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The Dream Wife
Annie is the dream wife. Supportive, respectful, mild-mannered - everything her husband wants her to be. But underneath, she is so much more.
Annie is a prisoner in her own life. Her finances, her routine and her contact with the outside world are all controlled by him. Only her love for her little boy keeps her sane, and at night she escapes into a dreamworld where she is free.
But Annie is about to do a very bad thing.
And you won't believe how she is going to do it . . .
*************
A tense and electrifying novel with a twist that will break your heart. Fans of Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, The Girl Before by JP Delaney, Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris, Friend Request by Laura Marshall, Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear and Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney will love this.
Annie is a prisoner in her own life. Her finances, her routine and her contact with the outside world are all controlled by him. Only her love for her little boy keeps her sane, and at night she escapes into a dreamworld where she is free.
But Annie is about to do a very bad thing.
And you won't believe how she is going to do it . . .
*************
A tense and electrifying novel with a twist that will break your heart. Fans of Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, The Girl Before by JP Delaney, Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris, Friend Request by Laura Marshall, Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear and Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney will love this.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
148 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Louisa de Lange
3 books30 followersLouisa de Lange studied Psychology at the University of Southampton and has lived in and around the city ever since. She works as a freelance copywriter and editor, and when she’s not writing, she can be found pounding the streets in running shoes or swimming in muddy lakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 11, 2018
What a strange book. I was really enjoying this one, until the dreams started. Then it all got a bit weird and out of control. I raced through the first part of the book but in the end I was struggling to finish it.
It was a good story to begin with.... David, the angry and very controlling husband. Annie, the good wife and mother who did everything she was told. Then she started to escape in her dreams ... it lost me.
Thanks to Orion Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
It was a good story to begin with.... David, the angry and very controlling husband. Annie, the good wife and mother who did everything she was told. Then she started to escape in her dreams ... it lost me.
Thanks to Orion Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
October 3, 2018
If you read thrillers a lot you now know that most of them whether they are good or bad will have something like this written in the description or on the cover - "The gripping new psychological thriller with a twist you won't see coming in 2018". It's a bit like when British Gas put their prices up - you can bet your bottom dollar that the rest are going to follow suit shortly after. So, these statements alongside crime fiction cannot usually be trusted, unfortunately. However, debut author Louisa de Lange has already proved her worth with this, her first book, and it really is one that deserves a phrase like that attached to it!
I agree with others, this is a strange and bizarre novel, but that's the beauty of it! Deliciously disturbing, devious and dark, I thoroughly enjoyed this! The title is most apt, not because Annie is a dream to have but due to the use of dream sequences throughout the narrative. it is quite an unsettling and heartbreaking tale about how been controlled by someone can drive you to distraction. All the assumptions you have when you begin reading are one by one whipped away and the rug pulled out from under you - the author has written a fast-paced, consumingly clever read with a stunning conclusion that is impossible to foresee, even for a seasoned crime reader like myself. de Lange turns the screw on the reader and ratchets up the tension until it's palpable. Wow! It literally took my breath away! I'd like to see someone try to put this down whilst reading it! If you're a fan of Sarah Pinborough's 'Behind Her Eyes', you'll appreciate this story too. My overwhelming thought after catching my breath once finished is that this is an author with so much promise. I look forward to her future books.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I agree with others, this is a strange and bizarre novel, but that's the beauty of it! Deliciously disturbing, devious and dark, I thoroughly enjoyed this! The title is most apt, not because Annie is a dream to have but due to the use of dream sequences throughout the narrative. it is quite an unsettling and heartbreaking tale about how been controlled by someone can drive you to distraction. All the assumptions you have when you begin reading are one by one whipped away and the rug pulled out from under you - the author has written a fast-paced, consumingly clever read with a stunning conclusion that is impossible to foresee, even for a seasoned crime reader like myself. de Lange turns the screw on the reader and ratchets up the tension until it's palpable. Wow! It literally took my breath away! I'd like to see someone try to put this down whilst reading it! If you're a fan of Sarah Pinborough's 'Behind Her Eyes', you'll appreciate this story too. My overwhelming thought after catching my breath once finished is that this is an author with so much promise. I look forward to her future books.
Many thanks to Orion for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2019
I thought this book was good. It was quite confusing sometimes but then when it came to the end it all made sense. It’s definitely a different type of thriller than I normally read but I enjoyed it. I did feel bad for Annie and I couldn’t stand David or Maggie. It was an interesting read and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
October 6, 2018
The Dream Wife was a fast, pacy, intriguing read that moves in unexpected directions and is highly addictive.
