Wife 22

By: Melanie Gideon

Narrated by: Katharine Mangold

If you like Modern Family, you’ll love this

Maybe it was because I was about to turn the same age my mother was when I lost her. Maybe it was because my husband and I were running out of things to say to each other.

But when the online study called “Marriage in the 21st Century” showed up in my inbox, I had no idea it would change my life. It wasn’t long before I was assigned both a pseudonym (Wife 22) and a caseworker (Researcher 101).

And, just like that, I found myself answering questions.

Before the study, I was Alice Buckle: wife and mother, drama teacher and Facebook chatter, downloader of memories and Googler of solutions.

But these days, I’m also Wife 22. And somehow, my correspondence with Researcher 101 has taken an unexpectedly personal turn. Soon, I’ll have to make a decision—one that will affect my family, my marriage, my whole life. But at the moment, I’m too busy answering questions.

As it turns out, confession can be a very powerful aphrodisiac.

©2012 Melanie Gideon (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘I loved it, loved it, loved it. It's so funny and true and sad and real and clever and of-the-moment. Also so hopeful and wise and ultimately heartwarming.’ Marian Keyes

‘With a quirky narrative that mixes Facebook statuses, questionnaires, Google searches and chatty prose, this is a funny and poignant story that explores how confession can sometimes be the ultimate aphrodisiac’ Easy Living

‘Clever and original…witty and profound. Hugely enjoyable with a controversial ending.’ Red

‘A wonderfully clever, sad and funny read.’ Daily Mail

‘A juicy story of love, sex, parentlng, ageing and everything in between with a load of originality thrown in. Great stuff.’ Closer

Enjoyable. Eye opener

Would you consider the audio edition of Wife 22 to be better than the print version?

I wouldn't know, as I haven't read it, but the narrator was excellent, the best I heard so far, so I believe an audio version gives you an additional aspect to the total experience of reading a book

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved the main character as the story enables us to understand her most. I appreciate her: it is clear she has high potential for extravagant advertisement career, yet she chose to support her husband, family, and chose a drama teacher position in order to be more at home. but she has various colors and eventually her potential is accomplished.
I also loved William, for the way he handles his "40th" crisis, loves his wife deeply and willing to make an effort for them both.

Have you listened to any of Katharine Mangold’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The realization, but I don't want to ruin it for future readers

Any additional comments?

Worth listening!

Easy listening

What did you love best about Wife 22?

Nice, easy to listen to, not too complicated, not too many characters. Good narration.

Any additional comments?

A bit slow in parts, but an enjoyable listen.