What do you think?
Rate this book
Switcheroo
A “simply hilarious” tale of marriage and deception from the New York Times–bestselling author of The First Wives Club (Naples Daily News). At forty, Sylvie Schiffer has a gorgeous house, two perfect children, and a successful husband with a lucrative business. She has everything except what she wants passion and romance. With the twins off to college, Sylvie thinks her opportunity has finally arrived—only to find out her husband is already finding passion and romance, with a woman named Marla. Worse yet, Marla could be her twin . . . give or take ten years and fifteen pounds. Marla is getting everything Sylvie wishes romantic presents, hot sex, candlelit dinners. But she’s also lacking the one thing she wants a husband of her own. Going beyond revenge, Sylvie hatches a brilliant, daringly outrageous scheme that just might fulfill both of their wildest dreams—or leave them with nothing but two broken hearts—in this entertaining romp, “a wonderfully funny fable about a wife and mistress who reverse roles and a husband who apparently can’t tell the difference” (Kirkus Reviews).
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
59 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Goldsmith
48 books155 followersOlivia Goldsmith (January 1, 1949 - January 15, 2004) was an American author, best known for her first novel The First Wives Club (1992), which was adapted into the movie The First Wives Club (1996).
She was born Randy Goldfield in Dumont, New Jersey, but changed her name to Justine Goldfield and later to Justine Rendal. She took up writing following a divorce in which she said her husband got almost everything (including her Jaguar and the country house). A graduate of New York University, she was a partner at the management consultants Booz & Company in New York prior to becoming a writer.
Many of her books can be described as revenge fantasies; a constant theme is the mistreatment of women by the men they love, but with the women coming out the winners in the end.
Controversially, in late 1996 Goldsmith said, in response to an Entertainment Weekly reporter's question, that her favorite event of 1996 was when Bob Dole fell off a stage during a campaign function.
She also wrote several books for children, which were published under the name "Justine Rendal."
Goldsmith died as a result of complications from the administration of anaesthesia before cosmetic surgery. Her final two books were published posthumously.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, amended.
She was born Randy Goldfield in Dumont, New Jersey, but changed her name to Justine Goldfield and later to Justine Rendal. She took up writing following a divorce in which she said her husband got almost everything (including her Jaguar and the country house). A graduate of New York University, she was a partner at the management consultants Booz & Company in New York prior to becoming a writer.
Many of her books can be described as revenge fantasies; a constant theme is the mistreatment of women by the men they love, but with the women coming out the winners in the end.
Controversially, in late 1996 Goldsmith said, in response to an Entertainment Weekly reporter's question, that her favorite event of 1996 was when Bob Dole fell off a stage during a campaign function.
She also wrote several books for children, which were published under the name "Justine Rendal."
Goldsmith died as a result of complications from the administration of anaesthesia before cosmetic surgery. Her final two books were published posthumously.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, amended.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 2, 2019
I have read better books by this author but I could never give this under a three.
I just can’t because it was so funny and there are many times I was laughing out loud. Make no mistake the story is convoluted, it’s preposterous, it could never ever happen, but it’s a welcome break from reading many a dark book and it’s just laugh out loud funny .
Oh what is it about do you ask? Well it’s a really preposterous plot. A husband’s wife and his mistress, who look an incredibly amount alike, decide to switch places. And this they do and somehow the husband never notices!
The premise is so crazy and so out there but you really want to know what happens and even though I didn’t particularly like the book I was extremely amused by it and had a lot of fun reading it. I mean let’s face it: sometimes one just needs a preposterous and unruly hilarious book that doesn’t make a heck of a lot of sense but leaves you howling with laughter.
My two favorite lines:
“ You’re leaving him. For..you”?
“how could you? How could you make love to.....me”?
I just can’t because it was so funny and there are many times I was laughing out loud. Make no mistake the story is convoluted, it’s preposterous, it could never ever happen, but it’s a welcome break from reading many a dark book and it’s just laugh out loud funny .
Oh what is it about do you ask? Well it’s a really preposterous plot. A husband’s wife and his mistress, who look an incredibly amount alike, decide to switch places. And this they do and somehow the husband never notices!
The premise is so crazy and so out there but you really want to know what happens and even though I didn’t particularly like the book I was extremely amused by it and had a lot of fun reading it. I mean let’s face it: sometimes one just needs a preposterous and unruly hilarious book that doesn’t make a heck of a lot of sense but leaves you howling with laughter.
My two favorite lines:
“ You’re leaving him. For..you”?
