relationships could have been developed more in order to add to the story.
Overall, it was a light, easy read.
Thank you to the First to Read program for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
They like to pretend they are a golden couple, with an enviable marriage, but that's far from the case. There are secondary characters that are introduced and then forgotten about. Those relationships could have been developed more in order to add to the story.
Overall, it was a light, easy read.
Thank you to the First to Read program for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
sausome's review against another edition
3.0
This was an okay book about how a relationship looks from the perspective of each individual. Told in three acts - before the break, during the break, and after the break, it explores issues that come up, things left unsaid, and plenty of regrets. What I didn't quite get was why so much time was spent dissecting everything before and during their "intermission," but a fraction of a second was spent on their 'after'. This was unbelievable to me.
itsasamthing's review against another edition
3.0
This book irked me. When you and your spouse are planning a time line, mile marker, to change your mind at that moment/due date is selfish and inconsiderate. Especially the baby making due date. To have an intermission in your marriage so you can go find yourself is stupid. I know it’s a work of fiction, but as Cass’s friend divorcing her husband, probably did spur on Cass’s decision, it probably struck some cords in unhappy women readers to consider the same thing. I don’t care who you are or what religion. You marry: ONCE. It’s for life. “Until death do you part”. I will not be recommending this book, mentioning this book ever again. If you have issues, you don’t give up. When you’re sick, you don’t just haul off and off yourself. You take the meds and get better (generally speaking). I was just 18 kinds of upset with this book. Well written sure. I did enjoy the chapter switch between husband and wife. Not to say that Hubby made any better decisions. He led off to believe he was the sweet caring husband who would empty his bank account to make his wife happy…ugh, just ugh.
marbooks88's review against another edition
3.0
What would you do if you aren't as happy in your marriage as you think you should be? Would you try to fix it? Or take a break? Lots of things have been changing and Cass isn't sure her marriage to Jonathan will survive so she decides they need an Intermission to figure things out. A story of life and love and expectations.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review
bookapotamus's review against another edition
4.0
This was such an interesting concept and I found myself wondering... if everyone was required to have an "Intermission" before having a baby, it might actually not be a bad thing! You hear so much about people thinking children will bring couples back together after a relationship begins to stale, when sometimes it's the wedge that eventually drives them apart ... hence skyrocketing divorce rates? It seems that people are finally waking up and realizing that just because its a social norm, does NOT mean you HAVE to get married, and it certainly doesn't mean that just because you DO get married, that the required next step is having children. Some people just shouldn't have them. No judgement - just reality.
OK rant over. :) Cass and Jonathan seem like a total power couple that shines like the golden twosome they emit on the outside. On the inside there seems to be some cracks in that gold, and we learn that the tarnish of that shine is just beginning. The seven year itch is creeping like a bad rash, and before they embark on the journey to become parents, Cass wants a break. Jonathan is dumbfounded at the idea and resents Cass's decision, but the Intermission is on.
The character development here is pretty good. We learn a lot of who these two are, where the come from, their insecurities, and their secrets as we go back and forth between the two during their split, on separate coasts and in equally separate mindsets. I found myself reading easily, and quickly, and eager to find out if the split has staying power, or if these two can find each other again.
Some of the decisions and paths these two take are pretty random and questionable, but any outsider looking in on a relationship that isn't their own, is always set up to be judgemental, "I would NEVER do that!" I certainly found myself thinking that quite often but hey, this story isn't about me!
Overall, I really liked the story, the concept and the characters were interesting and it was written pretty well.
OK rant over. :) Cass and Jonathan seem like a total power couple that shines like the golden twosome they emit on the outside. On the inside there seems to be some cracks in that gold, and we learn that the tarnish of that shine is just beginning. The seven year itch is creeping like a bad rash, and before they embark on the journey to become parents, Cass wants a break. Jonathan is dumbfounded at the idea and resents Cass's decision, but the Intermission is on.
The character development here is pretty good. We learn a lot of who these two are, where the come from, their insecurities, and their secrets as we go back and forth between the two during their split, on separate coasts and in equally separate mindsets. I found myself reading easily, and quickly, and eager to find out if the split has staying power, or if these two can find each other again.
