Indiscretion. Isn't that a great word? It evokes all kind of scandalous scenarios, and the book with said title by Charles Dubow does not disappoint. We are huge fans of this debut novel, as Kayleigh George can attest to. The characters are genuine in their flaws and relationships and the story is so well crafted. It has been getting rave reviews, and Kirkus says "Dubow’s book is a page turner that skillfully tugs at the
heartstrings."
Click through to read the entire review.
Dubow crafts an epic novel of friendship,
betrayal and undying love. It's a beautifully written debut. Walter Gervais is a true
gentleman and childhood friend of Harry Winslow’s wife, Maddy, and it’s through
his eyes that the story is told. Unobtrusive and playing a rather peripheral
role, at least in the beginning, he delivers a balanced and fascinating account
of the events that invariably change not only his friends’ lives, but his own.
Renowned author Harry and financially independent Maddy are the quintessential
New York couple: attractive, socially prominent and undeniably in love. They
spend their summers in Maddy’s small house in East Hampton with their son,
Johnny, surrounded by a circle of friends. One evening, a beautiful younger
woman accompanies her lover to a party at the couple’s house, and she gradually
insinuates herself into their lives and becomes a welcomed houseguest. Claire’s
attracted to Harry, but he rebuffs her and makes light of the situation,
reminding her he’s married and madly in love with his wife. At summer’s end,
much to Claire’s disappointment, the Winslows move to Rome for a year so Harry
can begin work on his new book. When Harry’s editor summons him back to New
York for a meeting with the publishers a couple of months after the move, he
runs into Claire at a club, and they engage in a steamy, passionate affair that
continues after Harry returns to Rome. Harry’s dilemma is that he loves both
women, but he never entertains the thought of leaving his wife. But Maddy
eventually discovers the deceit and leaves Harry. She returns to New York with
Johnny, and Harry follows. Up to this point, the book has been an entertaining
read, but it’s the latter half of the book that really seals the deal. As
the couple struggles with the ruins of their relationship, the author chooses
to add more unexpected layers to the story that elevate it from run-of-the-mill
to outstanding. Dubow’s book is a page turner that skillfully tugs at the
heartstrings.
– Annie