Accidents of Marriage

by Randy Susan Meyers

Accidents of Marriage explores a topic rarely shown in fiction: the destruction left in the wake of spouse’s verbal fury. Ben never meant to hurt Maddy. He never imagined his recklessness would lead to tragedy.

Maddy is a social worker trying to balance her career and three children. Years ago, she fell in love with Ben, a public defender, drawn to his fiery passion, but now he’s lashing out at her during his periodic verbal furies. She vacillates between tiptoeing around him and asserting herself for the sake of their kids – which works to keep a fragile peace – until the rainy day when they’re together in the car and Ben’s volatile temper gets the best of him, leaving Maddy in the hospital fighting for her life.

Randy Susan Meyers takes us inside the hearts and minds of her characters, alternating among the perspectives of Maddy, Ben, and their fourteen-year-old daughter. Accidents of Marriage is a provocative and stunning novel that will resonate deeply with women from all walks of life, ultimately revealing the challenges of family, faith, and forgiveness.

Accidents of Marriage explores a topic rarely shown in fiction: the damaging effects of a spouse’s emotional abuse.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Romance, Womens Fiction, Family, Drama

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2014

About the author

Randy Susan Meyers, an international bestselling author of five novels, has been recognized by the Massachusetts Council of the Book. They have chosen three of her books as Must-Read Books, praising her clear and distinctive voice that captivates readers and leaves them yearning for more.

Her sixth novel, THE MANY MOTHERS OF IVY PUDDINGSTONE, will be released on October 29, 2024.

Though her novels explore domestic drama, societal issues, and cultural nuances, informed by her years working with community and governmental agencies, she gained the most insight into family and other politics during her four years as a bartender in a small Boston neighborhood bar.

Meyers is a Brooklyn-Boston hybrid who believes happiness requires family, friends, books, and an occasional NY bagel. She lives in Boston with her husband and teaches at the Grub Street Writer's Center.

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books about marriage have been in my space recently. While I don't think any of the 'marriage-theme' books I've read --including Michelle Richmond's new novel,
"The Marriage Pact", will win Pulitzer Prize awards....I think there is a cautionary tale in both books. Both books are very different- yet both are thought provoking- questioning marriage situations--offering an important message.

I'll be honest here- marriage thoughts have been running through my mind lately.
If your daughter called you and said that she and her boyfriend were coming home for a 5 day visit - ( adds her boyfriend is "so excited to see you, mom", and then says they are going to go visit Adam's parents after visiting us, knowing' they've been serious for a year), is it possible you might wonder if 'marriage' is around the corner?
Well... I'm wondering!
Our daughter and her boyfriend have a challenging situation-too. He lives in Canada. She lives in the United States. They met Iceland. They both travel in their jobs - They have been so committed to each other though- they see each other every other month for at least 2 weeks come hell or high water - in SOME COUNTRY!

These 'MARRIAGE-THEME' books have me thinking of all different type of complex scenarios. What type of complexity is healthy and functional in a marriage- what types are not?
I've been married 39 years. Our biggest problem these days is what to plan for our 40th anniversary-- haha...
.....but with TWO single daughters - both with boyfriends - ages 35 and 31.... call me 'being-a-mom'....but, yes, I begin to wonder about marriage for them. Of course I wish for them to have happy - healthy - 'sane' - secure feeling- loving - functional marriages.
Has marriage changed much since 'my day'? Is it doomed before it begins? I hope not.....
But if "Accidents of Marriage", by Randy Susan Meyers... is any indication of reality -- AND I THINK MIGHT BE....then marriages could use some support - BEFORE the wedding vows!! How do we old farts - and society - support & empower young couples in the success in their marriages?

"Accidents of Marriage" -- a PAGE TURNING NOVEL --centers around the marriage of Ben and Maddy. Ben is an attorney. Maddy, a social worker. They have 3 kids: Emma is 15...Gracie is 9...Caleb is 7.

'All' the characters in this story are strong - ( even the minor characters: the extended family, etc.). The writing is strong - and real!

Ben and Maddy have a complicated marriage. He is emotionally abusive -he gets angry at the smallest things --( when he does). Ben is simply unpredictable. He is not an easily likable man... BUT.... Maddy loves him.... so BECAUSE I loved Maddy so much...and quickly trusted the AUTHOR ( even though this is my first experience reading Randy Susan Meyers), I kept an open mind to Ben.....maybe??? There was some insight about him I could learn.

Maddy walks on eggshells around Ben - popping pills to 'cope'. At times Maddy will assert herself - but mostly she suppresses her words -- with the thoughts of keeping peace in the house for the sake of the kids.

