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American Wifeby Curtis Sittenfeld |
Dale Israel: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld is a novel loosely inspired
by the life of Laura Bush. Quite frankly, I never felt one way or the other about Laura Bush
and I was not a W. supporter. When two different people suggested this book, however, I had no choice
but to take notice and I'm very glad that I did. American Wife is narrated by the fictional Laura
and begins when she is a young girl. It describes her early life, her courtship with the fictional
W. and their relationship during his presidency. The first two-thirds of the book was engrossing
and I could not put the book down but the pace slowed a wee bit when she shares what their life was
like while living in the White House. Although the characters were given fictional names, it was
easy to visualize Laura and W. throughout the novel... most of the time this was a
good thing but I honestly blushed during the steamy sex scenes...I felt like a voyeur!!! I
really enjoyed this book a lot and would like to do more research on Laura Bush to see
which parts of this novel were true and which were simply well written fiction. I also
have to admit that even though this was a work of fiction, it left me feeling more benevolent
toward the Bushes. This was a good read and I would highly recommend it.
Rating: ****
Hadriane Kalfus: American Wife follows the life of Alice of small
town Wisconsin from a very young age through her formative years,
college years, marriage and finally as First Lady. There is no doubt in your
mind that this is based on Laura Bush and George W. An enjoyable story, chock
full of familiar tidbits about Laura and George. Alice and Charlie Blackwell are
easily recognizable as are their friends and family. Charlie Blackwell's family
is a classic wealthy, preppy business family with a mother that is strong as steel.
We follow him trying to please his father and competing with his brothers.
Alice is sweet, understanding, a bit complex and the trial and tribulations
in her life are also Laura's. I really enjoyed this book, predictable,
but great fun!
Rating: ****
