The Other Woman

by Rona Jaffe

Back in print for the first time in decades, New York Times bestselling author Rona Jaffe’s classic novel captures a time when women were caught between the institution of Mad Men and the revolution of Gloria Steinem.

Carol Prince realized very early on that the life of a slavish housewife was not for her. Instead of finding a husband, she builds a career as a features writer for a glossy magazine and enjoys the freedom and indulgences the position affords her. Soon enough, all of her friends are divorced, Women’s Lib has arrived, and Carol is quite satisfied conducting interviews on glittering film sets or in swanky bars, and having flings with gorgeous men.

But then she meets Matthew Fitzgerald. He is handsome and successful and rich…and married. Over time, they become more and more enamored of each other and Carol is forced to make a decision. She may preserve her status as an independent woman, or sacrifice her ideals for the one thing she never thought she needed—a man.

Before Carrie Bradshaw, there was Carol Prince.  The Other Woman is a witty and captivating novel about the choices we make, and how they define us.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Rona Jaffe established The Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Awards program in 1995. It is the only national literary awards program of its kind dedicated to supporting women writers exclusively. Since the program began, the Foundation has awarded more than $850,000 to a total of 92 women.

Ms. Jaffe was the author of sixteen books, including Class Reunion, Family Secrets, The Road Taken, and The Room-Mating Season (2003). Her 1958 best-selling first novel, The Best of Everything, was reissued by Penguin in 2005.

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1972 when this novel came out, living on the West Coast I thought “Who cares about the problems of a successful New York career woman?” Well, Rona Jaffe made me care because the writing was clear, straightforward, unpretentious, about sympathetic human problems.

“I suppose you discussed it with all your silly friends,” Matthew said.
“Naturally. You know me.”
He shook his head. “Oh, Carol.”
“Are you mad?”
“What can I do? I know you. You’re supposed to do what you want to do, not what those nitwits tell you to do.”
“I know that.”
“What did they say?”
“Well, the married ones wanted me to stay single, and the single ones wanted me to get married.”
“They don’t know anything about it. It would be different for us.”
“I know that.”
“And they don’t care about you,” he said, sounding sad and angry. “You know that, don’t you?”
“Sure.”
“Who do you love?”
“You.”
“Wrong answer. Who do you love first?”
“Me?”
“Right. Remember that. You can’t love me unless you first love you.”
“Okay.”
“And then who do you love?”
“You.”
He nodded.
“Who do you love?” she said.
“Me.”
“And then?”
“You.” He shook his head. “No,” he said. “I love me, but I love you more than I love myself.”
How could she possibly not marry a man like that?

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this! At times it felt like I was reading something akin to Annie Hall or When Harry Met Sally. I loved the ending as well. I hadn’t realized Rona Jaffe wrote The Best Of Everything, and now I want to read that even more.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Our book club had mixed reviews of this book, so we decided that I would highlight the things we loved about this title.
1. Strong independent main female character
2. Going against the grain thinking for the time
3. Unpredictable ending with a few twists
4. quick, fun read
5. interesting story line that takes place over a period of time

Having to remember that this novel was first published in in 1958 the reader must put themselves in that time period and see what a strong women, that was going against the grain, was thinking and the level of bravery it would take to make her own path among the expectations that were placed on women during that time. It was inspiring in so many way to see that there is a level of fearlessness in choosing your own happiness over worrying about what other people will think of you. There are a lot of practical present day applications within this story, but there is also affairs, love, friendship and consequences. It was an original novel and it kept me interest 3.5 stars.

[Sophie DL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how I felt like I was reading a book that had just been published. The main character is so modern in a way, I can imagine how women during this time would feel about her, would envy her, would dream about her way of living.

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy International Women’s Day.


A terrific little novel about a forward-thinking, freely liberated woman who is living for herself and herself only. It’s effortlessly feminist, I loved the kind of feminism present in this book. Well before it’s time, brava, Rona Jaffe, you’re an icon.

[Kirsta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit depressing in spots, as it felt like we're still stuck in some of the same spots but Carol's flawed development was a worthwhile journey.

[Nishtha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rona Jaffe could write 300 pages about paint drying and I’ll still finish reading it in two days.

[Shelby Hufnal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this look into a strained life. So much unhappiness can help you appreciate what you have. Carol is not anyone I envy and I’m better for having gotten to know her through this short novel.

[H.K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it as much as I wanted to.

[Kathryn Ulrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give it a 3.5, very punchy and matter of fact but I really enjoyed the outside perspective of womanhood and the pressures/assumptions that come with it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mistress is contented with her life as the other woman.