AND THEN...... THE ACCIDENT HAPPENS:
Ben was driving the car...... ANGRY! There had been many 'red flag' warnings about Ben's volatile temper tantrums .....but when driving behind the wheel? Yikes....
TOO LATE: The accident leaves Maddy in a coma.

The story is narrated by Ben, Maddy, and Emma.

Dear..... dear .... dear Emma. She is a young teenager with WAY TOO adult worries and responsibility! Bless her little heart! I wanted to take he in my arms - and get her away from all she had to deal with.


I won't share the 'what happens'..... but Meyers examines this marriage before and after a sad tragic accident. Insightful and well done.

The questions I kept asking myself:
"If I had been in Maddy's shoes - would I have done things any different BEFORE the accident... with 3 kids to consider? Would I have done things different AFTER the accident?

I'd definitely recommend this book to all young woman who even consider marrying a man knowing he has a temper.

Emotionally Strong!!!
Characters Strong!!!
I look forward to reading Randy Susan Meyers again!!!

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books ever!

I simply cannot totally put into words here how spectacular this novel is. By far it is now my favourite reads without a doubt. It just blew me away. Sucked me in, tossed me around, had me feeling every emotion possible then spat me back out, reeling from the emotional journey and the intensity of the story. Absolutely astonishing novel. I kid you not.

What's the book about?

Maddy is a social worker trying to balance her career and three children. Years ago, she fell in love with Ben, a public defender, drawn to his fiery passion, but now he’s lashing out at her during his periodic verbal furies. She vacillates between tiptoeing around him and asserting herself for the sake of their kids—which works to keep a fragile peace—until the rainy day when they’re together in the car and Ben’s volatile temper gets the best of him, leaving Maddy in the hospital fighting for her life.

My Review:

Maddy is walking on eggshells in her marriage, Ben, her husband is volatile and goes off like a volcano when he feels like it, having not one care for what he does to his family in the wake of it all. This book discusses the darker side of marriage, but a very real dark side of marriage, what it is essentially is emotional and verbal abuse. This is not a happy place for any wife to be, and Maddy is not one of those happy wives.

After one of Ben's explosions and rants and selfish moments driving in the car together an event occurs that changes both their lives forever. Maddy is suddenly fighting for her life and Ben has to live with what he has done, and everyone knows what he has done, this is a man without a fan club dear readers. I despised his character for so many good reasons.

There are three children caught up in this all, three children who have also seen the wrath of their father and seen their patient mother pick up the pieces and "defend" his actions time and time again. This is not good role modelling is it? So much damage has been done.

I am not going to talk about the story or plot itself, there are way too many spoilers if I do that. But this book literally blew me away, I have never read anything so powerful for such a long time. I did feel every emotion available I think whilst devouring this novel over a couple of hours, unable to put it down. It was like watching a train wreck, it got ugly but you had to keep looking, you just had to.

I felt EVERYTHING reading this book, I am not exaggerating. I am struggling with this review because nothing will do it justice, you just please have to read this novel. The way it is written is just incredible, word for word this book grabbed on and refused to let go.

The characters are exceptionally done in this book, all of them, you will form firm opinions early on about them no doubt as I did.

Maddy's character was written so well it was as if she was my best friend, I knew her, I got her, I laughed with her and I got scared with her too. She pulled on my heart strings in some scenes and had me actually laughing out loud in others. She is quite literally an exceptional character that develops throughout the book, all the way through to a mind blowing ending that will have you FEELING everything she is. I did. I am still recovering from this read.

Ben, again another brilliant character, I despised what he was all about, oh how I disliked him. I wanted serious unpleasant words with him! He's not a likeable man you know? Some readers may fluctuate with him but not me. I loved to hate him in this book, I was not on his team. But Randy Susan Meyers has an insight into human nature that she has put into her characters in this book so that they are so darn real and tangible, raw and ready. Incredible.

Emma, their eldest daughter. Oh sweet Emma, only fourteen years old, I wanted to help you, you had too much going on for a young teenager. Her character again is powerfully done, she is a prominent actress in this play, your heart will no doubt break for her as mine did. I applaud you Emma, I truly do.

This one moment in time that occurs because of Ben's rage, anger and inability to be a rational human being changes EVERYTHING for this family. This book is the journey of each of the family members, the choices they make, the rolling out of consequences of actions. We also watch the growth of the characters all the way through, it's really very well done, I can't rave enough to be honest.

This book made me laugh out loud in some moments and feel angry and sad in others, I was on the roller coaster and loving it. I literally laughed and grieved with the family. And Maddy, Maddy, Maddy - what can I say? She is one of my all time favourite characters in a novel ever. I would love a follow up to this book as I want more of her, to see how she is doing.

