Review: The Wives

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was my first Tarryn Fisher read, but the anticipation to dive into The Wives was huge. At first, the theme of polygamy introduces a very different premise that incites curiosity, but the execution wasn't up to par with my expectations.

The author throws us into a fascinating setup that depicts Thursday's life with her supposedly ideal husband, Seth. Details of her highly unique connection are revealed, with Thursday only able to see Seth once a week. While the first few pages entice the reader with the appeal of a mystery lifestyle, the pacing quickly becomes uneven and frequently lingers on trivial minutiae rather than the explosive revelations I envisioned.

Thursday, the main character, gradually loses credibility as the tale proceeds. The viewpoint is both intriguing and frustrating, and made me wonder why she did what she did. However, while I loved her intricacy, she would occasionally engage in crazy conduct that added very little to the overall plot.

As the tale began to take a darker turn, dealing with the underlying truths underneath Thursday and Seth's passion, I felt both delighted and sceptical. The suspense is obvious, with a lot of promise for a fantastic psychological thriller, but as it progresses, it transformed into a bit of a disappointment. Most of the surprising developments appeared implausible, pushing my ability to believe and leaving me perplexed rather than intrigued. The finale, which relied on a series of odd coincidences, lacked the impact that a great thriller deserves.

Fisher writes fluidly and engagingly, although she occasionally veers on the verge of cliché, as seen by her almost painfully familiar habit of stretching the tale into situations that would be more comfortable for Young Adult readers. The thematic concerns with obsession and betrayal here are interesting, but execution often feels muddled, not allowing the story to reach the depth and intensity I was hoping for.

The Wives has the ingredients of an intriguing story, but it lacks the impact that would transform the sum of its components into a cohesive, exciting thriller.

If you want a quick read and enjoy reading about love and jealousy, this is a good choice. However, if you're seeking for anything more substantial from a psychological standpoint, you'll want more.

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