Tania's Reviews > Ex-Wife

I had heard a lot about this novel when McNally 're-published it and was keen to read it, but it was difficult to get a copy here, so I was very pleased to hear that Faber were going to be 're-publishing too.

It is the semi autobiographical account of Pat, who starts off separated from her husband, and becomes an ex-wife halfway through. Set in 1920's New York, she hits the town; moving in with another ex-wife they work during the day, and evenings are spent with a series of men in restaurants and spearheaded where a lot of alcohol is consumed. she is desperate to hold on to her husband initially, but as the novel progresses she begins to see that the relationship is doomed.

It felt quite cynical and jaded, but hearing about the authors life, that is unsurprising, and despite this it is witty and largely easy to read, though I did find the middle sagged a bit. The setting was interesting to me, it's not one I read about very often. I'm very glad I finally got to read it, and it's one I'm sure to re-read at some point in the future.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and Faber for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*