The writing in this book is clever, stunning and insightful. The book moves points of view between Maddy, Ben and Emma, their fourteen year old daughter and in seeing the same scenario through all their eyes it's just magic, it just works so well. I felt so much, I loved this book.

With family loyalty, marriage vows, love, trust, faith all on the line. This book takes a peek behind the doors of a very real marriage and family home, one that could be yours even, or next door or a friend, nothing unrealistic about it at all.

Have I raved enough? Seriously I could keep going. If there was more than five stars available to give a book this one would get it. Powerfully moving, a book that not only you will love reading but it will stay with you forever and you will tell all your friends about it. Or is that just me? Maybe. You read it and let me know.

An astonishing novel. One of my all time favourite novels ever.

Please tell me this will be a movie one day!

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Thanks so much for reading my review!

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If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.

[Crumb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Print Hardcover

Usually when I read a book it is because of the reviews I see. Or because a friend recommended it. Or because it is a bestseller. Very rarely do I read a book solely because I want to and it looks good. This time I did and I am so happy that I did. This book was wonderful. It was a pageturner. I simply could not put it down.

Maddy is a social worker trying to hold it together for her three children. Why is she trying to hold it together? Her husband, Ben, is a tyrant. He yells, screams, and throws things. She even has to take anxiety medication just to get through the day. She tip toes around him, hoping and praying that she won't trigger an outburst from him. She tries to do things perfectly, thinking that this time he won't explode.

Maddy is with her women's group that she counsels every Wednesday. She gets into her car to leave..only to realize that she had forgotten to have it registered. She calls her husband. In a blink of an eye, everything changes.

The emotional abuse that both Maddy and the children suffered was a major theme of this book, echoing through out. A person does not need to beat you or kick you to be considered abuse. In this case, Ben terrorized through his language. Maddy did not know when it would come or how to prevent it. She was living in a constant state of fear.

"He scared me, sure, but even more, Mother of God, I was terrified of opening my goddamn mouth.."

I really don't want to give too much away here. A lot of different themes were explored in this novel. Guilt, sadness, anger, and forgiveness. It was really interesting to see how the characters developed throughout. Especially the husband. It would be easy to hate the husband..but the author did such a wonderful job of showing his remorse and pain. The reader then feels..almost..empathy toward Ben.

Accidents of Marriage shines a bright light on a subject that too often goes unheard. Verbal and emotional abuse is not discussed ad nauseam like its counterpart: physical abuse. However in this book, we see the tragic consequences that can result from this type of behavior.

I encourage you to read a book simply because you want to. It really has paid off for me..and it is so delightful to go to the library and wander the aisles..searching for that next, great find.

I highly recommend this book. I think fans of Amy Hatvany or Sarah Pekkanen would enjoy this. I am definitely going to read more from this author.

For more information on Randy Susan Meyers please see: Randy Susan Meyers

Also, here is an interview with Randy Susan Meyers

[*TANYA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

A temperamental read!!! I sympathized with the 3 main characters very much and yes I’m including the husband. I wanted unicorns and rainbows for this family, I really did, especially for the kiddos. But, unfortunately some situations cannot be ignored or redeemed.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this novel in a Goodreads giveaway. I want to thank Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, for sending me a free print copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am normally a crime/mystery/thriller reader. I entered the giveaway for Accidents of Marriage as the book synopsis intrigued me. I was not disappointed. This story could be about your neighbors; this story could be about you and your family. In Accidents of Marriage, Ms. Meyers paints a strikingly realistic portrait of a family struggling with the issue of emotional abuse. The account was told by alternating points of view of the husband, the wife, and the oldest of the three children, the latter being the 14 year old daughter. Though all of the characters were flawed to some degree, all, even the abusive husband, had redeeming factors that had me pulling for them all. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the third quarter of the book was a bit slow. I had no idea how Ms. Meyers was going to end the story until the very last page when she wrapped it up in a very satisfying fashion. I highly recommend Accidents of Marriage. I plan to read Ms. Meyers' two previous novels and look forward to whatever else she might write in the future.

[Beeg Panda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author gets down and dirty with this realistic portrayal of an ordinary couple living their ordinary lives experiencing ordinary problems.

“Maddy dropped the shredded People and picked up Time, slamming the magazine repeatedly against the bed in time to “her words. “Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you.”
Then she threw the magazines, one after another.
Ben ducked. She scrambled to the side of the bed and reached for a small glass reading lamp. He lunged and grabbed both her hands.
“Let go,” she said.
He held her. “You have to stop throwing things.”
In answer, she spit. Her saliva hit his chin. He fought his instinct to hit her, fling her to the floor.”