“how could you? How could you make love to.....me”?
March 11, 2017
I don't know if it's that I've gotten older, more cynical and more discriminating or if Olivia Goldsmith's writing has fallen down a very slippery slope into the worst kind of chicklit possible. I'd like to think it's the latter as I remember liking The First Wives Club very much when it first came out, as well as Flavor of the Month. So, it was actually with anticipation that I dove into Switcheroo, a book I found collecting dust in our garage.
The plot is a simple one. Sylvie, a successful, forty-year old woman discovers her husband is having an affair with a younger woman. Upon confronting her, she discovers that the younger woman (Marla) is a dead-ringer for a younger version of her. Marla wants to be married and Sylvie wants the romance back. So off the go for a little bit of plastic surgery so they can switch places for two weeks - Marla to secure Bob as her husband, and Sylvie to get back at him.
The premise of this book is awful and ridiculous. It's poorly written. It re-treads themes from her earlier book (plastic surgery to get ahead, husbands having affairs with younger woman) but without any of the subversive aspects that made them better than simple chicklit. This book has the odious character of Sylvie's mother who tells her she'll never find someone better than Bob and not to make waves about his affair. Cheating is seen as an inevitablity in this book, as is the wife's forgiveness. The only wife that didn't forgive her husband for cheating is painted as a shrewish woman that no one could possibly love.
And surprise, surprise - all the women (except the shrew) find their happy endings though not necessarily in the expected way... oh wait, all of the ending was expected for me. I do not recommend this book.
The plot is a simple one. Sylvie, a successful, forty-year old woman discovers her husband is having an affair with a younger woman. Upon confronting her, she discovers that the younger woman (Marla) is a dead-ringer for a younger version of her. Marla wants to be married and Sylvie wants the romance back. So off the go for a little bit of plastic surgery so they can switch places for two weeks - Marla to secure Bob as her husband, and Sylvie to get back at him.
The premise of this book is awful and ridiculous. It's poorly written. It re-treads themes from her earlier book (plastic surgery to get ahead, husbands having affairs with younger woman) but without any of the subversive aspects that made them better than simple chicklit. This book has the odious character of Sylvie's mother who tells her she'll never find someone better than Bob and not to make waves about his affair. Cheating is seen as an inevitablity in this book, as is the wife's forgiveness. The only wife that didn't forgive her husband for cheating is painted as a shrewish woman that no one could possibly love.
And surprise, surprise - all the women (except the shrew) find their happy endings though not necessarily in the expected way... oh wait, all of the ending was expected for me. I do not recommend this book.
February 13, 2016
This is "mind candy" - totally without nutritional value, but oh so delicious. A middle-aged woman vies with a "bimbo" over the husband. A fun vacation read.
January 23, 2022
Wow, that ending really sucked.
January 2, 2026
Plot is completely unrealistic
May 16, 2014
This book was published as The Switch in the UK, and I first read a library copy about 15 years ago. I recently found a second hand copy while I was mooching around Hay-on-Wye and, thinking how much I enjoyed reading it first time around, I bought it.
Hmmm... Either it's because I'm now nearer the wife's age than the mistress's, or my mind's playing tricks because it wasn't anywhere near as good as I remembered. There's a lot of humour, but the characters are fairly stereotyped, and would the husband really not notice that the wife and mistress had traded places?
I think Flavor of The Month was probably a better read but it's interesting how, in both books, Olivia Goldsmith was obviously fascinated by the concept of beauty and ageing, and taking steps to preserve what we have rather than accept how we are and what we become over time. Sad but somewhat ironic that she died from a reaction to general anaesthetic during cosmetic surgery.
Hmmm... Either it's because I'm now nearer the wife's age than the mistress's, or my mind's playing tricks because it wasn't anywhere near as good as I remembered. There's a lot of humour, but the characters are fairly stereotyped, and would the husband really not notice that the wife and mistress had traded places?
I think Flavor of The Month was probably a better read but it's interesting how, in both books, Olivia Goldsmith was obviously fascinated by the concept of beauty and ageing, and taking steps to preserve what we have rather than accept how we are and what we become over time. Sad but somewhat ironic that she died from a reaction to general anaesthetic during cosmetic surgery.
May 30, 2024
Picked because it was available to listen to on Libby.
Sylvie finds her husband, Bob cheating on her with Marla! All Marla wants is a family, kids, a house, a husband for the holidays. Marla and Sylvie switch places- and get away with it.
Bob is an ass- and doesn't like getting played by his two favorite ladies.
