The Narrative of Mary James
Ratings1
Average rating5
15
Ratings1
Average rating5
Despite hiding a myriad of secrets, Kingsbury's newest residents, Jack and Mary James, are fitting in well. To neighbors, the handsome Vietnam Veteran and the quiet hospital administrator exemplify a young all-American couple. Behind closed doors, though, the newlyweds struggle with mental health issues, fear of Mary's abusive first husband, and Jack's sexuality. The foundation of their platonic love is strong, but the James' picture-perfect life is built on fragile ground. As they cement relationships with Kingsbury locals, including the vivacious drama teacher across the street, an attractive new neighbor, and a mysterious therapist, shadows of Mary's and Jack's traumatic pasts threaten to reveal their intricate trail of half-truths and fictional personal details. The Narrative of Mary James offers a raw look at an unconventional marriage in 1970's suburban America with an in-depth exploration of love in all its beautiful and messy forms.
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Book tour stop! @katieandbreypa and @lanaorndorff_author I thank you for the chance to read and review The narrative of Mary James. Here are my impressions.
Jack and Mary are newlyweds, on the outside they look like any other couple in the 1970s but on the inside, it's a very different story. Mary lives in a heightened state of fear of her ex husband. Jack is still not over his tour of vietnam. Not only do the couple have normal marital issues but the fact that Jack is hiding his sexuality behind the marriage leaves Mary with needs that are not being fulfilled.
Their friendship will weather any storm but things will not stay the same as they navigate the world within their precarious situation...
I really enjoyed this book. I found Mary so charming that I took an instant liking to her. I felt so bad for Jack. Not only being unable to cope after his tour in vietnam but the fact he is a man living firmly in the closet in the 70s just adds to this tragedy. I understood why they made the decision to marry but it is so sad that it came to that. To have to hide. I couldn't imagine what that must have felt like.
Lana did an amazing job of bringing the raw emotion to the pages. I was totally hooked in from the first page, although I wish the ending could have been different. I appreciate that she stayed true to how it would have been then but my heart wanted more for the both of them. Mary couldn't find real love that would have met all her needs and Jack would have to hide who he is forever and that hurt me inside. I loved the strength of their friendship and their convictions for wanting to protect and take care of each other and it warmed this old soul to see that, even though you can't get the happy ending you want, that you can build an unconventional life that is just as meaningful.
The writing was beautiful and articulate and I look forward to more from Lana.
4.5 stars! If you love a little heartbreak in your historical fiction books.... This has to make your list!
I loved every moment of this book.