Annie lives under the rule of her Husband, an age old story – but Louise De Lange has taken that premise and breathed new life into it with her rather quirky, actually quite creepy and genuinely absorbing narrative where Annie takes control of her life in unimaginable ways.
If you are expecting a straightforward psychological thriller then you won’t get that – but you will get some relevant and emotive themes explored in a very different way. The unexpectedness comes through the genesis of the characters, through the very well worn story of a woman supressed by a man, but done with a flair for dramatic consequence and examining the theme of power in a thought provoking way.
I was really taken with it – especially the cleverly placed ending that makes you rethink a lot of what you have read – and the realistically flawed central character, Annie, who treads the path of resistance and revenge in a divisive yet really compelling way.
It’s nice to see some boundaries being pushed – whilst The Dream Wife won’t be for everyone, for me it was a highly entertaining read that also gives pause for thought.
Recommended.
Annie lives under the rule of her Husband, an age old story – but Louise De Lange has taken that premise and breathed new life into it with her rather quirky, actually quite creepy and genuinely absorbing narrative where Annie takes control of her life in unimaginable ways.
If you are expecting a straightforward psychological thriller then you won’t get that – but you will get some relevant and emotive themes explored in a very different way. The unexpectedness comes through the genesis of the characters, through the very well worn story of a woman supressed by a man, but done with a flair for dramatic consequence and examining the theme of power in a thought provoking way.
I was really taken with it – especially the cleverly placed ending that makes you rethink a lot of what you have read – and the realistically flawed central character, Annie, who treads the path of resistance and revenge in a divisive yet really compelling way.
It’s nice to see some boundaries being pushed – whilst The Dream Wife won’t be for everyone, for me it was a highly entertaining read that also gives pause for thought.
Recommended.
October 3, 2018
When I read the blurb of this book, I knew I had to read it but then I read it and I was left so disappointed. The blurb made me want to grab the book and not want to let it go until the final word.
I was so gripped from the start until the wife started to have her dreams (now I know the reasoning behind the title), then I just found myself skipping the dreaming parts wishing they would end.
I feel this book had so much potential and really am disappointed with the whole concept. Remove the dreams and add more reality and the book could be great.
I was so gripped from the start until the wife started to have her dreams (now I know the reasoning behind the title), then I just found myself skipping the dreaming parts wishing they would end.
I feel this book had so much potential and really am disappointed with the whole concept. Remove the dreams and add more reality and the book could be great.
November 4, 2018
Just imagine if two well known books by B A Paris and Sarah Pinborough had a love child. That child would be The Dream Wife!
When I first started reading this I thought it would be a straightforward story of an unhappy marriage and a controlling partner. Well, what did I know! My feelings whilst reading ranged from disbelief to anger and then to a WTF just happened there moment.
David, together with his indulgent mother Maggie were truly loathsome characters – she really was the mother-in-law from hell and I feel so sorry for anyone who has a Maggie in their family. When Annie first met David he was a handsome, extremely confident man who took charge of everything; he was certainly used to getting his own way – part of the attraction to someone like Annie who hadn’t had a particularly happy upbringing. He also appeared to be loving. Hmm.
Reading Annie’s backstory with David I felt that the signs were there all the time as to his real nature. I felt so sorry for Annie – trapped in a loveless marriage and I was willing her to find a way to break free. I felt her despair and her love for her two year old son, Johnny, came over clearly.
The characters were superbly drawn; their different personalities really drew me in – being able to empathise or feel something for a character, even hate or dislike, can make all the difference between my enjoying a book or abandoning it, however in this respect the author did a brilliant job.
The only escape Annie has from her monotonous days is at night when her dreams take her to a different life. My apologies that this review is so vague, but it’s one of those books that is very easy to spoil by saying too much. The less you know the better.
If your liking is for thrillers that have a different slant and cross over genres then this book will appeal to you.
I do like a psychological thriller that is something a bit different from the norm and this debut from Louisa de Lange certainly fits that bill. When I came to the end my immediate thought what on earth have I just read but as a suspenseful and addictive read I really enjoyed it and its one that I would recommend. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
When I first started reading this I thought it would be a straightforward story of an unhappy marriage and a controlling partner. Well, what did I know! My feelings whilst reading ranged from disbelief to anger and then to a WTF just happened there moment.