He only wants- loves- chooses her after he no longer has anything. Bob only loves himself.
Didn't love the ending. How is driving the car into the pool = to showing or proving your love to you/ your wife? What about when he grows bored of her. again?!?!?!?!?!?
Wouldn't recommend.
Sylvie finds her husband, Bob cheating on her with Marla! All Marla wants is a family, kids, a house, a husband for the holidays. Marla and Sylvie switch places- and get away with it.
Bob is an ass- and doesn't like getting played by his two favorite ladies.
He only wants- loves- chooses her after he no longer has anything. Bob only loves himself.
Didn't love the ending. How is driving the car into the pool = to showing or proving your love to you/ your wife? What about when he grows bored of her. again?!?!?!?!?!?
Wouldn't recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2009
A pampered middle aged woman comes to find out that her husband has a mistress, but get this, the woman is a younger version of her. With some reflecting and such, she decides with the mistress to do some switching, hence the title. What I liked about it is that though the wife is hurt, she takes action on her marriage and life. Good book.
August 8, 2009
A light hearted funny read which stretches the imagination.
May 25, 2022
Funny. Would be good play.
dnf
June 6, 2024DNF. This book is a joke - literally, it's not meant to be taken seriously. Lots of "humor" (using that very lightly) and unrealistic situations throughout, which is just not for me because I read these cheating books for the angst...and it's hard for me to find them funny.
The heroine is either dumb or in denial for a while, but when she finally catches on to her husband flagrantly cheating on her with a younger OW, all the stops are put in to save her marriage and everything is just one big joke:
- The heroine's mom is practically begging her to stay with the husband and forgive him (before she's even confronted the cheating husband)...one reason, no surprise, is that the heroine's dad (mom's husband) also cheated on the mom at one point. This is so common in cheating novels.
- Not just the mom's dad, but basically every man is a cheater in this book - the heroine's brother too, and even her husband's friend; the author normalizes it. Oh, and the brother's ex-wife, who divorced him after he cheated, lives a miserable life and everyone is annoyed by her. She's jealous of other people's relationships and happiness. The mom uses the sister-in-law as as example of why the heroine should forgive her husband.
- Turns out the OW looks exactly like a younger version of the heroine. It's described in a supernatural-like way. There's a 'comical' (again, used very lightly) scene when the heroine first confronts the OW where they both realize they look exactly alike, and the OW cries because she realizes what she's going to look like when she's older (aka like the heroine). 🙄
- Rather than confront the husband about his cheating, the heroine comes up with the idea to switch places with the OW because they look alike...she just needs to get cosmetic treatments and such to look younger. The intention is to try to trick the husband into 'cheating' on his wife...with his wife. Hence the book's name 'Switcheroo'.
I DNFed at that last bit...the book's plot is too ridiculous for me. I did spoil the end though and
The heroine is either dumb or in denial for a while, but when she finally catches on to her husband flagrantly cheating on her with a younger OW, all the stops are put in to save her marriage and everything is just one big joke:
- The heroine's mom is practically begging her to stay with the husband and forgive him (before she's even confronted the cheating husband)...one reason, no surprise, is that the heroine's dad (mom's husband) also cheated on the mom at one point. This is so common in cheating novels.
- Not just the mom's dad, but basically every man is a cheater in this book - the heroine's brother too, and even her husband's friend; the author normalizes it. Oh, and the brother's ex-wife, who divorced him after he cheated, lives a miserable life and everyone is annoyed by her. She's jealous of other people's relationships and happiness. The mom uses the sister-in-law as as example of why the heroine should forgive her husband.
- Turns out the OW looks exactly like a younger version of the heroine. It's described in a supernatural-like way. There's a 'comical' (again, used very lightly) scene when the heroine first confronts the OW where they both realize they look exactly alike, and the OW cries because she realizes what she's going to look like when she's older (aka like the heroine). 🙄
- Rather than confront the husband about his cheating, the heroine comes up with the idea to switch places with the OW because they look alike...she just needs to get cosmetic treatments and such to look younger. The intention is to try to trick the husband into 'cheating' on his wife...with his wife. Hence the book's name 'Switcheroo'.
I DNFed at that last bit...the book's plot is too ridiculous for me. I did spoil the end though and
December 5, 2017
3.5 stars
This book was...interesting to say the least. When Sylvie finds out that her husband is having an affair with a woman who looks like a younger version of her, she decides they should switch places. She wants the passion that Bob gives to his mistress while the mistress wants the love and security Bob gives to Sylvie.
For one, you could definitely tell this book is dated. When Sylvie's mother finds out about the affair, she says that Sylvie and Bob should just work out their issues without divorce. That men are not entirely human, and that their *cough* heads *cough* and their brains are not connected and that one part is not responsible for the actions of the other. While Sylvie doesn't agree with this viewpoint, it was a constant idea throughout the book, and that bothered me a bit. Everyone in the book seemed to have a history with cheating, and it seemed like Sylvie was being told to just accept what happened instead of getting revenge or a divorce.
The ending was great though. I laughed, I stressed, and I smiled. Parts of it seemed rushed and seemed to make little sense, but the main areas of the plot were covered. Overall, this was a good, memorable read, and I'm glad I picked it up.
This book was...interesting to say the least. When Sylvie finds out that her husband is having an affair with a woman who looks like a younger version of her, she decides they should switch places. She wants the passion that Bob gives to his mistress while the mistress wants the love and security Bob gives to Sylvie.
For one, you could definitely tell this book is dated. When Sylvie's mother finds out about the affair, she says that Sylvie and Bob should just work out their issues without divorce. That men are not entirely human, and that their *cough* heads *cough* and their brains are not connected and that one part is not responsible for the actions of the other. While Sylvie doesn't agree with this viewpoint, it was a constant idea throughout the book, and that bothered me a bit. Everyone in the book seemed to have a history with cheating, and it seemed like Sylvie was being told to just accept what happened instead of getting revenge or a divorce.
The ending was great though. I laughed, I stressed, and I smiled. Parts of it seemed rushed and seemed to make little sense, but the main areas of the plot were covered. Overall, this was a good, memorable read, and I'm glad I picked it up.
October 13, 2020
Spoilers because I never remember the endings of books. I mainly wrote recaps for myself.
This book has not aged well. I don't have a specific reason for this but it just felt out dated in a bad way.
If you read the synopsis it sounds fairly hokey and funny like a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately it's like AMC tried to add heart and drama to a silly movie and it did not work.
The actual switcheroo doesn't happen until AFTER halfway through the book. Personally I get very annoyed when the entire book is written on the book cover.
Silvie and Bob have been married 20yrs. Bob starts sleeping with Marla. Silvie finds out but realizes Marla looks exactly like her younger self. So they switch places (after 2 weeks of plastic surgery and personal training and hair dye). Marla doesn't like the unappreciated wife role and Silvie misses her kids but has rekindled love with Bob. Silvie and Bob stay together and Marla hooks up with the best friend John.
This book has not aged well. I don't have a specific reason for this but it just felt out dated in a bad way.
If you read the synopsis it sounds fairly hokey and funny like a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately it's like AMC tried to add heart and drama to a silly movie and it did not work.
The actual switcheroo doesn't happen until AFTER halfway through the book. Personally I get very annoyed when the entire book is written on the book cover.
Silvie and Bob have been married 20yrs. Bob starts sleeping with Marla. Silvie finds out but realizes Marla looks exactly like her younger self. So they switch places (after 2 weeks of plastic surgery and personal training and hair dye). Marla doesn't like the unappreciated wife role and Silvie misses her kids but has rekindled love with Bob. Silvie and Bob stay together and Marla hooks up with the best friend John.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Sylvie and Bob have a great marriage, two kids, beautiful house, etc etc...more like had a great marriage. The kids have graduated high school and off to college and Sylvie was excited to travel more and adore her husband but it's the complete opposite. Her husband is never home and Sylvie finds out, he's having an affair. Sylvie goes and meets with Bob's mistress,Marla. Sylvie gets Marla to agree to do a switch where Marla pretends to be Sylvie and vis versa. Sylvie gets some work done to look 10 years younger, and it's on. The story goes into the obstacles both women face as they take on their new roles and how it plays out. Who will Bob end up with?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
Ebook
Again, probably more my mood than anything. I recognized all the places I was supposed to laugh but overall, this story was very sad to me. The husband really couldn't tell the difference between the two women? One plays piano, the other mixes metaphors. I know it wasn't meant to be high literature but I couldn't get past how invisible the wife was, not only to her husband of nearly 2 decades but also to her kids and extended family. Yes, I know it was part of the story but how could they not tell the differences? I guess I'll go back to gruesome lol
Again, probably more my mood than anything. I recognized all the places I was supposed to laugh but overall, this story was very sad to me. The husband really couldn't tell the difference between the two women? One plays piano, the other mixes metaphors. I know it wasn't meant to be high literature but I couldn't get past how invisible the wife was, not only to her husband of nearly 2 decades but also to her kids and extended family. Yes, I know it was part of the story but how could they not tell the differences? I guess I'll go back to gruesome lol
August 20, 2021
There is humor. The OW is ditzy comical.
