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Vicki H. (Greenwood Village, CO)
Mrs March, We're Worried!
This dark psychological study puts the reader wrongfooted early on — something's 'off,' isn't it? — and pronto, we're strapped in for a Hitchcockian scare-ride of paranoia, hallucination, and a wee bit of kleptomania.
Mrs March (what happened in your dark childhood, dear?) is all about that M-R-S. That title and all it means gets a slap upside the head as the book begins.
Once that the pedestal she's built for herself is jostled, Mrs March wobbles wider and wider until the inevitable spectacular crash. (Inevitable, yet I didn't see it coming. The ending packs a surprising wallop.)
I loved the dark paranoia, the
…more invitation into 80s NYC, the hint of The Yellow Wallpaper, the walls-closing-in feel. It's such a fascinating page turner, no wonder the movie's already planned (less)
Donna W.
Mrs, March
This was a great book from the very first page to the last! The writing was extremely descriptive and I could picture Mrs. March in each scene as I read.
I went through so many emotions as I read and the character was so intriguing that I was carried along at a fast and increasingly suspenseful pace. I found my opinion of her changing back and forth as I read.
I couldn't put the book down, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced thriller. A really delightful book!
Lisa
Confusing time period
I am currently halfway through this novel and have been puzzling about the time period in which it takes place. Most review sites set the novel at late 60's but there are some references that would more accurately place it in the late 70's: the fact that Mrs. March as a child had a television; she dialed 911, a service that became available in NYC in 1973; she purchased string cheese for her son, Jonathan, a product that was not commercially available until the mid '70's. Anyone else puzzling about this? Am I being pedantic?
Amy P. (Boulder City, NV)
We all know a Mrs. March
It took awhile for me to receive my copy from the publisher, but it was worth the wait. Mrs March was a most interesting read for me in that the book roused so many feelings and emotions. I love a narrator I suspect to be unreliable. The character of Mrs March was very unappealing; superficial & pretentious (appearances are important!) and insecure. So it was hard for me to like her, yet I felt sorry for her as her situation progressed.
Without giving away spoilers, let me say that the depth and sincerity of the writing brought forth the entire gambit of emotions in me, and when that happens, I can't help
…more but feel satisfied with "a great read". This will definitely be a book club suggestion. (less)One of the most unusual books I've read. If you want to intimately enter the mind and life of a self absorbed psychotic, read the book. Otherwise move on to the next book on your list. I nearly stopped reading after the first 100 pages but went on because the reviews mentioned a surprise ending which disappointed.
Connie L. (Bartlesville, OK)
Quirky and Quaint
Mrs. March is one quirky character, and you are solely reading her thoughts for the entire novel. To say that she is insecure and obsessive is quite the understatement. I was intrigued by Mrs. March's quaint voice and her interpretations of the events unfolding in her life. Gradually I began to have doubts that she was a reliable narrator.
This is a strange and intriguing story, and although I found it interesting and well-written, it dragged a bit in the middle. I found myself becoming increasingly annoyed by Mrs. March,and also feeling eternally grateful that she was neither a real person nor someone in my
…more life. The ending took quite a turn. It was surprising and shocking. (less)This book made me nervous! I went down the rabbit hole with Mrs. March (almost never learning her first name-even as a child, she’s called Mrs. March), twisting and turning, always worried. What will happen next? It took me on a downward spiral, a slow circling of the drain until the ending, which was both unexpected and inevitable. In most books, I can get into the character’s head and figure out what their next move will be. Not so, Mrs. March. Her mind was a dark labyrinth that defied predictability. I’ll quote Bette Davis here. If you read this book, “Buckle your seat belts. You’re in for a bumpy ride.”
Sandy P. (Chandler, AZ)
Olive Bread, Please
The cracks in the life of proper and elegant Mrs. March, who must have
fresh olive bread set on her table, become wider as her story unfolds. A seemingly perfect life starts to crumble with visions of things that aren't there, faces that change to be someone else, paranoia over her husband's activities and odd phone calls. The pressure of perfection as a housewife to a famous husband combined with a dysfunctional childhood builds to a tension filled and shocking ending. I related to the strong characters and the themes presented; and quickly became caught up in the story. Recommended!
