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A review by maralyons
The Complicities by Stacey D'Erasmo
4.0
The Complicities is a book about three women who live in the shadow of what happens after 50 year old Alan has been convicted for financial fraud. The story is told in Suzanne's perspective, Alan's ex-wife. She claims she was ignorant of his crimes but enjoyed the lavish life his job provided. Suzanne divorces him when he's convicted and ceases all contact. She creates a new life in a blue-collar coastal town in Massachusetts.
After Alan is released early from prison, he lives with his son and lawyer. He eventually meets and marries a younger woman, Lydia. We learn about her complex past and mistakes and what led her to Alan. We also meet Alan’s long estranged mother. She was forced to give up custody of him when he was very young and has led a transient life since.
I found the relationships between these women and with Alan fascinating. He's highly intelligent but makes questionable choices to help his family again and again. I enjoyed pondering the ambiguity of choices we make and the ripple effects that come from them.
After Alan is released early from prison, he lives with his son and lawyer. He eventually meets and marries a younger woman, Lydia. We learn about her complex past and mistakes and what led her to Alan. We also meet Alan’s long estranged mother. She was forced to give up custody of him when he was very young and has led a transient life since.
I found the relationships between these women and with Alan fascinating. He's highly intelligent but makes questionable choices to help his family again and again. I enjoyed pondering the ambiguity of choices we make and the ripple effects that come from them.