I enjoyed the writing style.
It felt natural and realistic and drew me in even when the subject matter felt too overwhelming. The author creates a real world with flawed characters and ugly feelings. A world of love and family, healing and so much pain - emotional, physiological and physical.

The blurb basically sets out the story.

Added to that we get to see how she struggles heavily with recovering physically from the accident. How she has to learn from scratch how to move, talk, focus, to remember the past and what to do tomorrow, to read and write - she's literally broken. From a loving wife and mother to a mere portion of the woman she used to be. It was sad and gloomy and unfair and heartbreaking.

He's a liar, mainly when he doesn't come clean to her about him causing the accident in a fit of rage. He lies about it being the other driver's fault.
We get his POV, which is slimy and self serving more often than not. He DOES love his wife and kids and wasn't only dismissive and cruel before the accident.
She once asks him who he's crying for, her or himself - he says maybe both of them, but he lies yet again. He acknowledges that he's "an asshole' but still he blames others for his thoughtless actions.

The ONE line he doesn't cross in their years together is infidelity.
He's a flirt and used women's attraction to him as an "ego salve" but he draws the line at cheating.
Until he does.
With his favourite younger intern.
While the h is in a coma.

In the end she says, when he wants to reconcile:
“Perhaps maybe is possible. Maybe is the only thing about us I can imagine.”
“She saw Ben’s hope surge. She sensed his gathering strength.
“But no more,” she warned. “Don’t ask any. More of me than that. I’m not asking. For patience. Or time. I’m saying the door. Isn’t nailed shut. That’s all.”
There’s no HFN nor a HEA because he doesn’t move back into their home. He’s supposed to get therapy and to better himself as a person but she leans more towards no reconciliation from what I can tell.

I can’t imagine him changing, he’s too self-centred right up until the last chapter.
A true bullshitter.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★s

Maddy had arrived home from work, stressed, tired and unable to think of anything worse than cooking dinner. She was contemplating popping one of her pills to relax herself, but knew she needed to have her wits about her for when Ben arrived home. She never knew what mood he would be in – whether she’d have to tiptoe around him, fearful of snapping that slender thread of anger, or perhaps he’d be happy, pleased to be home with his family.

Seven year old Caleb, nine year old Gracie and fourteen year old Emma knew their father’s moods were unpredictable, even at their young age, but they also knew how to get around him, especially the younger two. Emma was going through a period of teenage angst – she spent a lot of time in her room. But that evening the scream that echoed from the living room following the sound of breaking glass, and the discovery that Caleb had a bad cut on his foot led once more to Ben’s fury erupting. For he walked in the front door to blood, chaos and a sobbing child – of course it was Maddy’s fault…

When Maddy called Ben to pick her up, he was on his way to work, late for an important meeting. After initially refusing, he finally grudgingly detoured – his white hot anger at his wife for making him even later, the teaming rain, the heavy traffic; all combined to create a disaster which had catastrophic consequences. What would be the outcome of Ben’s volatile temper for this normal, everyday family?

Accidents of Marriage is an excellent novel. Told alternatively in the voices of Maddy, Ben and Emma it is blended beautifully, showing the depths of love, family, hope and despair. The verbal abuse by Ben, the anxiousness of Maddy, the fear of the children – all created an image that we have all read about, or even know about. I felt disgusted by Ben, sorry for Maddy and the children - Randy Susan Meyers did not disappoint with her latest novel. I have no hesitation in recommending Accidents of Marriage highly.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended!!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much for expectations: I expected Randy Susan Meyers’ latest book to be a run-of-the-bill novel about how an ordinary family is crippled by the father’s poor anger management control. In other words, a “lesson” book.

Yes, in the very loosest sense, that’s what Accidents of Marriage is about. But I’m pleased to say that it also includes the psychological acuity, beautifully-rendered insights and strong character development that causes it to soar to the top of its genre.

The characters are Maddy and Ben Illaca and their three children: Emma, who has just entered adolescence, her nine-year-old sister Grace, and her seven-year-old brother Caleb. Theirs, in many ways, is an ordinary family: Ben is a true Type A attorney who flairs up when the messiness of family life upends his carefully-plotted days, Maddy is a social worker who excels at her job, and the kids are…well, kids.

But then, during one pressure-packed day, everything changes in an unintended accident. Randy Sue Meyers carefully mines the perspectives of Ben, Maddy, and Emma in the aftermath and she hits every note. None of these characters are black-and-white: they are all authentically developed, people who could live next door to you. The dialogue is pitch-perfect and the arc of the story is organic and real. As a reader, I cared about this family – so much so that I yearned to return to the book when I was away from it. Even secondary characters come alive here. That says a lot about Ms. Meyers as a storyteller.