David, together with his indulgent mother Maggie were truly loathsome characters – she really was the mother-in-law from hell and I feel so sorry for anyone who has a Maggie in their family. When Annie first met David he was a handsome, extremely confident man who took charge of everything; he was certainly used to getting his own way – part of the attraction to someone like Annie who hadn’t had a particularly happy upbringing. He also appeared to be loving. Hmm.
Reading Annie’s backstory with David I felt that the signs were there all the time as to his real nature. I felt so sorry for Annie – trapped in a loveless marriage and I was willing her to find a way to break free. I felt her despair and her love for her two year old son, Johnny, came over clearly.
The characters were superbly drawn; their different personalities really drew me in – being able to empathise or feel something for a character, even hate or dislike, can make all the difference between my enjoying a book or abandoning it, however in this respect the author did a brilliant job.
The only escape Annie has from her monotonous days is at night when her dreams take her to a different life. My apologies that this review is so vague, but it’s one of those books that is very easy to spoil by saying too much. The less you know the better.
If your liking is for thrillers that have a different slant and cross over genres then this book will appeal to you.
I do like a psychological thriller that is something a bit different from the norm and this debut from Louisa de Lange certainly fits that bill. When I came to the end my immediate thought what on earth have I just read but as a suspenseful and addictive read I really enjoyed it and its one that I would recommend. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
October 13, 2019
An amalgamation of a stereotypical marital abuse story and a wife’s escape through her dreams.
An utterly bizarre novel that never quite managed to cohere into a meaningful story, The Dream Wife felt like the author had a half-hearted stab at several genres and gave up on both of them! Part standard psychological thriller of a woman in a controlling and abusive marriage and part fantasy, the combined result left me slightly bemused.
At thirty-two, Annie Sullivan has been married for four years to businessman, David, and is now a stay-at-home mum to two-year-old son, Johnny, after David insisted she quit work. That isn’t the only thing that supercilious David is insistent upon with Annie having a rigorous timetable of cooking, cleaning, laundry and putting him at the centre of her world. Along with the relentless daily grind and having ostracised her from her old friends he is none too interested in his son either. David also comes complete with a sneering mother, Maggie, who thinks Annie should think herself lucky to have married such a wonderful man as her son. Whilst this initial aspect of the story is pretty heavy-handed, the upside is that at least it makes sense.
Annie has always remembered her dreams and uses them to provide an escape from her current situation and, as respite from her own unhappiness. And this is where things turn strange with dream Annie feeling like “a robot breaking free from the remote control” and meeting a man who gradually teaches her to take control by reusing the parts of her character that she has lost along the way... Whilst most of the novel is a first-person narrative by Annie, the dream sequences are told in the third, making the distinction clear as the rest of the unfolding story alternates between Annie’s reality and her dreams. But can Annie’s dreams influence real-life, and what would the future she longs for with Johnny really look like?
Disappointingly the characters lack depth, with boorish CEO husband, David, being quite possibly the most domineering, demeaning, misogynistic and odious man imaginable. He and protagonist, Annie, are straight out of the marital abuse tropes and as Annie fills in the details of her past and relationship with David it sees her going from a sensible PA who liked a drink with valuable friendships and a sense of purpose to a submissive domestic servant practically overnight!
The twist itself is not emphasised significantly enough and the rather abrupt ending may prove confusing to some readers. I suspect the twist would have worked better for me if all that had gone beforehand was more credible.
And which editor didn’t remove the curious word choice of ‘chub’ which is used on multiple occasions?
An utterly bizarre novel that never quite managed to cohere into a meaningful story, The Dream Wife felt like the author had a half-hearted stab at several genres and gave up on both of them! Part standard psychological thriller of a woman in a controlling and abusive marriage and part fantasy, the combined result left me slightly bemused.
At thirty-two, Annie Sullivan has been married for four years to businessman, David, and is now a stay-at-home mum to two-year-old son, Johnny, after David insisted she quit work. That isn’t the only thing that supercilious David is insistent upon with Annie having a rigorous timetable of cooking, cleaning, laundry and putting him at the centre of her world. Along with the relentless daily grind and having ostracised her from her old friends he is none too interested in his son either. David also comes complete with a sneering mother, Maggie, who thinks Annie should think herself lucky to have married such a wonderful man as her son. Whilst this initial aspect of the story is pretty heavy-handed, the upside is that at least it makes sense.