Neighbors and friends mention that they’ve seen h and H out in town and she looked so much better. Ok so the h discovers husbands affair and with the aid of her mother she follows to her place. Then she finds out why everyone says she saw her with H. The OW looks just like her only with no wrinkles. h comes up with a plan to switch and switch they do. I felt my gut clench during the book and also laughed cause it was very well written and fast paced.
The h and H do end up together and IMO an HFN.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2020
I read this book out of complete boredom and probably wouldn’t have finished it besides.
Overall, I had to keep in mind that the book was meant for more of a comedic effect than a serious one! I did laugh out loud, it’s entertaining. I got into the story, but was actually quite upset with the ending.
I’m not sure if Olivia Goldsmith lacks an editor because there was some sloppiness to this books repeated adjectives and occasional but irritating typo.
Overall, I had to keep in mind that the book was meant for more of a comedic effect than a serious one! I did laugh out loud, it’s entertaining. I got into the story, but was actually quite upset with the ending.
I’m not sure if Olivia Goldsmith lacks an editor because there was some sloppiness to this books repeated adjectives and occasional but irritating typo.
May 24, 2021
A little too cutesy. A content wife realizes her husband is cheating on her. When she confronts the mistress she is shocked to find that she looks exactly like her own younger self, 15 years and 20 pounds ago. That gives her an idea- with a little bit of work (if you call plastic surgery a little bit of work) they'll switch places and teach hubby a lesson.
*Ironic footnote-the author herself died from complications during plastic surgery.
*Ironic footnote-the author herself died from complications during plastic surgery.
September 21, 2022
Full Of Surprises
I enjoyed this book. I would give Kindle one star for all the typos, but Goldsmith did a good job of writing this wild story.
Bob's wife and mistress changed places, but Bob was
so self absorbed that he doesn't that he didn't even notice. Fireworks commenced.
I enjoyed this book. I would give Kindle one star for all the typos, but Goldsmith did a good job of writing this wild story.
Bob's wife and mistress changed places, but Bob was
so self absorbed that he doesn't that he didn't even notice. Fireworks commenced.
May 20, 2017
Two for the price of one
A delicious deception, a wife trades places with a look alike mistress. A hilarious yet bitter sweet story of the women who were done wrong. Light and fluffy, an easy read on a cold afternoon.
A delicious deception, a wife trades places with a look alike mistress. A hilarious yet bitter sweet story of the women who were done wrong. Light and fluffy, an easy read on a cold afternoon.
July 27, 2017
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. I tried to read another book she wrote regarding bestsellers and absolutely could not get into it, but this had enough twists and turns and moved swiftly enough that I enjoyed it., however improbable it was.
August 4, 2017
I really needed to find a humorous book, after all the serious ones I have read lately. Author of THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, later made into a really comical movie, I figured Goldsmith was the author to read. She did not disappoint.
August 7, 2018
Entertaining and emotional!
This book was definitely hard to put down. The female characters were easy to relate to, the male characters a little predictable, but it all comes together in a great way.
This book was definitely hard to put down. The female characters were easy to relate to, the male characters a little predictable, but it all comes together in a great way.
October 4, 2019
This was a pretty good book. A bit stereotypical in some ways, and kind of over exagerated, but it was light and funny. I'm glad I read, it, and would suggest it for a fun light laugh out loud read.
.
.
June 14, 2020
Not worth my time or money, but sadly paid for it because the libraries were closed, and read it against my better judgment. An embarrassingly ridiculous, misogynistic attempt to entertain. Can't believe the author is a woman.
July 15, 2021
Pretty terrible romance novel that couldn’t get published today - a lot of issues with what women should do to change themselves for a husband that’s cheating, class issues between the wife and mistress, blaming the mistress for cheating, and so on.
May 8, 2018
Does it count as 'did not finish' if you read the first third then the last chapter?
June 12, 2018
I’ve been hit or miss with Goldsmith’s books but this one was a hit for me. Goldsmith wrote First Wives Club which was made into a movie of the same name.
June 17, 2018
Funny and wacky but disappointing ending.
June 21, 2018
A good, quick beach read. A little far-fetched but it would make a cute movie. There were too many typos!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews