Book Review: The Senator's Wife

I just finished reading Sue Miller’s book The Senator’s Wife.  I was actually sad when I was nearing the end of it—I was really enjoying the writing. 

The issues raised in this book are not so pleasant--they make you pause and think.  What would you do if your husband was so charming that no woman could resist him?  & he couldn’t resist them?  How would it affect your marriage, your family, your whole life?  Could you forgive?  How many times?  Is there a line that cannot be crossed?  Where does it lie?

The story begins with a young couple, Meri & Nathan, who move in next door to the senator’s wife.  They are surprised when they notice that the senator is rarely around.  When the senator’s wife goes to stay in Paris, she asks them to water her plants and keep an eye on her place.  Meri does this, and takes the opportunity to snoop.  She reads the many letters that she finds, personal letters written by the senator to his wife.  She learns the details of his infidelities and the relationship that he continues with his wife. 

The ending of the story was such a surprise to me.  So implausible—but at the same time, somewhat fitting.  Overall, a well-written, enjoyable book.

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