Some of the decisions and paths these two take are pretty random and questionable, but any outsider looking in on a relationship that isn't their own, is always set up to be judgemental, "I would NEVER do that!" I certainly found myself thinking that quite often but hey, this story isn't about me!
Overall, I really liked the story, the concept and the characters were interesting and it was written pretty well.
illidia316's review against another edition
4.0
The Intermission takes on real world marriage issues and serves them on a “What if” platter. What if you and your spouse could have time apart to see if you were happier, with no rules? That is the essence of this book. I admit that parts were tough to read, as I found myself relating to the very real characters and could easily imagine myself in their roles. I did enjoy the book, the author’s writing style, and the character growth throughout the book.
kbranfield's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
The Intermission by Elyssa Friedland is a leisurely paced exploration of a marriage during a couple's six month separation.
Cass and Jonathan Coyne have weathered a few ups and downs over the course of their five year marriage. Jonathan is from a wealthy family and currently works for a very successful hedge fund. Cass works in theater marketing but she is currently out of work following the death of her beloved boss. Despite a few annoyances with one another, they are, by all appearances, quite happy. Which is why Jonathan is blindsided by Cass's announcement she would like a six month "intermission" (which is in actuality a separation) from their marriage. While Jonathan remains in New York, Cass heads to Los Angeles where she works for a movie producer while living with an old college friend. At the end of their "intermission" will Cass and Jonathan decide their marriage is worth saving?
Cass and Jonathan's family background could not be more different. After her parents' divorce, Cass and her mother frequently move and their finances remain extremely precarious. Cass works hard all through school and she is rewarded with a scholarship to an elite university. In sharp contrast, Jonathan grows up in the lap of luxury and enjoys a privileged lifestyle. Cass and Jonathan's paths cross in college but it is not until a few years after graduation they begin dating. Despite the fact Cass never fits in with in-laws, they are blissfully happy together after their wedding.
Neither Cass nor Jonathan are particularly likable characters and this does not change by the novel's end. Their marriage suffers from a basic lack of communication and honesty and over time, this erodes the foundation of their relationship. Cass is rather manipulative and self-absorbed and Jonathan resents the fact he is continually guessing at what Cass wants from him. Both are harboring fairly big secrets from one another and neither is upfront about the missteps and mistakes they have made. The fate of their marriage hangs in the balance right up until the novel's end but readers might not be overly invested in whether they reunite or divorce.
The Intermission is well-written but both the plot and characters are a little superficial. The pacing is slow due to the overly long and meandering passages. Elyssa Friedland effectively creates tension about the fate of the couple's marriage but the ending is somewhat rushed and a little unsatisfying.The Intermission by Elyssa Friedland is a leisurely paced exploration of a marriage during a couple's six month separation.
Cass and Jonathan Coyne have weathered a few ups and downs over the course of their five year marriage. Jonathan is from a wealthy family and currently works for a very successful hedge fund. Cass works in theater marketing but she is currently out of work following the death of her beloved boss. Despite a few annoyances with one another, they are, by all appearances, quite happy. Which is why Jonathan is blindsided by Cass's announcement she would like a six month "intermission" (which is in actuality a separation) from their marriage. While Jonathan remains in New York, Cass heads to Los Angeles where she works for a movie producer while living with an old college friend. At the end of their "intermission" will Cass and Jonathan decide their marriage is worth saving?
Cass and Jonathan's family background could not be more different. After her parents' divorce, Cass and her mother frequently move and their finances remain extremely precarious. Cass works hard all through school and she is rewarded with a scholarship to an elite university. In sharp contrast, Jonathan grows up in the lap of luxury and enjoys a privileged lifestyle. Cass and Jonathan's paths cross in college but it is not until a few years after graduation they begin dating. Despite the fact Cass never fits in with in-laws, they are blissfully happy together after their wedding.
Neither Cass nor Jonathan are particularly likable characters and this does not change by the novel's end. Their marriage suffers from a basic lack of communication and honesty and over time, this erodes the foundation of their relationship. Cass is rather manipulative and self-absorbed and Jonathan resents the fact he is continually guessing at what Cass wants from him. Both are harboring fairly big secrets from one another and neither is upfront about the missteps and mistakes they have made. The fate of their marriage hangs in the balance right up until the novel's end but readers might not be overly invested in whether they reunite or divorce.
