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Would You Rather
Grieving widow or wronged wife ... which would you choose?
Sophie blinked and looked down again quickly, relieved that everyone would think she was overcome at the prospect of reading her husband's eulogy. Not that she was in shock, realising she had just looked right into the eyes of his mistress.
Food stylist Sophie Crommelin has a beautiful life. Now that their two boys are grown up, she and her husband Matt - an acclaimed artist - are leaving London for a new start on England's fashionably boho south coast. But the day after the house is sold, a series of shocks leave Sophie reeling - and suddenly she's heading off to Hastings on her own.
Beau Crommelin has always been very much his father's son. Charming, beautiful and creative, he gets on with everyone and is building a name as a jewellery designer. But after Matt's sudden death, Beau finds himself on the wrong end of a scandal and everything he thought he knew about himself is called into question.
As Sophie and Beau try to find their feet, new friends and opportunities appear. But the biggest revelation is still to come ...
A deliciously warm, witty and moving story of love, family, second chances and starting over.
Sophie blinked and looked down again quickly, relieved that everyone would think she was overcome at the prospect of reading her husband's eulogy. Not that she was in shock, realising she had just looked right into the eyes of his mistress.
Food stylist Sophie Crommelin has a beautiful life. Now that their two boys are grown up, she and her husband Matt - an acclaimed artist - are leaving London for a new start on England's fashionably boho south coast. But the day after the house is sold, a series of shocks leave Sophie reeling - and suddenly she's heading off to Hastings on her own.
Beau Crommelin has always been very much his father's son. Charming, beautiful and creative, he gets on with everyone and is building a name as a jewellery designer. But after Matt's sudden death, Beau finds himself on the wrong end of a scandal and everything he thought he knew about himself is called into question.
As Sophie and Beau try to find their feet, new friends and opportunities appear. But the biggest revelation is still to come ...
A deliciously warm, witty and moving story of love, family, second chances and starting over.
464 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2024
98 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Alderson
29 books297 followersMaggie Alderson is a British-Australian author (that’s how I’m supposed to write it, but I’m not very good at talking about myself in the third person, so I’m going to can it).
I was born in London, brought up in rural Staffordshire, and educated at the University of St Andrews - and then at the University of Life, Sydney campus.
I spent many years covering the fashion shows in Paris, Milan, London etc which is the best people watching ever (I had to remind myself to look at the models…).
An obsessed bookworm since childhood, all I wanted to do from the age of six was write books. I also hoovered up every magazine and newspaper I could lay my hands on and by the time I was a teenager was determined to edit a magazine and be a newspaper columnist.
I have edited five magazines (including British ELLE) and my Style Notes column ran in the Good Weekend colour supplement for twelve years, as well as being syndicated to The Times.
My first novel Pants on Fire was published in 2000 and was a bestseller in the UK and Australia. I’ve written eight more novels since, which have been translated into many languages.
I’ve also published four collections of my columns and a children’s book called Evangeline, the Wish Keeper’s Helper, which was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award in Australia.
My latest novel is called The Scent of You and is the story of perfume blogger Polly, facing up to a crisis in her marriage – and her sense of who she is - told through a filter of her obsession with perfumes (and also featuring very well dressed, seriously damaged, red-hot men, which are my speciality).
The book was inspired by attending perfume events in London and realising just how many fascinating people there are in that world (and a fair few brilliant nutters).
You can read my heroine's blog fragrantcloud.net
I was born in London, brought up in rural Staffordshire, and educated at the University of St Andrews - and then at the University of Life, Sydney campus.
I spent many years covering the fashion shows in Paris, Milan, London etc which is the best people watching ever (I had to remind myself to look at the models…).
An obsessed bookworm since childhood, all I wanted to do from the age of six was write books. I also hoovered up every magazine and newspaper I could lay my hands on and by the time I was a teenager was determined to edit a magazine and be a newspaper columnist.
I have edited five magazines (including British ELLE) and my Style Notes column ran in the Good Weekend colour supplement for twelve years, as well as being syndicated to The Times.
My first novel Pants on Fire was published in 2000 and was a bestseller in the UK and Australia. I’ve written eight more novels since, which have been translated into many languages.
I’ve also published four collections of my columns and a children’s book called Evangeline, the Wish Keeper’s Helper, which was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award in Australia.
My latest novel is called The Scent of You and is the story of perfume blogger Polly, facing up to a crisis in her marriage – and her sense of who she is - told through a filter of her obsession with perfumes (and also featuring very well dressed, seriously damaged, red-hot men, which are my speciality).