Annie has always remembered her dreams and uses them to provide an escape from her current situation and, as respite from her own unhappiness. And this is where things turn strange with dream Annie feeling like “a robot breaking free from the remote control” and meeting a man who gradually teaches her to take control by reusing the parts of her character that she has lost along the way... Whilst most of the novel is a first-person narrative by Annie, the dream sequences are told in the third, making the distinction clear as the rest of the unfolding story alternates between Annie’s reality and her dreams. But can Annie’s dreams influence real-life, and what would the future she longs for with Johnny really look like?
Disappointingly the characters lack depth, with boorish CEO husband, David, being quite possibly the most domineering, demeaning, misogynistic and odious man imaginable. He and protagonist, Annie, are straight out of the marital abuse tropes and as Annie fills in the details of her past and relationship with David it sees her going from a sensible PA who liked a drink with valuable friendships and a sense of purpose to a submissive domestic servant practically overnight!
The twist itself is not emphasised significantly enough and the rather abrupt ending may prove confusing to some readers. I suspect the twist would have worked better for me if all that had gone beforehand was more credible.
And which editor didn’t remove the curious word choice of ‘chub’ which is used on multiple occasions?
October 5, 2018
Wow! Wow and WOW!! After going through my binge of the visitors and loving the plot I was scamming through books on a whim and came across the dream wife- there are mixed reviews and I’ve never heard of the author but I decided to try and sample and was immediately drawn in... we meet Annie who lives with her husband David and their son Johnny who is two, i immediately warmed to little Johnny’s character he seemed like a mischievous typical two year old boy and I found myself howling with laughter at certain points such as the dinner situation at Annie’s stuck up mother in laws Maggie. It soon became clear that the story is about Annie who suffers mental emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her husband David, i immediately detested David he is a controlling arrogant and self centred bully who treats Annie and Johnny appallingly what’s worse is his even more of an arrogant mother Maggie knows how Annie is treated and she brushes it under the carpet. I really felt so truly sorry for Annie being trapped in an abusive marriage with no family or friends to help her escape and she is desperate to leave for the sake of her son, I read page after page desperate to find out if she can ever escape David?! A few people mentioned they found the chapters about Annie’s dreams confusing and I would too if I didn’t know about lucid dreaming and astralating where you can leave your physical body, Annie meets jack in her lucid dreams and together they form a plan so that Annie can be free of David, the events are breath taking and not what I expected at all especially that ending!! I adored this book and the author wrote it well being on a sensitive subject of domestic abuse.
November 1, 2018
OK, so I am struggling here to write a review which doesn’t give anything away but does let you know how much I enjoyed this rather odd book. Reading through other people’s reviews the word “strange” has appeared several times and I do have to agree with the other readers because The Dream Wife is certainly different to the usual psychological thrillers.
Let’s start with the basics: Annie is married to an utter b*stard – David is a controlling, violent, pig. He sees women as objects and has absolutely no redeeming qualities in my opinion. He also has the MOTHER from hell – an utter nightmare who dotes on her son, treating him like a king and dismisses Annie like she is something found on the bottom of her shoe. Two utterly revolting and dislikeable characters in one book – WOW – my kinda book!
Annie has a 2 year old son – Johnny (David Johnny Jr), who she ADORES and will do anything to protect. Her relationship and absolute unconditional love for her boy is a joy to read and when the book starts veering off course from the normal psych thriller you understand that her decisions and behaviour is to protect herself and her son.
To say much more will give away the storyline and I think there will be comparisons to another cross-genre best seller, but personally I thought The Dream Wife was addictive, fast paced and several WTF moments. The ending left me slightly confused – but that’s not unusual for me. If you are looking for something different, something to keep you guessing and glued to the pages – then you should definitely read The Dream Wife.
Let’s start with the basics: Annie is married to an utter b*stard – David is a controlling, violent, pig. He sees women as objects and has absolutely no redeeming qualities in my opinion. He also has the MOTHER from hell – an utter nightmare who dotes on her son, treating him like a king and dismisses Annie like she is something found on the bottom of her shoe. Two utterly revolting and dislikeable characters in one book – WOW – my kinda book!
