A congressman, his wife, and his affairs.
Gillian had been married to Jake for over 30 years, and always knew about his affairs. The latest affair really got to her since it was a 20-year old....younger than his daughter and also part of his campaign team. Gillian never went on the tours, but when Jake had dinners at their home, she was always in the kitchen cooking while everyone else was enjoying themselves. She just wasn't the social type and dreaded each campaign year. She usually was alone during the campaign and especially during these dinner engagements.
Gillian had been married to Jake for over 30 years, and always knew about his affairs. The latest affair really got to her since it was a 20-year old....younger than his daughter and also part of his campaign team. Gillian never went on the tours, but when Jake had dinners at their home, she was always in the kitchen cooking while everyone else was enjoying themselves. She just wasn't the social type and dreaded each campaign year. She usually was alone during the campaign and especially during these dinner engagements.
But......she did have her friend Edward from childhood to lean on and exchange thoughts with. Edward was her buffer and confidante. With Edward's help Gillian decided that she didn't want to jeopardize Jack's campaign so she gave Jack some ultimatums about his behavior. He said he didn't like them, but the alternative was worse.
She continued to endure many campaign luncheons and to pretend to be Jack's lovely, faithful wife. Could she go on like this? She wasn't sure. "On this election morning, my mind ran faster than my feet. I had a life to plan." Page 107
Gillian did have a plan, and it didn't include Jack. She wanted to do some traveling alone and to see how things would work out...she visited her somewhat estranged daughter and also Edward and Sam in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam was wonderful for Gillian....she and her friends even made a trip to Greece for Thanksgiving. Then all the fun came to an abrupt stop and, of course, because of Jack.
The book keeps your interest and draws you into the emotional makeup of each character...each had his/her own personal, interesting stories. You could feel Gillian's pain and wonder how she carried on. This was a book about friendship, love, and endurance.
Give a try. You will like it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you loved this one so much!
ReplyDeleteIt really sounds like the main character needs to leave her husband from your review.
ReplyDeleteDid you get any John Edwards chills when you were reading the book!!??? :P Just teasing you..
ReplyDeleteGreat to see your blog which I found from being over at Random House. I'll be back. Please come visit me, too. I'm a friend of bermudaonion, as well.
Deborah/TheBookishDame
http://abookishlibraria dot blogspot dot com