I’d love to say that The American Wife was recommended or on my ‘to read’ list. Honestly, though, I was at O’Hare on my way to Grand Cayman last year and realized I left my books home. So, I picked it up at the airport bookstore since it was recommended to me by many avid readers.
No better time to read a book about the American presidency than near the start of a new presidential era. American Wife is a story of the other side; the woman behind the man, living a life into which she was not elected.
Curtis Sittenfeld’s work develops a simple character: a young, single woman (Alice) with a great family and friends, but who has a hidden secret (don’t we all). Through a fairy-tale, whirlwind romance, she marries her seeming soul mate, a man with a prominent family history, yet he is always searching for ways to make his name.
Comfortable in her own skin, Alice is unsure of the new life into which she’s entered. They have a marriage similar to many; they experience their share of happiness and marital strife. Yet they have opposing politics and different views on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
But here’s the cool part: even as the wife of the President of the United States, Alice ultimately maintains her security, personal politics and life focus. Not unlike Jackie.
How many of us, whether in relationships, spurred by family dynamics or motivated by lofty ambitions, become chameleons and forget ourselves? I sure have. It’s human nature. But Alice handles all of the change and chaos that surrounds her with poise and grace.
But Is It That Easy?
That’s where my only critique comes in: is it that easy to not be extremely affected by our circumstances? To not adjust our core beliefs – even slightly – to fit in? To hold our graceful pose not matter what comes our way? Alice is a well-developed character, but I’m not convinced it’s that easy to stay 100% true to ourselves no matter what life throws our way.
I also believe that the book’s themes could just as easily be applied to women in various non U.S. cultures as well as women who are single. Finding one’s identity amidst circumstances, patriarchal norms and familial dynamics is not only for the married woman. History – and Herstory- is all the evidence we need.
That aside, I genuinely enjoyed this book so much that I left in the Caymans at the resort where I stayed, a result of my own core belief that good books should be shared. The resort also keeps a large library of books that visitors have left behind for others to read.
It’s a good thinking book. Less of a chick lit read than one might assume. Even for you men out there – if you’re a voracious reader or a man committed to understanding the secret minds of women (c’mon, you know you are), you’ll enjoy this one.
Which leads me to the question I have for all of you: Is it our circumstances that shape us or do we shape our circumstances? Does who we become (or who we are) depend on how much money we have, what country we live in, our gender or other factors? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Thanks for the great review! I have this book on my shelf but now I know I must get to it soon. I have read a two of Sittenfeld’s other books and liked them so I am looking forward to this one.
Awesome, Colleen! I’ve read a few of Sittenfeld’s others too – this is also supposed to be coming out as a film soon. Thanks for your note!