Accidents of Marriage

By: Randy Susan Meyers

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

Maddy is a social worker trying to balance her career and three children. Years ago, she fell in love with Ben, a public defender, drawn to his fiery passion, but now he's lashing out at her during his periodic verbal furies. She vacillates between tiptoeing around him and asserting herself for the sake of their kids - which works to keep a fragile peace - until the rainy day when they're together in the car and Ben's volatile temper gets the best of him, leaving Maddy in the hospital fighting for her life. Accidents of Marriage is a provocative and stunning novel that will resonate deeply with women from all walks of life, ultimately revealing the challenges of family, faith, and forgiveness.

©2014 Randy Susan Meyers (P)2014 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"Beautifully written, poignant and thought-provoking, this novel refuses to succumb to stereotypical reader expectations, making it even more memorable." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Many books are an absolute pleasure to read, but slip straight from your mind. Accidents of Marriage is one of those rare novels that is both unputdownable and unforgettable. I just loved it, and I'll now read everything Randy Susan Meyers writes." (Liane Moriarty, NYT Bestselling author of T he Husband's Secret)

Best Narration I have ever heard!

What did you love best about Accidents of Marriage?

I could relate to it in so many ways

Which character – as performed by Susan Bennett – was your favorite?

The Mom, Maddy.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh and cry in so many different ways.

Any additional comments?

Just listen, so worth it.

Entertaining

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend his audio to a friend, as most of my friends read from this genre-Women's Fiction. The alternating points-of-view keep the book moving along.

What did you like best about this story?

I love a female lead who finally finds herself and her voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Is anything in life ever an accident.?"

Good but

This wasn’t my favorite of hers, but it was definitely a good one. It did drag a bit at times, but it was worth it. Push the slow parts, and you will be glad you did.

Not what I expected

I thought the story would have been a little more eventful when I was listening to it. I felt the story lacked excitement. The narration was well done but this particular story was not the best in my opinion.

Wished it not to end.

This book was engrossing from start to finish. Though I longed for a happy ending, I am glad that the author didn't take the easy route and wrap up the story in a pretty bow.

I found myself laughing, thinking, and exploring each character in my mind. I found myself hooked. and I listened to the entire book on 1.5 speed because I wanted to discover what lied deep within the story. The book was done in the course of a day.

Searing, honest... I loved this book!

What made the experience of listening to Accidents of Marriage the most enjoyable?

It wasn't "enjoyable" in the sense that it was a happy read - in fact, it really and truly was not a happy read - but it was well-written, with real characters that felt real, raw, honest emotions, without the over-flowery pretty language that authors who create such characters seem to use. The narration was spot-on, turning a good book itno an outstanding performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes. It was a difficult read, depicting a family already in crisis going through the necessary messy changes of recovery from a brain injury - the overwhelming expectations of older children and the other parent, the hopes and shattered innocence of the younger children...

Any additional comments?

I read Meyers' "The Murderer's Daughters" years ago, and I didn't like it then. Perhaps now that I ghave matured - and enjoyed this book so much - I will go back and read it.
I will also check out Susan Bennett's other narrations; if they're half as good as this, time and credits well spent!

Depressing and Eye Opening- Hit Too Close To Home

When I first started reading Meyers' 'Accidents of Marriage' I was overwhelmed with the similarities between my marriage and that of the main character. The husband Ben is a very self centered jerk who really couldn't care less about his wife Maddy, who took care of their family while he was out often 'on business.' He threw tantrums and she never knew what would set him off.

One day he is in a very bad mood and they get into a car together. It's raining, and he has an accident and Maddy is left in the ICU with a brain injury. While her three children wait, terrified their mother will die, Ben is worried that people will discover the truth- which was that the accident was his fault and caused from his anger.

The book goes from one narrator to the next, and uses the person's point of view. It reminded me a little of Gone Girl in the beginning, and a Jodi Picoult book in the middle and end.

This book, albeit very depressing, was a real eye opener for me. The writing is just so raw and honest and it's touching. I sucked me in and I listened to it in two nights. The narrator does a wonderful job with all of the characters as well.

4 solid stars

Still contemplating how I feel about this story...

I was disappointed with this story. While it did hit close to home about marriage and the problems that id say every couple faces it left me hungry for more.
The more I stew on this book the more unhappy I become with it.

I lived this

Cannot write so well at present. The dialogue, at the beginning, so real. Lucky woman to have family, brave woman gets mad and tries hard. Very well written compelling story. You will enjoy it is not just a sad story. I think you will finish it, as it pulls one in.

An Honest Portrayal

Most of this book were very engaging. It seemed to deliver an honest portrayal of a fairly common relationship flaw that can have devastating effects. The author has obvious skill and her plot was interesting and somewhat unique. I thought some of the characters, especially that of Ben and the eldest daughter Emma were well developed. If anything I think too much time was spent hashing and rehashing Ben's faults. One chapter into the book and the reader knows that Ben has serious anger issues that are escalating rapidly. And shortly after that we realize he has the ability to justify to himself even his worst actions. But the author keeps providing examples of these defects over and over. Not because it was necessary to the plot It almost seemed like "filler" to make the book a little longer.

The character that I felt was poorly developed was Maddie. And that was a shame because she remained so one dimensional, it was difficult to empathize with her. While I understand it is difficult to point out the personality flaws in a person after they live through a traumatic brain injury, there was plenty of time before the accident to understand what made Maddie tick. We got hints - she was evidently disorganized and often forgot important deadlines. But that hardly fleshes out a character.

No other person's behavior ever justified the way Ben treated his family. No matter what someone else does, you do not treat them the way Ben treated others. And I think the final resolution of the book was the only way it could end based on his character defects. But in real life there are two people in a marriage and to understand the marriage you have to understand both parties' motivations and actions. I never understood Maddie's and what affect they had on Ben and her children. I think this information would have been helpful, especially because despite of Ben's insurmountable flaws, he seemed to genuinely love his wife and kids. But we don't know why because we don't know Maddie.

One other issue that bothered me dealt with Maddie's sister. She was obviously the bad apple to Maddie's good. The author spends just enough time hinting at problems to pique your interest in the character. Then she is dropped and is never mentioned again. Why. It seemed especially strange that she deserted Maddie because she was uncomfortable around her and this resulted in a major disaster. And yet there were no consequences mentioned for her actions. I would have felt more satisfied if someone held her accountable. If her behavior had no bearing on the plot, why include her?

Susan Bennett narrated this beautifully.