If there’s any flaw in the book, it’s that after the beginning, Ben is portrayed so empathetically that I couldn’t help wondering if Maddy was being too hard on him. I don’t think that was the author’s intention. Yet, at the same time, I understood Maddy’s feelings and reactions and wanted her to do what was right for her.

Accidents of Marriage will not win any literary awards. But not every book has to. There’s something that’s also valuable in books that tell a good story and make the reader want to turn pages well into the night. Accidents of Marriage is that kind of book.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy Susan Myers’ ACCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE, a bittersweet account of a complex marriage relationship, derailed by dishonesty, emotional abuse, and rage—A tragedy forces one dysfunctional family to reexamine their lives, face their fears, and accept responsibility for their actions, before healing can begin.

The Illica Boston family is a ticking time bomb waiting to ignite. (A broken corporation, Illica Sucks, Inc). The pressure mounts daily and has built up with fifteen years of crap. Something has to happen in order for a change to occur and release the pressure.

Maddy, a social worker, a busy wife and mother, is trying to balance her career, and three children (Emma 14, Gracie 9, Caleb 7), while taking pills in order to cope, and live with Ben, her high strung, angry, controlling, verbally and emotionally abusive narcissistic husband. Brilliant, handsome and charming, Ben could turn into a raging bull when crossed—and despite her training as a social worker Maddy is never sure what would set him off on a rampage.

A family turns into competitions for time, daily emotional battles, and aggressive behavior. As the pressures mount, and tempers flare, shattered dreams erupt for a final explosion—as it trickles down, even to the children’s behavior and reactions—an accident driven by a short fuse, forces this family to face the truths, where nothing will be the same, with devastating consequences. When recovery means more than just facing physical injuries, and a marriage becomes too broken to be repaired.

Told from three different POVs (Maddy, Ben, Emma), Myers creates a poignant, and compelling detailed account of an ordinary family, and its downward spiral—for a heartbreaking tale with well-developed, flawed and realistic characters. Filled with intensity, a deeply moving gripping story; a psychological look inside this family tragedy —with great insight into the human complexities of life, written with compassion, while laced with wit and humor, for an engaging page-turner!

This was my first book by Randy Susan Myers’, and enjoyed her sharp writing style and look forward to reading her previous books! Fans of Jane Green, Amy Hatvany, Lisa Genova, Diane Chamberlain, and Liane Moriarty will enjoy this thought-provoking family drama of love unraveled, and life’s messiness.

Quotes I liked:

“The ideal man. Bears the accidents of life with. Dignity and grace. Making the best of circumstances. That’s Aristotle. I copied it. From Zelda’s office. I so wanted to be. Dignified and graceful. But now I know. How could I? I didn’t have an accident. Of life. It was. An accident of marriage.“

“We can’t be waiting for someone to hand us respect, for a man to make us feel good, as though we’re puppies waiting to have our bellies patted. Happiness comes from a whole lotta different places. A man’s love is just one piece of that huge cake. And even harder? You gotta bake that damn cake yourself.”

A special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a complimentary ARC.

JDCMustReadBooks

[Kristie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very excited that I just won a copy of this book from Firstreads! Look forward to receiving it. :)

Update: I was so excited to win this and really wanted to love it. I just couldn't. It was a very real story with miserable characters. I couldn't stay engaged or care about the characters throughout. Just not for me.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Meyers.

I am still reeling after finishing this novel called Accidents of Marriage. My heart is aching for the family torn and shredded. I read the book today. Yup – beginning to end. I couldn’t seem to stop myself from reading it. The anguish and pain of the main characters as evidenced by their separate chapters describing differing scenes in the book resonated with me.

Ben, Maddy and their three children live in Boston. They are both professional people with jobs that show the worse of society. However it is clear that Ben's temper and lack of control is causing problems for his family. Problems he cannot see because he is the center of his world and it is all about him. Due to a number of things that happened there was an accident: one that would change their world.

The rage of Ben overwhelmed me and yet, I did not see it for the problem it was until later in the book, perhaps because Maddy did such a good job of moderating his temper. I guess I too was vacillating. The book highlights emotional abuse. It highlights how a family can slug its way through horrid situations to find a resolution. It highlights how words can cause more damage than can ever be repaired.

OH and I so didn’t like Vanessa (Maddy’s sister).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: I enjoy Randy Susan Meyers’ work. “The Murderer’s Daughter” is a favorite of mine. Now I can add “Accidents of Marriage”. It’s a fast read, fully engrossing. What I enjoy about Meyers’ work is that she can show two or more different views, giving the reader the full perspective of each character/family member. No view is totally right, no view is totally wrong, as in life.

