A Woman Trapped

I have read every book in the “A Woman Lost” series and I think A Woman Trapped is the best book in the series.

If you read T.B. Markinson's blog, then you will see the real life events of Markinson's life replayed through Lizzie...and her family's eyes and it is freaking hilarious. There are tits (get your head out of the gutter!), oranges, and trips to real places.

You will also get to view how those of us in Massachusetts trod through the pandemic. COVID-19 hits the Petrie family and its extended family as it has hit everyone: hard, fast, and with stupefaction. How do we manage in this new world? Well if you are anything like Lizzie, you handle it with panic of course (laugh).

I actually think Lizzie handled it pretty much as I have and this is the funny thing. This is the eight book about the Petries and this is the first one that I realized: I am Lizzie! Or maybe Lizzie is me. But, Markinson has never met me (laugh). Hmmm...maybe because we both live in Massachusetts? Osmosis in action rainbows.

For whatever reason, Lizzie seemed relatable to me in this novel and I identified with her actions so much more. Maybe because Markinson was able to tap into what every human was experiencing, or viewing someone they loved doing and giving us an ability to laugh about it. Markinson inserts real-life incidents and I laughed aloud.

Who hasn't been pissed when someone does something we would never do? I have totally been mad about the above quote. Like: Seriously?!

This is the first time in the series that I pick Lizzie as my favorite character. Maybe it is because I am in a different place or because I have issues with self-acceptance (laugh). Markinson makes A Woman Trapped feel new and familiar. All of the familiar voices are there, but Lizzie's actually sounds the loudest. She is not drowned out by the antics of the other characters. Lizzie's voice was finally heard by me.

Like some couples, Lizzie and Sarah end up growing closer during this period of quarantine. I love how Markinson ensures that “lesbian bed death” does not happen to this couple. I also love how after all of this time, Lizzie still lusts after Sarah. There is a comfort in that continuity.

If you have never read a book in the series, that's okay. A Woman Trapped can actually be read as a standalone. This is a family's love story during COVID. It is also a woman's journey to self-awareness in the midst of isolation. Markinson gives us laughter, romance, and Lizzie high-jinks. Markinson also still manages to throw in a surprise at the end.

If you want a married couple surviving to “happily-ever-after” in this crazy time, then A Woman Trapped is for you. Laugh. Love. And keep Lizzie away from online ordering...just saying.