book review: Indiscretion by Charles Dubow

The backstory: Indiscretion was one of the featured titles at the Harper Collins Book Buzz event at ALA last June. I read it on the plane home from California and was even smart enough to write this review last June while it was fresh.

The basics: Indiscretion is the story of Maddy and Harry Winslow. Harry is a National Book Award-winning author, while Maddy is beautiful, smart and kind. They're a couple revered by all who know them, and the two love to entertain at their home in the Hamptons and at their New York City brownstone. Yet as the title indicates, the marriage may not be quite as strong as it appears.

My thoughts: Indiscretion is an intelligent vacation read. There are elements of an upper-class soap opera, but there are also elements of high-brow literature. The combination works well and keeps the novel from becoming either too serious or too frivolous. This novel also sits somewhere between thriller and domestic fiction. Adding intrigue to the story, the narrator of this novel is Walter, Maddy's childhood friend. With this choice, Dubow creates a sense of mystery. Why is Walter, a secondary character, telling the story? And how does he know the private details of their lives? Dubow's answers to these questions were incredibly satisfying and elevate this novel above its salaciousness. As much as I enjoyed it and celebrate its release, part of me wishes it were coming out in May, as I loved experiencing this novel as a vacation read, so I recommend you take it on an airplane too.

The verdict: Indiscretion is a fun escapist read. It's a window into the life of New York affluence, an admired marriage, and the career of a National Book Award-winning author. Intrigue, salaciousness, scandal, love, and suspense abound in the lives of this couple and their circle of friends.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: February 5, 2013 
Source: publisher

Convinced? Treat yourself! Buy Indiscretion from an independent bookstore, the Book Depository or Amazon (Kindle version.)

As an affiliate, I receive a small commission when you make a purchase through any of the above links. Thank you for helping to support my book habits that bring more content to this blog!

Comments

  1. I think I have the eGalley - I like the sound of this one. Thanks for reviewing it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane, I'll be curious to hear what you think of it!

      Delete
  2. This is our bookclub pick for March, and I think I already own it, but if not, I will be buying it soon. I love these types of books and the fact that it's written with style and flair excite me even more. Excellent and very enticing review today!

    ReplyDelete
  3. 4 out of 5?! Hmm, I guess I'll have to consider this -- I'm not always wild about domestic thrillers but now and then, I crave the tension...!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey thank you so much for reviewing this book, I enjoyed it too! Have you seen the sexy video? http://youtu.be/qQoY3JgxUGc Whew ((fanning myself))!!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Happy reading!

Popular posts from this blog

Mini-challenge: Where in the World Have You Read Today?

The Backlist Book Club: The Clan of the Cave Bear discussion

book review: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson