A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Wow. Fantastic.
Ralph Truitt has been alone in the rural Wisconsin for some 20 years, since his wife and daughter died and his son left home. Yes, he has his housekeepers, his immense wealth, and solicitous townspeople, essentially all of whom work for him. Still, though, Ralph feels alone. He feels so alone, in fact, that he decides to advertise in the papers in Chicago for “a reliable wife.” When Catherine Land answers his advertisement, she seems perfect until she arrives in Wisconsin. Ralph can see immediately that she is not the woman he expected – her lovely face does not match the plain picture she sent along with her response – but he has no idea just how different she is than his expectation, or just what she really is. Ralph has secrets of his own, however, and his own reasons for looking for a wife at this point in his life. Reasons Catherine could never have expected.
It is amazing the number of twists and turns that Goolrick was able to pack into his 290 page book. Because of that, I don’t really feel comfortable sharing much more of the plot with you, as I don’t want to spoil anything (although the book jacket descriptions do actually give away a bit more than I have, so be warned if you don’t want to know more). Ralph and Catherine are both spectacularly flawed individuals, but they each have a redeeming bit of humanity which takes them to deliciously wicked instead of just terrible, horrible characters. I was mesmirized by both of them, particularly Catherine, who commands more of the attention in the story than does Ralph.
The story was perfect. Goolrick added in the perfect amount of mystery and suspense without getting into ‘thriller’ category and without sacrificing the depth of his main characters. I loved many of his little extras – such as the stories of all of the different people in this small, rural, 1907 Wisconsin town who would go crazy during the long winters – and many of his turns of phrase, particularly the “it was just a story of…” section at the end. Primarily, though, his writing seemed effortless and I simply floated along on his story, captivated by the world he was presenting to me. I know a book is good when I seem to be absorbing it more than actually reading it, which means that this book was very good.
This is a lovely piece of fiction that should appeal both to those who like mainstream fiction (‘literary’ fiction) and those who lean more towards mysteries and thrillers. Definitely anyone who appreciates good writing with great characters should go straight out and get this book to read.
You can also read reviews of this book today at
My Friend Amy’s Blog
S. Krishna’s Books
I skimmed your review because I have this one on my TBR and I hate to have too many hints. Looks like I’m going to like it. I love your joint posting day with Amy and Meghan.
Beth F’s last blog post..Where Are You? / Teaser Tuesdays (March 31)
Duh, not Meghan, but Swapna…. more coffee for me.
Beth F’s last blog post..Where Are You? / Teaser Tuesdays (March 31)
Great review!
Bookfool, aka Nancy’s last blog post..As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason – review and giveaway – *STICKY*- Page down for new posts!
psst your linkage to S Krishna didn’t take properly.. Thanks for the review.. this one I wanted a long time ago.
Marie’s last blog post..Teaser Tuesday
Thanks Marie, I fixed it. I wouldn’t want to leave Swapna out!
I like literary fiction and mysteries, so this one sounds like it’s right up my alley. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Hard book to review because it is just so incredible on so many levels!
Julie P.’s last blog post..Review: A Date You Can’t Refuse
I recently put this on my TBR list, but your review bumped it up a few notches. I didn’t realize there were mystery/thriller elements to it. Thanks for not giving too much away!
The Word Jar’s last blog post..Teaser Tuesday—March 31
Loved this one, as you know – you did a beautiful job reviewing it!
S. Krishna’s last blog post..A Reliable Wife – Robert Goolrick
Your first two words told me all I needed to know
I’ve heard such incredible things about this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Ti’s last blog post..Review: Nineteen Minutes
Well, you certainly have sold me on this one!! Thank you so much for not going into detail, in fact, I think your review is perfect!! Just enough to make me interested and curious. I will be adding this to my library loot soon I’m sure
Staci’s last blog post..Teaser Tuesdays and It’s Tuesday…Where are you?
Great review, Jen!
Amy @ My friend Amy’s last blog post..Review: A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Great review! It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read a book that I felt like I had “absorbed”. Those are the best aren’t they?
Ladytink_534’s last blog post..She’s No Sweetheart
Thanks for the great review. I would have to say that I would have passed this one up based on the title and cover, but it sounds very interesting.
lisalynne’s last blog post..Reading fiction helps us understand others
I’ve got this one in my tbr pile – it sounds great!!
Wendi
Wendi b.’s last blog post..Review: Married by Mistake by Abby Gaines
I wish I had liked this as much as you did. It just didn’t do it for me – though it sounds like I am definitely in the minority! I linked to your review on mine – very helpful!
.-= Gayle´s last blog .."A Reliable Wife" by Robert Goolrick =-.
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[…] Devourer of Books – she called it “fantastic” Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Share on Linkedin share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post Bookmark in Browser Tell a friend Posted on June 28, 2009 by gayle. This entry was posted in Fiction and tagged a reliable wife, robert goolrick. Bookmark the permalink. « TESTIMONY by Anita Shreve Winners of THE CONDITION Giveaway » […]