Meyers explores anger and frustration as possible abuse in a marriage. Is it abuse if no one is physically hurt? When does yelling and raging constitute abuse? People are passionate, life is frustrating. How much “crap” is one supposed to take from a spouse? Like in life, nothing is “clean and tidy”. Meyers does write about messy issues well.

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in Portuguese and English


Agradeço ao NetGalley e a autora por anteciparem uma cópia deste livro para resenha honesta.
Eu não conhecia a autora e fiquei positivamente impressionada pela escrita dela.
O livro conta a história de um casal e seus três filhos. O marido tem problemas ao controlar sua violência e a família toda teme a hora dele chegar em casa. O ambiente doméstico vai se deteriorando com o passar dos anos e todos temem as explosões de fúria de Ben.
A história é contada de maneira realista e humana e ficamos presos à leitura querendo saber o desenrolar dos acontecimentos.
Ficava ponderando sobre como uma mulher inteligente e educada ficou presa num relacionamento abusivo durante tantos anos e estava disposta a continuar neste relacionamento em nome do amor.
Quando uma mulher tem que tomar uma pílula de algum calmante ou antidepressivo antes do marido chegar ou para enfrentar o dia já é um sinal de que as coisas estão muito erradas neste lar.
Num destes ataques de raiva Ben provoca um acidente e deixa Maddy em coma e com sérios problemas de saúde.
Enquanto ela luta pela vida em uma cama de hospital vemos Ben fazer um exame das atitudes dele para com a família e Maddy.
Daí eu pensei que a história ia ser aquele clichê de sempre com o marido com crise de consciência e arrependido ficando bonzinho de repente.
Mas a autora explora o lado humano dos personagens de uma maneira real e honesta. Ele de repente tem que exercer a função de pai, mãe, cuidador e protetor da família e esta função toda acaba deixando Ben mais perdido ainda.
Daí acompanhamos o choque dos filhos ao descobrir que a mãe jamais seria a mesma novamente e que o pai devido a sua raiva e descuido foi o causador da tragédia toda.
Maddy tem uma grande batalha pela frente dela pois ela ficou com sequelas do acidente e cada dia é uma dificuldade para ser enfrentada.
Quando Maddy toma consciência do problema e resolve tomar uma decisão que devia ter tomado anos antes é uma cena muito triste e libertadora ao mesmo tempo. É como se um véu fosse retirado da frente dos olhos dela e a realidade fosse apresentada nua e crua na frente dela.
Gostei muito da leitura e quando o livro chegou ao final eu confesso que gostaria que ele tivesse continuado mais.
Recomendo a leitura e vou passar a acompanhar o trabalho desta autora.

-------------------

I thank the NetGalley and the author by anticipating a copy of this book for honest review.
I didn't know the author and I was positively impressed by her writing.
The book tells the story of a couple and their three children. The husband has trouble controlling his violence and his family fears the time for him to get home. The domestic environment is deteriorating with each passing year and all fear the blasts of fury of Ben.
The story is told of realistic and humane way and we got stuck reading wondering the unfolding events.
Was pondering about how an intelligent and educated woman stuck in an abusive relationship for so many years and was willing to continue this relationship in the name of love.
When a woman has to take a pill of tranquilizers or antidepressants before the husband comes home or to face the day is already a sign that things are very wrong in this home.
In one of these fits of anger Ben causes a crash and leaves Maddy comatose and with serious health problems.
While she fights for life in a hospital bed we see Ben make an examination of his attitudes towards the family and Maddy.
So I thought that the story would be that the usual cliche with her husband with crisis of conscience and regret getting nice suddenly.
But the author explores the human side of the characters of a real and honest way. He suddenly has to perform the function of father, mother, caretaker and protector of the family and this function all ends up leaving Ben more lost yet.
Hence we are following the shock of the children to discover that her mother would never be the same again and that the father due to his anger and inattention caused the whole tragedy.
Maddy has a great battle ahead of her because she stayed with sequels of the accident and each day is a difficulty to be faced.
When Maddy take awareness of the problem and resolves to make a decision that should have taken years before is a really sad scene and liberating at the same time. It's like a veil was removed from the front of her eyes and the reality were presented laid bare in front of her.
I enjoyed the reading and when the book came to an end I confess that I wish the story had continued more.
I recommend reading and I'm going to follow the work of this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accidents of Marriage is a standalone novel written by author Randy Susan Meyers. This is not a happy book - it's sad and much too real - but it serves as an important reminder that our behavior has consequences not only for ourselves but for others. Accidents of Marriage is a snapshot from a family's life, and it effectively shows how the male lead: Ben's mood instability and verbal impulsivity negatively affects his wife and children. Frankly, we're talking about emotional and verbal aggression. The bruises may not be visible but they are certainly there, and the effects are painful. In life, accidents happen, and the family portrayed here is not immune to this rule. However, there are patterns and layers that lead up to one particular "accident" which brings this family to a standstill. Can people change? Can families who walk on eggshells ever feel emotionally safe? Accidents of Marriage does not provide answers to these questions but the story is sufficient in sending it's message and hinting at where this family is heading. I don't remember smiling once in this book, and overall I experienced some difficulty remaining consistently engaged in the story...but I learned something by watching this family's tragedy, and that in itself was worth the experience.