The book was inspired by attending perfume events in London and realising just how many fascinating people there are in that world (and a fair few brilliant nutters).
You can read my heroine's blog fragrantcloud.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 3, 2024
Sophie Crommelin is a food stylist and she’s married to Matt an artist, they have just sold their London home and plan on moving to Hastings for a sea change. The night before settlement Matt drops a bombshell, one that Sophie doesn’t see coming and he leaves. Sophie feels numb, shocked and it gets worse and luckily she has her adult sons Beau and Jack and four brother-in-law’s for support.
Beau takes after his father Matt, he has dark curly hair and is good-looking and he’s works part-time as a waiter and has ambitions to be a jewellery designer. Beau is a ladies man, he likes to love 'em and leave 'em and with no strings attached, until one of his conquests is unhappy and thinks he’s treated her badly and outs him publicly.
Sophie decides to still move to Hastings, here she meets her next door neighbours Olive and Agata and a winemaker Charlie and new client Tamar and her best friend Rey visits and so does Beau to escape the wrath of social media and she has her good and bad days.
I received a copy of Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson from HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is about a woman finding out her husband of thirty years betrayed her, how she feels about him and dealing with the emotions and hurt.
At one stage I felt Beau was heading in the same direction as his father, but he had his own “light bulb” moment, and changes. A warm and humorous story about life and love, heartache and relationships, old and new friendships, second chances and fresh starts and you never know what the future holds.
A quick, a funny and thought provoking read, for those who enjoy romantic comedy fiction and with a hidden meaning and four stars from me and I'm keen to read other novels by Ms. Alderson.
Beau takes after his father Matt, he has dark curly hair and is good-looking and he’s works part-time as a waiter and has ambitions to be a jewellery designer. Beau is a ladies man, he likes to love 'em and leave 'em and with no strings attached, until one of his conquests is unhappy and thinks he’s treated her badly and outs him publicly.
Sophie decides to still move to Hastings, here she meets her next door neighbours Olive and Agata and a winemaker Charlie and new client Tamar and her best friend Rey visits and so does Beau to escape the wrath of social media and she has her good and bad days.
I received a copy of Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson from HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is about a woman finding out her husband of thirty years betrayed her, how she feels about him and dealing with the emotions and hurt.
At one stage I felt Beau was heading in the same direction as his father, but he had his own “light bulb” moment, and changes. A warm and humorous story about life and love, heartache and relationships, old and new friendships, second chances and fresh starts and you never know what the future holds.
A quick, a funny and thought provoking read, for those who enjoy romantic comedy fiction and with a hidden meaning and four stars from me and I'm keen to read other novels by Ms. Alderson.
December 13, 2025
A delightfully heartwarming, contemporary family drama story, told from several perspectives.
When reading her husband’s eulogy, Sophie blinks and looks down. She hopes that everyone will assume she is overcome with devastation, rather than the fact she just looked right into the eyes of his mistress. Would she rather be perceived at the grieving widow, or the wronged wife?
This is a tale of family secrets, second chances, family connections and starting over. There was a memorable cast of characters in this story, with some very niche professions.
If you enjoyed this book, try Liane Moriarty The Husband's Secret. I am looking forward to reading more from Maggie Alderson.
3.5 stars
When reading her husband’s eulogy, Sophie blinks and looks down. She hopes that everyone will assume she is overcome with devastation, rather than the fact she just looked right into the eyes of his mistress. Would she rather be perceived at the grieving widow, or the wronged wife?
This is a tale of family secrets, second chances, family connections and starting over. There was a memorable cast of characters in this story, with some very niche professions.
If you enjoyed this book, try Liane Moriarty The Husband's Secret. I am looking forward to reading more from Maggie Alderson.
3.5 stars
March 26, 2025
**2.5 stars**
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 December 2024**
I thought this sounded like an interesting, albeit sad, premise: Sophie's husband Matt passes away suddenly away just as they are about to move, and when he has revealed that he was having an affair. At the beginning of the book the time jumps around a fair amount - within the first 45 pages there had been 7 time changes which felt a bit much. This settled down later in the book but for me the damage had been done in relation to that. The character point-of-views also alternate between Sophie, her adult son Beau, and her husband's mistress Juliet. I didn't overly connect with any of them but in particular I thought Beau was a bit of an idiot. It was also hard to like Juliet knowing that she knew Matt was married. Sophie was who I felt for most and hoped she would have a happy ending. Speaking of endings, I just didn't find this one realistic in the circumstances.