The Intermission is well-written but both the plot and characters are a little superficial. The pacing is slow due to the overly long and meandering passages. Elyssa Friedland effectively creates tension about the fate of the couple's marriage but the ending is somewhat rushed and a little unsatisfying.
The Intermission by Elyssa Friedland is a leisurely paced exploration of a marriage during a couple's six month separation.
Cass and Jonathan Coyne have weathered a few ups and downs over the course of their five year marriage. Jonathan is from a wealthy family and currently works for a very successful hedge fund. Cass works in theater marketing but she is currently out of work following the death of her beloved boss. Despite a few annoyances with one another, they are, by all appearances, quite happy. Which is why Jonathan is blindsided by Cass's announcement she would like a six month "intermission" (which is in actuality a separation) from their marriage. While Jonathan remains in New York, Cass heads to Los Angeles where she works for a movie producer while living with an old college friend. At the end of their "intermission" will Cass and Jonathan decide their marriage is worth saving?
Cass and Jonathan's family background could not be more different. After her parents' divorce, Cass and her mother frequently move and their finances remain extremely precarious. Cass works hard all through school and she is rewarded with a scholarship to an elite university. In sharp contrast, Jonathan grows up in the lap of luxury and enjoys a privileged lifestyle. Cass and Jonathan's paths cross in college but it is not until a few years after graduation they begin dating. Despite the fact Cass never fits in with in-laws, they are blissfully happy together after their wedding.
Neither Cass nor Jonathan are particularly likable characters and this does not change by the novel's end. Their marriage suffers from a basic lack of communication and honesty and over time, this erodes the foundation of their relationship. Cass is rather manipulative and self-absorbed and Jonathan resents the fact he is continually guessing at what Cass wants from him. Both are harboring fairly big secrets from one another and neither is upfront about the missteps and mistakes they have made. The fate of their marriage hangs in the balance right up until the novel's end but readers might not be overly invested in whether they reunite or divorce.
The Intermission is well-written but both the plot and characters are a little superficial. The pacing is slow due to the overly long and meandering passages. Elyssa Friedland effectively creates tension about the fate of the couple's marriage but the ending is somewhat rushed and a little unsatisfying.The Intermission by Elyssa Friedland is a leisurely paced exploration of a marriage during a couple's six month separation.
Cass and Jonathan Coyne have weathered a few ups and downs over the course of their five year marriage. Jonathan is from a wealthy family and currently works for a very successful hedge fund. Cass works in theater marketing but she is currently out of work following the death of her beloved boss. Despite a few annoyances with one another, they are, by all appearances, quite happy. Which is why Jonathan is blindsided by Cass's announcement she would like a six month "intermission" (which is in actuality a separation) from their marriage. While Jonathan remains in New York, Cass heads to Los Angeles where she works for a movie producer while living with an old college friend. At the end of their "intermission" will Cass and Jonathan decide their marriage is worth saving?
Cass and Jonathan's family background could not be more different. After her parents' divorce, Cass and her mother frequently move and their finances remain extremely precarious. Cass works hard all through school and she is rewarded with a scholarship to an elite university. In sharp contrast, Jonathan grows up in the lap of luxury and enjoys a privileged lifestyle. Cass and Jonathan's paths cross in college but it is not until a few years after graduation they begin dating. Despite the fact Cass never fits in with in-laws, they are blissfully happy together after their wedding.
Neither Cass nor Jonathan are particularly likable characters and this does not change by the novel's end. Their marriage suffers from a basic lack of communication and honesty and over time, this erodes the foundation of their relationship. Cass is rather manipulative and self-absorbed and Jonathan resents the fact he is continually guessing at what Cass wants from him. Both are harboring fairly big secrets from one another and neither is upfront about the missteps and mistakes they have made. The fate of their marriage hangs in the balance right up until the novel's end but readers might not be overly invested in whether they reunite or divorce.
The Intermission is well-written but both the plot and characters are a little superficial. The pacing is slow due to the overly long and meandering passages. Elyssa Friedland effectively creates tension about the fate of the couple's marriage but the ending is somewhat rushed and a little unsatisfying.