Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “BOOKWORM” by Robin Yeatman, Harper Perennial, 2/14/23 On Tour with Bibliolifestle

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 February 14, 2023.   

SYNOPSIS: 

A wickedly funny debut novel—a black comedy with a generous heart that explores the power of imagination and reading—about a woman who tries to use fiction to find her way to happiness.

Victoria is unhappily married to an ambitious and controlling lawyer consumed with his career. Burdened with overbearing in-laws, a boring dead-end job she can’t seem to leave, and a best friend who doesn’t seem to understand her, Victoria finds solace from the daily grind in her beloved books and the stories she makes up in her head. One day, in a favorite café, she notices an attractive man reading the same talked-about bestselling novel that she is reading. A woman yearning for her own happy ending, Victoria is sure it’s fate. The handsome book lover must be her soul mate.

There’s only one small problem. Victoria is already married. Frustrated, and desperate to change her life, Victoria retreats to the dark places in her mind and thinks back to all the stories she’s ever read in hopes of finding a solution. She begins to fantasize about nocturnal trysts with café man, and imaginative ways (poisoned pickles were an inspired choice in Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres) of getting rid of the dread husband. 

It’s all just harmless fantasy born of Victoria’s fevered imagination and her books—until, one night, fiction and reality blur and suddenly it seems Victoria is about to get everything she’s wished for . . . .

My Review

Robin Yeatman, the author of “BOOKWORM” has written a unique and intriguing satire. The author vividly describes the dramatic characters as complex and complicated. The protagonist, Victoria, is unhappily married to a conceited and controlling attorney. Victoria’s circle of family and friends are dysfunctional at best. Victoria is obsessed with reading books, and usually has a book in hand. (I certainly can relate to that)

Victoria’s escape from reality into her books has her husband concerned. Often Victoria gets so involved with her books, the words and her thoughts collide. Is it really wrong to creatively think of “accidents” that might happen, especially to her husband?

Victoria is currently reading a bestseller, that she is not enjoying, and meets Luke, another book reader with the same book, in a coffee shop. Victoria is convinced she has met her soul-mate. That would be wonderful, but Victoria is still very married.

I especially enjoyed the part, when her husband demands that Victoria stops reading books for two weeks, and watch television. Victoria goes to Luke’s shop, where he makes and sells furniture and orders the biggest and most ostentatious book cabinet for her home, and buys it on her husband’s credit card. It is debatable if this will fit in her house.

I enjoyed this novel that vacillates between fiction and reality, and recommend this to others.