My favorite quote:
"Love isn't an excuse for anything but treating someone well."

[Melanie Coombes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished Accidents of Marriage. I gave it three stars because "I liked it" but I did not really love it. This was a story that was both sad and lightly touched on emotional abuse.
Maddy is a working mom of 3 children. Her husband Ben struggles with controlling his anger and lashes out and yells quite a bit. Then one day, while Ben is driving with Maddy as the passenger, he gets road rage and has an accident that leaves Maddy with a brain injury.
The story is then focused on the family and the aftermath. The oldest daughter is now in charge of raising her siblings during mom's very slow recovery. She feels neglected, Ben vows to never take Maddy for granted, but no one seems to believe him anymore and Maddy is frustrated at her transformation.
The story ends also without any clear resolution as to what will happen. It was a good story, but a little too depressing and I wasn't too happy with the either Maddy or Ben's character. I received a complimentary copy for review as part of the Goodreads giveaway program.

[Kate Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly admired Accidents of Marriage. This is a portrait of an abusive marriage, but not the kind we are used to seeing in fiction.

Maddy and Ben's marriage is minefield of emotional, rather than physical abuse, but the effects are every bit as catastrophic. Maddy and Ben have three children and two busy careers between them. Yet it is Maddy who is racing to drop off and pick up children, to deal with medical emergencies, to organize dinners and laundry, to reschedule her own work commitments to prevent the whole shaky enterprise from collapsing - and to soothe her volatile husband's destructive temper. Ben is angry at the world, but finds a useful target in Maddy, who is by turns frightened, mystified and wounded by Ben's rages.

The marriage teeters on the brink of disaster, and then disaster strikes in the form of a shocking accident, which alters each relationship within the family. Meyers avoids sentimentalizing any characters, or offering any easy resolutions here, and the result is a troubling and richly rewarding read.

[Naia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was only so-so for me. It started out strong, but I began to lose patience with all of the characters--even the ones I was probably meant to sympathize with. This is a very character driven story and unfortunately, I was bored and frustrated by all of the characters.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Maddy have a complicated relationship. Ben, an accomplished lawyer, is an angry, selfish man. Maddy, a social worker, placates Ben and is the caretaker of their family. While Ben had never physically abused Maddy or the children, they each have developed measures to sooth Ben's temper. Ben and Maddy love each other, but there are fissures and cracks beginning to split them apart. Things come to a head when Ben's anger leads to a tragic accident, causing Maddy to suffer a severe brain injury. In Ben's inability to cope, their teenage daughter, Emma, is forced to step in to care for her younger siblings and maintain the household duties. The pressure on Emma becomes unbearable at times, leaving her to feel lost and overburdened. Told through the perspectives of Ben, Maddy and Emma, the story weaves together the destructive nature of selfishness, bitterness and anger. It chronicles the struggles of recovery from a brain injury in an honest, heartfelt manner. Throughout it all, I could never find much sympathy for Ben. This is an intensely emotional book, filled with sorrow and remorse. But it also spotlights the will to overcome great obstacles and the love and loyalties that hold families together.
Really 3.5 stars.

[Robin Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book, pre-release. It has Meyers's trademark intelligent and insightful observations, all wrapped around an amazing compelling plot. What she doesn't know about marriage and family isn't worth knowing - she really understands not only the human heart, but also human psychology - and the pages turn themselves. This is for anyone who loves a good story and wants to really have a chance to ponder what goes in on families and between people who love one another and sometimes let one another down. A great book!

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started out with high hopes for this novel. The premise was about a woman and her husband who was abusive, who puts her into a coma. I figured it would be dramatic and suspenseful. Instead we were treated with cookie cutter characters and a very slow moving plot. I didn't really like any of the characters at all. If the book is going to promise an abusive character, I want one who will be mean and memorable. This guy was just a jerk and was boring as well. I've read other books by this author and while I liked one of them, this one fell very flat for me.