Overall: I couldn't really get into this one myself but if the synopsis interests you then worth a try.
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 December 2024**
I thought this sounded like an interesting, albeit sad, premise: Sophie's husband Matt passes away suddenly away just as they are about to move, and when he has revealed that he was having an affair. At the beginning of the book the time jumps around a fair amount - within the first 45 pages there had been 7 time changes which felt a bit much. This settled down later in the book but for me the damage had been done in relation to that. The character point-of-views also alternate between Sophie, her adult son Beau, and her husband's mistress Juliet. I didn't overly connect with any of them but in particular I thought Beau was a bit of an idiot. It was also hard to like Juliet knowing that she knew Matt was married. Sophie was who I felt for most and hoped she would have a happy ending. Speaking of endings, I just didn't find this one realistic in the circumstances.
Overall: I couldn't really get into this one myself but if the synopsis interests you then worth a try.
January 12, 2025
I’ve read a fair few Alderson books in my time & I was really hoping that this novel would be a good re-introduction to her work. However, I was really expecting more. 270 pages in and the storyline hadn’t really changed, but I was hopefully the ending would be exciting or a surprise. This didn’t happen. The ending & relationships was predictable, there were grammatical errors on every other page and I finished reading this with the feeling of “meh”.
December 12, 2024
I find Maggie Alderson books so comforting because she’s found a formula which I love:
Always a lovely heroine who lives a creative life.
She always has a bunch of lovely creative bohemian friends who live nearby and spend loads of time together socially, always a dress up party, always music and dancing, always a bit of romance and lovely descriptions of clothes. Her world is so cosy and delightful and I’d like to spend the rest of my life living in a Maggie Alderson book with an eclectic bunch of cool creative neighbour friends. Love it.
Always a lovely heroine who lives a creative life.
She always has a bunch of lovely creative bohemian friends who live nearby and spend loads of time together socially, always a dress up party, always music and dancing, always a bit of romance and lovely descriptions of clothes. Her world is so cosy and delightful and I’d like to spend the rest of my life living in a Maggie Alderson book with an eclectic bunch of cool creative neighbour friends. Love it.
April 4, 2025
An easy read for the plane. I do feel like the dead husband got off a bit lightly (aside from being dead of course).
April 2, 2025
I didn’t really connect with any of the characters and found there to be a surprising amount of misogyny for a book aimed at women.
The main characters large adult son was accused of being a sleazebag to the women he slept with but some other women said that that was incorrect, so never mind I guess. I actually wondered at that point if the book was going to interrogate the misogynistic attitude handed from father to son but the author turns out to just be very boomer about things. That and some other things make this book veer a bit too close to the ‘metoo is cancel culture/you can’t flirt anymore/hysterical females’ sun.
A few cringeworthy elements…..
- Do the youth really make Fatal Attraction bunny boiler references anymore?
- The son calling his mother “Mumpty” 😖
- Casual mentions of the dead husbands disturbing behaviour- like filming his mother in laws dying moments over the wishes of the doctors and his wife????
- the horny brother in law who’s all ‘you’re not like the other wives, you tolerate our fucked up family and don’t complain. Let’s bone’ 🤪
I think the book would have worked better as a thriller lol
The main characters large adult son was accused of being a sleazebag to the women he slept with but some other women said that that was incorrect, so never mind I guess. I actually wondered at that point if the book was going to interrogate the misogynistic attitude handed from father to son but the author turns out to just be very boomer about things. That and some other things make this book veer a bit too close to the ‘metoo is cancel culture/you can’t flirt anymore/hysterical females’ sun.
A few cringeworthy elements…..
- Do the youth really make Fatal Attraction bunny boiler references anymore?
- The son calling his mother “Mumpty” 😖
- Casual mentions of the dead husbands disturbing behaviour- like filming his mother in laws dying moments over the wishes of the doctors and his wife????
- the horny brother in law who’s all ‘you’re not like the other wives, you tolerate our fucked up family and don’t complain. Let’s bone’ 🤪
I think the book would have worked better as a thriller lol
January 14, 2025
Big thanks to Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
Its been many years since a Maggie Alderson book has graced the shelves and now the wait is over, Would You Rather is here!
A story of family, grief, love and relationships in its many different forms.
The author’s signature style is all over this novel to entice you to read.
Food stylist Sophie has it all and now her two boys have grown up it’s time to move to the coast with her loving husband, Matt.
But not all goes according to plan.
The day after their house sells, Matt suddenly dies.
So she’s off to the country on her own.