Annie has a 2 year old son – Johnny (David Johnny Jr), who she ADORES and will do anything to protect. Her relationship and absolute unconditional love for her boy is a joy to read and when the book starts veering off course from the normal psych thriller you understand that her decisions and behaviour is to protect herself and her son.
To say much more will give away the storyline and I think there will be comparisons to another cross-genre best seller, but personally I thought The Dream Wife was addictive, fast paced and several WTF moments. The ending left me slightly confused – but that’s not unusual for me. If you are looking for something different, something to keep you guessing and glued to the pages – then you should definitely read The Dream Wife.
August 14, 2018
What an incredible book! Don't start on it in the evening because you will miss a night's sleep. Not only because it is a very surprising story, or because Louisa de Lange writes so well, but also because of the many emotions that you go through when reading this book.
Warning: not suitable, I think, for women who ever were in an abusive relationship. I am not a violent person but I wanted to rage out to David because he is treating Annie and his young son Johnny so bad. And then his mother! The mother in law from hell!
Annie, poor Annie, stuck in the relationship because it all went so gradually, she didn't notice what happened until it was too late. Now she has Johnny, and she cannot leave David because he will never ever let her have Johnny.
There is friendship and love too, in this book. It shows that no matter what happens you can always try to escape, even it is just in your dreams.
And of course, I was very surprised at the end too, because there is no way you can see it coming.
I hope to read more of Louisa de Lange soon. Thank you Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley.
Warning: not suitable, I think, for women who ever were in an abusive relationship. I am not a violent person but I wanted to rage out to David because he is treating Annie and his young son Johnny so bad. And then his mother! The mother in law from hell!
Annie, poor Annie, stuck in the relationship because it all went so gradually, she didn't notice what happened until it was too late. Now she has Johnny, and she cannot leave David because he will never ever let her have Johnny.
There is friendship and love too, in this book. It shows that no matter what happens you can always try to escape, even it is just in your dreams.
And of course, I was very surprised at the end too, because there is no way you can see it coming.
I hope to read more of Louisa de Lange soon. Thank you Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley.
October 4, 2018
Wow! Well where do I start? This is probably going to be the most difficult book for me to review this year. I want to scream from the rooftops BUY THIS BOOK but I am going to struggle to tell you why! I could say, if you read and loved a certain book then you will love this…BUT I CAN’T TELL YOU WHICH BOOK as that would maybe be a spoiler. I want people to go into this book with an open mind, just as I did, as this book will shock the hell out of you just as it did me! Yes, I am one of those annoying people who nearly always gets the twists in books but I had no idea where The Dream Wife was going until it got there and slapped me in the face with the sort of twist most authors would kill for (and most readers for that matter!) And I bloody loved it for that!
Beautifully written from a mother’s point of view, this book is shocking, involving and so completely gripping that I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down. A contender for my top 10 books of 2018 list and I know that I will now purchase Louisa De Lange’s next book without even reading the blurb.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME!
Beautifully written from a mother’s point of view, this book is shocking, involving and so completely gripping that I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down. A contender for my top 10 books of 2018 list and I know that I will now purchase Louisa De Lange’s next book without even reading the blurb.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME!
January 21, 2020
A novel which kept me riveted from the first to the last page!!
Includes elements of Rose madder a novel by Stephen King, Interception the Hollywood blockbuster film starring de Caprio, and The Matrix a 1999 science fiction-film directed by the Wachowski brothers..
Featuring the stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne und Carrie-Anne Moss.
A great praise to Louisa de Lange for doing this marvelous work, craftily blending and mixing diverse literary genres and bringing to light this awesome piece!!!
Domestic abuse, the power of dreams, and the threatening shadows of the past..
A childhood gone awfully wrong..
A believable and gripping plot, and characters brimming with life!!!
Louisa de Lange has won me over, her first novel is a promising work heralding a new literary star in the firmament!!!
Dean;)
Includes elements of Rose madder a novel by Stephen King, Interception the Hollywood blockbuster film starring de Caprio, and The Matrix a 1999 science fiction-film directed by the Wachowski brothers..
Featuring the stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne und Carrie-Anne Moss.
A great praise to Louisa de Lange for doing this marvelous work, craftily blending and mixing diverse literary genres and bringing to light this awesome piece!!!
Domestic abuse, the power of dreams, and the threatening shadows of the past..
A childhood gone awfully wrong..
A believable and gripping plot, and characters brimming with life!!!
Louisa de Lange has won me over, her first novel is a promising work heralding a new literary star in the firmament!!!
