Learning to Stay

When I found out a theater in Madison, Wisconsin was presenting the world premiere stage adaptation of Ms. Celello's novel, I was encouraged to read the book first before seeing the play.

I'm so glad I did.

Learning to Stay (also set mostly in Madison, Wisconsin) centers on Elise, a 30-something lawyer on the fast track to partnership, is excited for her husband's return from Iraq so the two of them can finally start their own family. However, when her husband Brad returns, it becomes clear that he is suffering from PTSD. Celello's novel boldly asks the question: what does for better or worse mean?

I greatly enjoyed Celello's writing style, and was empathetic to protagonist Elise several times, whether it was her desire to have a baby, her deep love for her husband, her confused feelings for a co-worker, or her heartbreaking lament over whether or not she should leave her husband. Despite the story being a work of fiction (partly inspired by Celello's years of working for the governor and attending military funerals and meeting service members' families), Celello makes you resonate with Elise and her story is Celello's strength in this novel.

I also appreciate the topic Celello chooses to cover, which is that of how military spouses deal with the aftermath and after effects of war and PTSD. The more conversation that can be had, the better chance we have at helping those in need.

Overall, highly recommend to anyone looking for the following:
-Military spouse/military family stories
-Husband/wife, relationship stories
-Madison/Wisconsin authors
-PTSD/after-war stories