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Randy Sue Meyers an intense look into the lives&marriage of Ben & Maddey & the effects this has on their children.Ben is a tense& controlling man if things don't go his way he will throw a tantrum.Maddey & the kids tiptoe around him.Maddey copes by hiding pills to calm her down all over the house.life continues in this tense pattern till Ben commission act of road rage that puts Maddey into a coma & gives her permanent brain damage.

[Pam Jenoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meyers' books always tackle difficult subjects head-on but with great heart and here she is at her best. A moving and important story about the effects that unchecked rage can have on a family.

[Myrn🩶 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accidents of Marriage gives us a look at the devastating effects of uncontrolled anger in a marriage. If you are looking for a happy, feel good story, this is not it. It is a well researched novel with echoes of Hannah’s and Gudenkauf’s novels. Not a bad book...just was not a fan of either of the main characters. Check this book out if you like character driven, unpredictable dramas with different POVS

Favorite quote: "Love isn't an excuse for anything but treating someone well."

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliché characters, cliché writing. Sweet put-upon wife with belligerent husband before accident, then somehow they just switched roles after the accident? Hardly believable. Husband's father a total ass. Wife's sister just ignorant. Whenever their daughter came onto the scene, I just wanted to lock the brat into her room for the duration. Hard to finish this self-indulgent novel.

[debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this novel, and liked so much of what Maddy had to say and how she said it.

[Susan Becraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a realistic story that it could be my own.

All three of Randy Susan Meyers' books were riveting to me, but Accidents of Marriage was like reading my biography. In my case, there was no horrific car accident that acted like a catalyst in this story, but how I related to Emma as I grew up with a father like Ben and to Maddy as a wife to my first husband was eerie.

As the eldest daughter of a successful man, I could do nothing right. Like Emma, I never knew what would set my father off, but he constantly directed his anger at my mother and me. Gracie and Caleb, the younger siblings, were unscathed as mine were, but Emma was treated like an indentured servant, caring for her brain-damaged mother, her brother and sister and the household at the beginning of her teenage years. She had help from Maddy's family, but I know she would have lapped up any praise from her father. Instead, she was expected to be a substitute wife and mother during the years when a girl most needs her mother. Until her mother began to slowly recover, Emma had neither parent.

Before the accident, Maddy walked on eggshells around Ben, never knowing what would send him into a rage. I related to her nightly worries about which husband would walk through the front door. She, like I, had no idea that this constituted spousal abuse. Despite the absence of physical abuse, there were holes punched in walls, broken furniture and dishes. In an especially poignant scene, Maddy searched for her two wedding goblets, not knowing that Ben in a fit of rage had thrown one against the wall.

I am sure that many people consider Ben and Maddy's marriage to have been complex before the accident, with the results of the accident leaving it in tatters. Perhaps I am basing my opinions on personal experience, but I did not find that marriage more complicated than many. Maddy was far from perfect, but she married a bully, which no one deserves.

I recommend this book to everyone for its raw analysis of a marriage and the effects an abusive relationship can have on children. Ms. Meyers has done her research well.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! This book totally sucked me in. Ben and Maddy are a busy couple with three busy kids. Ben has anger management issues which eventually cause a tragedy that injures Maddy and the family slowly deals with the aftermath. I felt so many emotions for this family and so badly wanted things to work out for them. Ben made me so angry I had to stop reading and rant to my husband about him but at the same time I really wanted him to be a better person. Maddy and the kids - I just wanted to give them all a big hug. I’m being very vague because I don’t like to give much away but I loved this book and would highly recommend it. Its a very real story with very real characters. It’s one that I randomly picked up at the library having never heard of it before and I’m so glad I did!

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do you know when a marriage is too broken to fix? Maddy fell in love with Ben years ago. Now she is struggling to balance her career and raise three children while keeping her marriage in tact. The smallest thing can make Ben lash out in rage. For the sake of their children, she walks around on eggshells to keep peace in the home. Until one day, Ben's temper causes a car accident leaving Maddy in the hospital fighting for her life.

Accidents of Marriage is told from the point of view of Maddy, Ben and their 14-year-old daughter Emma. I normally do not care for novels told from multiple points of view but it was necessary in this book to show how emotional abuse, traumatic injury and recovery affects an entire family. The novel has three sections: Before, Asleep, and After.

Although I got a sense of Maddy's fearful yet strong character from the first paragraph, it took a few chapters for me to get into the story. When I finally did, I steadily read to see how the accident and its effect unfolded. Randy Susan Meyers' writing is descriptive and detailed. Not many people discuss the darker side of marriage. Rage is real. Thanks to author Randy Susan Meyers for raising domestic abuse awareness in fiction form.

Accidents of Marriage released September 2. Add this book to your reading lists. In fact, recommend it to others. If my review is not convincing enough, watch the book trailer.

Literary Marie of Precision Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.