“The Doctor’s Wife: A Novel” by Elizabeth Brundage

Once again, my book club pal, Barbara, selected a page turning novel that pushed me to a literary genre I’ve tried to avoid. “The Doctor’s Wife” is a psychological thriller that will astonish and surprise the reader page after page. It is an impressive debut novel from Ms. Brundage, first published in 2004. This author has painted a canvas of artfully drawn characters depicting an interesting range of humanity and all its foibles. The characters are flawed beings, each making selfish choices that culminate into the intricate meshing and complexity of their lives.
Annie is the doctor’s wife, a feminist, former journalist, and professor at the local college. She feels emotionally abandoned by her husband.

Michael is a principled OB-GYN doctor, committed to his work, his wife, and his family. He makes a choice that places him in harms way.

Lydia is a loyal wife, much younger than her husband, who’s devoted to Jesus and her evangelical church. She is, at once, fascinating and frightening.

Simon is an infamous artist turned art professor at the local college. He is a bit of a rebel, a non-conforming and controversial presence on campus. He is a man who flusters Annie.

The author tackles some really big issues in this piece of fiction: infidelity, insanity, manipulation, murder, religion, abortion, small town politics, love, family and emotional abandonment. If you are particularly sensitive and easily offended, OR, if you don’t wish to be morally challenged, this novel may not be for you. (There are some ‘x’ rated moments and profane language)

I found this book absorbing and riveting. I was so engaged, I could not stop reading. I must tell you that I’m a bit of a ‘wimp’! When I finished this book, my hair was standing on end, my heart was palpitating uncontrollably, and I was left trembling. The intensity of this book left my extremities weak and unreliable, and the cataclysmic ending jarred me mentally and left me physically feeble

Living in Wichita, KS. allows me to relate to the harassment and lunatics that abortion doctors endure. I am not saying I agree with abortion, quite the contrary, but I absolutely do NOT believe in killing or harassing someone who does. There are religious groups that do act as though they are the judge and jury and their actions, "In the name of Jesus Christ" appall me. Some reviewers feel that this representation in the book is far fetched, believe me it is not.

The Doctor's Wife is a very heavy, disturbing but thought provoking novel. It is a very well written book with suspense and the ever prevalent "one bad choice after another", and would make for great for a book club discussion due to the various subject matters.

I was really excited to read this book but just didn't love it. I think it was just due to the heavy subject matter and the lack of connection with the characters.

If you are looking for a happy read, this is not it!