Dean;)
January 25, 2019
Unexpected twist!
Definitely surprised with the plot. Didn't expect it although there was this nagging feeling omething is wrong (of course, its a thriller!).
Definitely surprised with the plot. Didn't expect it although there was this nagging feeling omething is wrong (of course, its a thriller!).
September 8, 2018
I loved this book. I devoured it in one sitting as I was desperate to know how it ended.
I absolutely detested David and was desperate for Annie to get away from him but with him controlling everything in her life, it was impossible.
He literally made my skin crawl and when he starts to lose his temper with their baby, I felt really uncomfortable.
Annie finds a way to get away from him - in her dreams - and learns that she can interact with some people whilst in this dream state.
I can’t say too much about the last part of the book as it would be a massive spoiler, but I can say, once you start this book you won’t want to put it down.
Thanks to Orion Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I absolutely detested David and was desperate for Annie to get away from him but with him controlling everything in her life, it was impossible.
He literally made my skin crawl and when he starts to lose his temper with their baby, I felt really uncomfortable.
Annie finds a way to get away from him - in her dreams - and learns that she can interact with some people whilst in this dream state.
I can’t say too much about the last part of the book as it would be a massive spoiler, but I can say, once you start this book you won’t want to put it down.
Thanks to Orion Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 7, 2018
What a strange book. I read it to the end, because I always try to, but I could not get with it at all. I found it confusing, and the dream sequences dull even though I know they were kind of the whole point of the story. It reminded me too much of aspects in Behind Her Eyes, a book that I loved right up until the twist at the end, which I hated.
I think just sometimes, certain styles or situations don't work for certain readers. I'm one of them in this case. That said, people will like this novel, I'm sure of it. But not for me.
Thank you so much for my advanced copy though, Netgalley/Publisher.
I think just sometimes, certain styles or situations don't work for certain readers. I'm one of them in this case. That said, people will like this novel, I'm sure of it. But not for me.
Thank you so much for my advanced copy though, Netgalley/Publisher.
October 13, 2018
I suspect I'm in the minority here. I thought the book sounded so interesting and I was enthralled for the first 35% until Annie escaped into her dream world. Fantasy is my biggest hate even though I understand why it was used in that way. I rarely put a book down, but this one prompted me when the dreams were prolonged. David and Annie were starting to irritate me with their sham marriage. I perceived David as living in a time warp. His behaviour is reminiscent of men in the 1950's and earlier. Dinner on the table. The home run by the wife on oiled wheels. She caters for his every need. Mum at home caring for the children. A son and heir a huge bonus as it is an extension of his virility and ego. Children seen but not heard. A possession. This was the norm. It was called pleasing the man you loved. Now the scales have tipped, and it's called control. Where does the old model of husbandry turn into a husband who is a control freak? I think with Annie she was a damaged soul, timid, unsure of herself and with galloping OCD which made her vulnerable to bullying. David had found someone he could control, he got steadily worse and he made her a victim. It was as though he wanted her to conform to HIS life and abandon her own individuality. There's the fine line. He started to tell her what she should do, say and wear because he could, and she let him. A sign of an insecure society. It's rampant nowadays and very worrying. To quote - "Everyone has an agenda. Everyone wants to tell you what to do. To be in control." I reflect on the situation and wonder why people have children if they don't want the bother of looking after them and find it boring and why they get married without a defined idea of what they want from the marriage and whether it's workable. Not if he wears a suit, wealthy and handsome. Annie was swept away by the wrong motives. Marriage is about compromise, and there should be equality and space for individuality. A food for thought book. Please note I am only commenting on the first 35% I read and it's my honest personal opinion based on being rather older than most readers. A younger person would probably relate better to it. A pity about the fantasy. Thank you to NetGalley and Orion.
October 2, 2018
Gosh, where to start? This is an extraordinary book, and I found myself lost as to what was real and what wasn't in the story. And it went in a totally unexpected direction.
From the outside, Annie seems to be the dream wife living a dream life. But actually nothing could be further from the truth. Apart from her beautiful little boy, there is no joy in her life. So she dreams, and dreams, and then dreams of what life might be like without her husband David.
David is an utterly vile man, and I absolutely detested him. With a passion. He's my second most hated book character ever. And when a character arouses this amount of emotion in me, good or bad, I know he or she has been very well written.