Beau, an up and coming jewellery designer is reeling from his father’s death.
So when an unexpected scandal happens he follows his mother down to the sea.
Before then, at the funeral Sophie locks eyes with Matt’s mistress, Juliet.
And soon revelations arise and the truth always comes out…..
I inhaled this book.
It’s all relatable and packed full of heart.
I adored the characters, the witty plot, the setting and how everything wrapped up.
Full of zest and charm, add to your reading agenda sooner rather than later.
Its been many years since a Maggie Alderson book has graced the shelves and now the wait is over, Would You Rather is here!
A story of family, grief, love and relationships in its many different forms.
The author’s signature style is all over this novel to entice you to read.
Food stylist Sophie has it all and now her two boys have grown up it’s time to move to the coast with her loving husband, Matt.
But not all goes according to plan.
The day after their house sells, Matt suddenly dies.
So she’s off to the country on her own.
Beau, an up and coming jewellery designer is reeling from his father’s death.
So when an unexpected scandal happens he follows his mother down to the sea.
Before then, at the funeral Sophie locks eyes with Matt’s mistress, Juliet.
And soon revelations arise and the truth always comes out…..
I inhaled this book.
It’s all relatable and packed full of heart.
I adored the characters, the witty plot, the setting and how everything wrapped up.
Full of zest and charm, add to your reading agenda sooner rather than later.
December 31, 2024
No thanks. Cliche. Privilege. Boring. Self absorbed characters, with a predictable plot.
January 23, 2025
Another easy-to-read summer holiday book but by the end I just about had cavities, it was all so sickeningly sweet and twee. It reminded me of a Disney Princess movie in the way that everything fit together and worked out just SO gosh-darn swell!!! Which was weird, given the subject matter. I didn't mind in the beginning but my tolerance shrank as the book continued and situations became even more ridiculous. There was intermittent talk of grieving, which seemed to be thrown in to remind that audience of what happened at the beginning, almost as though the author were suddenly conscious of widow-hood being portrayed as one big brunch / dinner / party. And all those parties that the main character hadn't wanted to throw or attend and yet ended up have the BEST time!
Some of the prose was weird too - an odd selection of slang and, bizarrely, rhyming slang at one point, apropos of absolutely nothing! Then there was the Aussie vernacular of one character.....hmmmmmmm...... There was (as far as I can remember) no mention of her being Australian, which could explain why she spoke that way - the way that nobody actually speaks in Australia. It all became a bit too much.
Some of the prose was weird too - an odd selection of slang and, bizarrely, rhyming slang at one point, apropos of absolutely nothing! Then there was the Aussie vernacular of one character.....hmmmmmmm...... There was (as far as I can remember) no mention of her being Australian, which could explain why she spoke that way - the way that nobody actually speaks in Australia. It all became a bit too much.
January 14, 2025
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summed Up: Slow Burn Drama
- - -
Alright, you had me at the pretty cover and that intriguing title! I’ll admit it, that’s what hooks me every time on my book blind dates.. and it’s also sometimes what lets me down 🫠
With the title Would You Rather, I was ready for some sliding doors vibes and ‘what if?’ magic. But unfortunately that was not really to be.
While the story started off with some mystery, it quickly revolved around a secret life and whether or not the paths of the characters would cross. And honestly? It felt like a lot of pages just to get that one answer 🤔
There were a few side stories thrown in (family drama, new relationships), but nothing that really wowed me. Oh and spoiler alert ❗️adultery as a central theme? Yeah, not really my thing.
On the plus side, the writing was solid and the characters were well developed, but this chic-lit left me wanting a bit more punch.
Big thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the sneak peek - look out for this one in December if you’re into slow burn dramas!
Summed Up: Slow Burn Drama
- - -
Alright, you had me at the pretty cover and that intriguing title! I’ll admit it, that’s what hooks me every time on my book blind dates.. and it’s also sometimes what lets me down 🫠
With the title Would You Rather, I was ready for some sliding doors vibes and ‘what if?’ magic. But unfortunately that was not really to be.
While the story started off with some mystery, it quickly revolved around a secret life and whether or not the paths of the characters would cross. And honestly? It felt like a lot of pages just to get that one answer 🤔
There were a few side stories thrown in (family drama, new relationships), but nothing that really wowed me. Oh and spoiler alert ❗️adultery as a central theme? Yeah, not really my thing.
On the plus side, the writing was solid and the characters were well developed, but this chic-lit left me wanting a bit more punch.
Big thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the sneak peek - look out for this one in December if you’re into slow burn dramas!
September 29, 2024
Another weekend spent with the right book! Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson is not out until December but I couldn't resist sinking into my #arc sooner rather than later.
'He destroyed me emotionally and then he got killed. So I don't know what I am, Charlie. Am I an abandoned wife or am I a poor grieving widow?'
I really enjoyed this upcoming release by Maggie Alderson, it ticked all the right boxes for me. It's a great big book about life, love, marriage, family, grief, anger, and new beginnings.
Highly recommended for book clubs as there is A LOT to dish about with this one.
Thanks so much to @harpercollinsaustralia for the #bookreviewer copy!
'He destroyed me emotionally and then he got killed. So I don't know what I am, Charlie. Am I an abandoned wife or am I a poor grieving widow?'
I really enjoyed this upcoming release by Maggie Alderson, it ticked all the right boxes for me. It's a great big book about life, love, marriage, family, grief, anger, and new beginnings.
Highly recommended for book clubs as there is A LOT to dish about with this one.
Thanks so much to @harpercollinsaustralia for the #bookreviewer copy!
June 27, 2025
Got me from the start, which is always a good thing.
March 7, 2025
This was just not for me. Listened on audio. I think I “might” have been more interested if I had read. Several characters, although some very minute, but still had a hard time keeping up at times. A lot of family drama but just felt boring. But mostly the secret lives and affairs were just not my cup of tea, regardless how it ended. Had I read the description I wouldn’t have chosen so this was self inflicted 🤣
September 13, 2024
Food stylist Sophie Crommelin is excited about the next stage of her life. She and her famous artist husband, Matt, are leaving London and moving to the seaside town of Hastings. However, on the day their London house sale is finalised, Matt drops a bombshell: he is leaving Sophie for another woman. After telling Sophie their marriage of decades is over, he leaves her to go on a bike ride (as you do) and then dies in an accident. The would you rather of the title refers to Sophie's dilemma: would you rather be thought of as a grief-stricken widow or a wronged wife?
When I was younger I loved Maggie Alderson's rom com novels, so when I received an email from Netgalley saying a new Alderson book was available to request, I asked for that title faster that I have ever asked for a title before. It did not disappoint! I read this book in an afternoon on a rainy day while lying on the couch under a blanket - it was a very cosy experience.
But (and unfortunately there is a but) the coziness comes about because of the complete fantasy of the novel. Everyone is beautiful and rich and successful. After going through two incredibly traumatic events on the same day, Sophie is fine. She moves, renovates her kitchen, makes a bunch of new friends immediately and seems pretty okay with everything. She has not one but two new possible romantic partners, who know about each other but are fine with it because this book takes place in a fantasy land where all middle-aged men are in touch with their feelings and are able to articulate them well. No-one in this novel has an argument or throws a tantrum or yells at anyone else, although they really should have! This is not how humans behave.
So, I definitely recommend this book as a fun, escapist beach read but with the proviso that it also is one of the most unrealistic novels I have read for a while.
When I was younger I loved Maggie Alderson's rom com novels, so when I received an email from Netgalley saying a new Alderson book was available to request, I asked for that title faster that I have ever asked for a title before. It did not disappoint! I read this book in an afternoon on a rainy day while lying on the couch under a blanket - it was a very cosy experience.
But (and unfortunately there is a but) the coziness comes about because of the complete fantasy of the novel. Everyone is beautiful and rich and successful. After going through two incredibly traumatic events on the same day, Sophie is fine. She moves, renovates her kitchen, makes a bunch of new friends immediately and seems pretty okay with everything. She has not one but two new possible romantic partners, who know about each other but are fine with it because this book takes place in a fantasy land where all middle-aged men are in touch with their feelings and are able to articulate them well. No-one in this novel has an argument or throws a tantrum or yells at anyone else, although they really should have! This is not how humans behave.
So, I definitely recommend this book as a fun, escapist beach read but with the proviso that it also is one of the most unrealistic novels I have read for a while.
December 13, 2024
The bright and vibrant cover of Would You Rather was the first thing that attracted me to this interesting and heartwarming read.
The writing style was warm and witty, making it a relaxing summer read. Whilst dealing with some difficult topics of conflict, loss and grief, the overall messages were of hope. I really liked the way that the characters approached interpersonal difficulties with maturity and compassion.
The romance, mystery and drama are all rather slow burn, but the writing style, characters, and charming small town setting make the journey all the richer. I look forward to picking up more of Maggie Alderson’s books in the future.
Thank you HarperCollins Publishers Australia for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
The writing style was warm and witty, making it a relaxing summer read. Whilst dealing with some difficult topics of conflict, loss and grief, the overall messages were of hope. I really liked the way that the characters approached interpersonal difficulties with maturity and compassion.
The romance, mystery and drama are all rather slow burn, but the writing style, characters, and charming small town setting make the journey all the richer. I look forward to picking up more of Maggie Alderson’s books in the future.
Thank you HarperCollins Publishers Australia for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
January 12, 2025
This was a good beach read - predictable and easy to read.
April 5, 2025
this had so much potential
November 15, 2024
I was really looking forward to reading my first Magggie Alderson book, and it certainly was an entertaining read.
Straight up we meet Sophie, who is about to give a eulogy for her husband. But as well as grieving she is also looking at her husband’s mistress. The rest of the story revolves around Sophie moving to a new town, making new friends while dealing with her grief. We also get to know one of her sons, Beau, and watch him grow and become a better person while also uncovering the truth about his father.
Adultery is not a topic I usually enjoy reading about, but I was very intrigued how this novel was going to continue and end. There were some really likable characters, which made the story more enjoyable and some beautiful friendships which made it a heart warming story.
Some parts are a little unrealistic, which is ok. Once you move on from them there’s a lot of things up in the air which makes you invested in finding out what happens in the end.
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia and @netgalley for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Straight up we meet Sophie, who is about to give a eulogy for her husband. But as well as grieving she is also looking at her husband’s mistress. The rest of the story revolves around Sophie moving to a new town, making new friends while dealing with her grief. We also get to know one of her sons, Beau, and watch him grow and become a better person while also uncovering the truth about his father.
Adultery is not a topic I usually enjoy reading about, but I was very intrigued how this novel was going to continue and end. There were some really likable characters, which made the story more enjoyable and some beautiful friendships which made it a heart warming story.
Some parts are a little unrealistic, which is ok. Once you move on from them there’s a lot of things up in the air which makes you invested in finding out what happens in the end.
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia and @netgalley for sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
I loved the storyline of Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson, such a clever idea that really worked. Everything tied together in a way that made sense, nothing felt cringey or out of place, and it all flowed so well. I ended up finishing this in just 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down.
The main character, Sophie, really drew me in. I felt for her the whole way through and was completely caught up in her emotions. A compelling, heartfelt read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The main character, Sophie, really drew me in. I felt for her the whole way through and was completely caught up in her emotions. A compelling, heartfelt read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
December 8, 2024
Lovely!!!!!!!! Lots of creative characters eating well, drinking well and being good friends…especially for a book that asks would you rather be a grieving widow or a wronged wife…this was such a romp!!!
I haven’t read a Maggie Alderson in years and gosh I flew through this one! So fun
I haven’t read a Maggie Alderson in years and gosh I flew through this one! So fun
December 21, 2024
This would’ve as a beach read. It didn’t have me rushing to read it, but was enjoyable enough.
February 4, 2025
Is it because I listened to it on audiobook or are all English people this LOVELY
May 11, 2025
In the category of mid life chick lit this was pretty good. Good background for the days chores !
November 13, 2024
This is the fastest read in a while and I loved it.
Many thanks to the Author, HarperCollins Publishers Australia and netgalley for the arc in exchange of my honest review! All opinions are my own.
Would You Rather is a compelling and emotionally rich novel that explores the complexities of relationships, grief, and forgiveness. The story revolves around Sophie Crommelin, whose apparent life of privilege takes a dramatic turn upon discovering her husband's infidelity just as she faces his untimely death. The comparison of her outward composure at the eulogy, while internally fighting with shock, sets a powerful tone that captures the complexities of human emotion.
Her journey of navigating her feelings after her husband's death while also dealing with the revelation of his affair adds depth to her character, making her relatable and sympathetic. The dual perspectives of Sophie and Juliet provide a nuanced view of the impact of betrayal, love and loss, allowing readers to understand both sides of the story.
As Sophie embarks on a new chapter in Hastings, the characterization of her son, Beau, adds depth to their shared experience of loss. His journey from being the admired "golden boy" to facing familial scandal invites readers to ponder the impact of family dynamics on personal growth.
The inclusion of secondary characters like Sophie’s quirky neighbors, Olive and Agata, seems to introduce a delightful balance of humor and warmth, which is essential in a story dealing with heavy themes.
Maggie Alderson’s ability to infuse humor into such a sensitive subject matter stands out, making the narrative both heartwarming and uplifting. The theme of starting over and the idea of second chances are beautifully interwoven.
