What do readers think of How to Be a Good Wife by Emma Chapman? Write your own review.

From the very beginning of this book, there was something unsettling about it. I would pick it up, read a little, and then, put it down. Something about it felt sinister. Emma Chapman paints a portrait of a woman, older, her son having recently moved out and not quite sure what to do with herself. As her story unfolds, it becomes clear that something is definitely not right. The imagery in this book is outstanding. Another positive about the novel is that it is a fast read. Once I got into it, I could not put it down. Its definitely a book that make you ask yourself what would I do if this happened to me or someone I loved.

This book reminded me of Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson. Marta's mind seemed to be playing tricks on her all of the time--things seemed to be memories but she couldn't be sure if they were real or not. The book had good twists and turns.

A creepy psychological thriller about a wife slowly remembering her life prior to her very disturbing marriage. At time confusing - it is difficult to ascertain reality vs. hallucinations. Is the wife delusional or recalling memories? It is unpleasant but I couldn't put it down. It is short (160 pages) but includes a plot twist which concludes the story nicely. I would recommend it as a book club read as there is much to be discussed - especially a book club comprised of women. The book's theme is topical. I don't want to spoil the surprise.

An eerie, haunting story told in dark detail. We are inside the mind of Marta, witnessing all her thoughts. Are we seeing a descent into madness or something else? Either way, it is so precisely and graphically written that it was painful to read at times - but compelling.

Very good debut story about the life of Marta and Hector. They have been married for so long Marta remembers nothing before her wedding to Hector, yet she is starting to hear voices and see a young blonde girl, or is she? Can it be she is missing her son since he has moved out for good, or is something from her past coming to the surface? Her life seems to be very simple, or is something deeper happening? Is she well, or does she need her pills, those same pills she had taken early in her marriage as suggested by her husband? Decide for yourself.

Well written and tense, it won't let you draw easy conclusions. If you must "care about" characters, this may not be for you. If you want dark and unsettling, give it a try.

After reading this book I am more confused than when I started it. I found myself not sure where I was in the story and what was going on. I got excited as the story unfolded and thought I finally understood and then the ending left me even more confused. Well written story, but maybe not for me. I almost feel stupid after reading it and not being able to understand the story.

Sometimes the probability of something happening vs. the possibility of that thing happening can make or break a novel. This debut novel's plot seemed implausible to me, which made it somewhat of a drudgery to read. The saving factor was that it was well written and the characters were basically, though perhaps a little routinely, interesting (especially the weak Marta). Hector could have been a little more developed, I never felt like I really "knew" him. I never liked Marta, but she was a rounded character for the most part.

I would give the novel a "poor" rating for the plot seeming to be so improbable, but the writing, dialogue, and characters were all somewhat well done, so I gave it an "average" rating.