The Silent Wife

This novel's structure is reminiscent of last year's monster hit, GONE GIRL and its pleasures are similar. The story alternates between the point of view of Jodi, a quiet, oddly passive psychotherapist, and Todd, the man she has lived with and lovingly catered to for decades. Karen White gives Jodi a pleasant, reserved delivery--almost bland yet compelling--that perfectly suits this rather isolated wronged woman. Donald Corren somehow gives Todd a warm, likable persona, which is essential to the balance, since Todd's innocent satisfaction with himself in spite of his total betrayal of Jodi and others is otherwise enough to make you long for his head on a pike. Both performances beautifully support these two well-wrought character studies and set up a thoroughly satisfying payoff. B.G. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Starred review from April 1, 2013
Canadian author Harrison’s first novel is a smart, nuanced portrait of a dying marriage. Psychotherapist Jodi Brett is content with her tidy, tranquil existence—cooking for her husband, Todd Gilbert; walking the dog; seeing a few clients out of their gorgeous Chicago condo—while headstrong Todd works as a professional renovator. As Jodi sees it, they complement each other, and she doesn’t mind pretending to disregard Todd’s indiscretions (which he clumsily attempts to cover up) in exchange. Accepting the peccadillos of her adulterous husband is one thing, but when Todd takes his infidelity to the next level and tells her that he’s leaving her, the existence she’s clung to so dearly is destroyed. And Jodi will do anything to take it back. And she does. Harrison (Zodicat Speaks and three other nonfiction titles) breathes life into Adlerian psychology, and weaves theory into a heart-pounding thriller that will keep you up at night. Agent: Samantha Haywood, Transatlantic Literary Agency (Canada).