The premise of infidelity and the resultant emotional turmoil might feel too familiar or cliche for some readers however, this relatability can enhance the reading experience and foster a strong emotional connection to the characters. Overall it’s a delightful read that leaves one hopeful ray about life’s new beginnings, making it a worthwhile addition to anyone's bookshelf!
Many thanks to the Author, HarperCollins Publishers Australia and netgalley for the arc in exchange of my honest review! All opinions are my own.
Would You Rather is a compelling and emotionally rich novel that explores the complexities of relationships, grief, and forgiveness. The story revolves around Sophie Crommelin, whose apparent life of privilege takes a dramatic turn upon discovering her husband's infidelity just as she faces his untimely death. The comparison of her outward composure at the eulogy, while internally fighting with shock, sets a powerful tone that captures the complexities of human emotion.
Her journey of navigating her feelings after her husband's death while also dealing with the revelation of his affair adds depth to her character, making her relatable and sympathetic. The dual perspectives of Sophie and Juliet provide a nuanced view of the impact of betrayal, love and loss, allowing readers to understand both sides of the story.
As Sophie embarks on a new chapter in Hastings, the characterization of her son, Beau, adds depth to their shared experience of loss. His journey from being the admired "golden boy" to facing familial scandal invites readers to ponder the impact of family dynamics on personal growth.
The inclusion of secondary characters like Sophie’s quirky neighbors, Olive and Agata, seems to introduce a delightful balance of humor and warmth, which is essential in a story dealing with heavy themes.
Maggie Alderson’s ability to infuse humor into such a sensitive subject matter stands out, making the narrative both heartwarming and uplifting. The theme of starting over and the idea of second chances are beautifully interwoven.
The premise of infidelity and the resultant emotional turmoil might feel too familiar or cliche for some readers however, this relatability can enhance the reading experience and foster a strong emotional connection to the characters. Overall it’s a delightful read that leaves one hopeful ray about life’s new beginnings, making it a worthwhile addition to anyone's bookshelf!
February 26, 2025
Easy read it was nice, not amazing
May 20, 2025
Updated review 20/05/2025:
I was sent a copy of Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson as part of the First In Best Read program by Harper Collins (thank you!)
It’s been sitting on my shelf for a few months so it was time to give it a read. ✨
Would You Rather is the story of life after death and interconnectedness.
Sophie has lost her husband Matt and is full of grief. At the same time, she is full of rage, because just before dying, Matt confessed to an affair.
Sophie is now daunted by starting her life again in a new town and new house, but maybe it’ll be just what she needs.
Beau, Sophie’s son, is facing a scandal and needs to refresh his life and figure out what he wants. At the same time, he’s hiding a huge secret about his dad’s infidelity from his grieving mum.
Juliet is pregnant and her jewellery business is soaring - but her father of her children has just died and she wants to set things right with his wife. How can she do this when she’s the other woman and explain that it’s not what it seems?
This one wasn’t for me.
The first 25% started out okay and I was intrigued - scorned wife finding out her dead husband cheated, where was this going to go? The answer was, basically nowhere.
It was overly complicated with too many plot points and characters that didn’t really add much to the story.
Everything was quite hastily resolved and linked, there was so much repetition and it was a bit of a slog to read.
I rarely DNF books and held out hope that MAYBE something decent would happen, but I should’ve listened to Emmy when she said the ending did not make the rest of the book worth it.
It’s a very, very simple read, so if you’re looking for something to pass the time you might like this, but go in expecting very little satisfaction.
Would You Rather ⭐️💫 (1.5)
—————————————————————————————
Original review 19/05/2025:
This is gonna be 1.5 ⭐️ I think.
A chore to read, far too many characters and plot points, it just became a total mess. By the end I didn’t care what happened, I just wanted the book to end.
And then the ending was totally shit, so, zero pay off.
Also idk how old Sophie was meant to be? They say middle aged, she was married for 30 years and had 2 kids in their 20s so I assumed she was around 50, but she was written like a teenager.
I was sent a copy of Would You Rather by Maggie Alderson as part of the First In Best Read program by Harper Collins (thank you!)
It’s been sitting on my shelf for a few months so it was time to give it a read. ✨
Would You Rather is the story of life after death and interconnectedness.
Sophie has lost her husband Matt and is full of grief. At the same time, she is full of rage, because just before dying, Matt confessed to an affair.
Sophie is now daunted by starting her life again in a new town and new house, but maybe it’ll be just what she needs.
Beau, Sophie’s son, is facing a scandal and needs to refresh his life and figure out what he wants. At the same time, he’s hiding a huge secret about his dad’s infidelity from his grieving mum.
Juliet is pregnant and her jewellery business is soaring - but her father of her children has just died and she wants to set things right with his wife. How can she do this when she’s the other woman and explain that it’s not what it seems?
This one wasn’t for me.
The first 25% started out okay and I was intrigued - scorned wife finding out her dead husband cheated, where was this going to go? The answer was, basically nowhere.
It was overly complicated with too many plot points and characters that didn’t really add much to the story.
Everything was quite hastily resolved and linked, there was so much repetition and it was a bit of a slog to read.
I rarely DNF books and held out hope that MAYBE something decent would happen, but I should’ve listened to Emmy when she said the ending did not make the rest of the book worth it.
It’s a very, very simple read, so if you’re looking for something to pass the time you might like this, but go in expecting very little satisfaction.
Would You Rather ⭐️💫 (1.5)
—————————————————————————————
Original review 19/05/2025:
This is gonna be 1.5 ⭐️ I think.
A chore to read, far too many characters and plot points, it just became a total mess. By the end I didn’t care what happened, I just wanted the book to end.
And then the ending was totally shit, so, zero pay off.
Also idk how old Sophie was meant to be? They say middle aged, she was married for 30 years and had 2 kids in their 20s so I assumed she was around 50, but she was written like a teenager.
September 13, 2024
Prepare for a complete and utter deviation from my regularly scheduled programming - I told you I was going to try and give up the unholiest of the unholy shit and I have been as good as my word, ladies and gentlemen. This is some seriously closed door literature - nary a mention of panties dropped, much less any bloody minotaur milk (hold on. Bear with me. Trauma flashback… nausea has passed, I’m good).
It’s been seven (7!!) years but Magnificent Maggie is back and brilliant as ever.
I’ve been a fan of @maggiealderson since I was 17 (sixteen years… 😳) when I first discovered my perennial favourite, “Cents and Sensibility” - at which point I went and devoured her entire back catalogue.
One of my very few auto-buy authors, I will read ANYthing Maggie has to say, on any topic (I get giddy every time my inbox pings with an email from her Substack) - if she wants to write a 200k word thesis on boiling water I’ll pick it up with unparalleled enthusiasm. She has a magnificent way with words, oozing intelligence, wit, cool and glam… I’ve got a bit of a girl crush, can you tell?
“Would You Rather” follows Sophie who has been happily married to Matt for three decades when he wakes up one morning, announces he’s met someone else and is leaving her. He walks out their front door, gets hit by a bus and is killed instantly. What follows is an intriguing and utterly compelling look at grief, love, friendship and family dynamics.
Told from multiple perspectives, WYR’s short, snappy chapters keep the intricately woven plot moving along at a rapid fire pace and the full cast of characters were zany and loveable.
I loved watching everything fall into place and the way the story ended. Pure satisfaction.
Was it my favourite Maggie? No. Was I hooked on her every word? Eternally.
If you haven’t read any of her books before I always suggest starting with my favourite, but honestly if it’s got Maggie’s name on it, you can’t go wrong.
It’s been seven (7!!) years but Magnificent Maggie is back and brilliant as ever.
I’ve been a fan of @maggiealderson since I was 17 (sixteen years… 😳) when I first discovered my perennial favourite, “Cents and Sensibility” - at which point I went and devoured her entire back catalogue.
One of my very few auto-buy authors, I will read ANYthing Maggie has to say, on any topic (I get giddy every time my inbox pings with an email from her Substack) - if she wants to write a 200k word thesis on boiling water I’ll pick it up with unparalleled enthusiasm. She has a magnificent way with words, oozing intelligence, wit, cool and glam… I’ve got a bit of a girl crush, can you tell?
“Would You Rather” follows Sophie who has been happily married to Matt for three decades when he wakes up one morning, announces he’s met someone else and is leaving her. He walks out their front door, gets hit by a bus and is killed instantly. What follows is an intriguing and utterly compelling look at grief, love, friendship and family dynamics.
Told from multiple perspectives, WYR’s short, snappy chapters keep the intricately woven plot moving along at a rapid fire pace and the full cast of characters were zany and loveable.
I loved watching everything fall into place and the way the story ended. Pure satisfaction.
Was it my favourite Maggie? No. Was I hooked on her every word? Eternally.
If you haven’t read any of her books before I always suggest starting with my favourite, but honestly if it’s got Maggie’s name on it, you can’t go wrong.
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