David controls every single aspect of Annie's life, except the time she has alone with her son, assuming all the chores are done. David has certain 'expectations' for how a wife should behave, and what she should do for her husband, and there is trouble if Annie doesn't meet those 'expectations.' That on its own constitutes domestic violence, but there is so much more than that, and this forms an important part of the story.
Complicit in this abuse of Annie is David's mother Maggie, as it is her who has instilled these skewed values in her son. She belittles Annie, and fully endorses her son's behaviour.
There is so much else I want to say, but don't want to give anything away about the story. My heart broke for Annie, and wee Johnny, who is largely ignored by his father. I am still thinking about the book, and to be honest still trying to work it out. As I mentioned in my opening, this book plays with reality. I read it initially thinking, 'Right, I've got this', then something would happen, and it was 'Oh wait, hang on...' I questioned (still am) so many things!
The fact that I'm confused doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it - far from it! It's a real page turned - I read it in a day because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I thought it was brilliantly written, there are several OMG moments, and so much to think about and mull over. It would be perfect for a book group, as there are so many questions and discussion points.
This is the author's first novel, and it's a strong and confident debut. I'm excited to see what she comes up with next!
From the outside, Annie seems to be the dream wife living a dream life. But actually nothing could be further from the truth. Apart from her beautiful little boy, there is no joy in her life. So she dreams, and dreams, and then dreams of what life might be like without her husband David.
David is an utterly vile man, and I absolutely detested him. With a passion. He's my second most hated book character ever. And when a character arouses this amount of emotion in me, good or bad, I know he or she has been very well written.
David controls every single aspect of Annie's life, except the time she has alone with her son, assuming all the chores are done. David has certain 'expectations' for how a wife should behave, and what she should do for her husband, and there is trouble if Annie doesn't meet those 'expectations.' That on its own constitutes domestic violence, but there is so much more than that, and this forms an important part of the story.
Complicit in this abuse of Annie is David's mother Maggie, as it is her who has instilled these skewed values in her son. She belittles Annie, and fully endorses her son's behaviour.
There is so much else I want to say, but don't want to give anything away about the story. My heart broke for Annie, and wee Johnny, who is largely ignored by his father. I am still thinking about the book, and to be honest still trying to work it out. As I mentioned in my opening, this book plays with reality. I read it initially thinking, 'Right, I've got this', then something would happen, and it was 'Oh wait, hang on...' I questioned (still am) so many things!
The fact that I'm confused doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it - far from it! It's a real page turned - I read it in a day because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I thought it was brilliantly written, there are several OMG moments, and so much to think about and mull over. It would be perfect for a book group, as there are so many questions and discussion points.
This is the author's first novel, and it's a strong and confident debut. I'm excited to see what she comes up with next!
October 29, 2018
My Review: 5/5
This book had me from the first page. It is a fast-paced book that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Annie is in a loveless marriage with David. David is an egotistical jerk whose selfish needs are his only concern. Even though they have a two-year-old son, all hopes for their future with each other is based on David and his plans.
Annie’s life revolves around David and her son, Johnny. Waking up each morning, she enters into the same routine: cooking, cleaning, taking care of the baby. She begins to feel stuck when she starts to have strange, lucid dreams. In her dreams she can do anything…and she takes it to the next level.
I have to admit, I was in complete shock with how this book turned out. It had twist and turns I was not expecting. The book was suspenseful and in parts were a little emotional. Annie is in an abusive relationship, but she is actually a very strong, likeable character.
As a fair warning, there are some scenes that involve the baby that are disturbing. As a mother myself, I found myself almost in tears.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a really good thriller that kept me guessing until the end. If you’re looking for the same thing, stop searching and pick up The Dream Wife!
This book had me from the first page. It is a fast-paced book that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Annie is in a loveless marriage with David. David is an egotistical jerk whose selfish needs are his only concern. Even though they have a two-year-old son, all hopes for their future with each other is based on David and his plans.
Annie’s life revolves around David and her son, Johnny. Waking up each morning, she enters into the same routine: cooking, cleaning, taking care of the baby. She begins to feel stuck when she starts to have strange, lucid dreams. In her dreams she can do anything…and she takes it to the next level.
I have to admit, I was in complete shock with how this book turned out. It had twist and turns I was not expecting. The book was suspenseful and in parts were a little emotional. Annie is in an abusive relationship, but she is actually a very strong, likeable character.
As a fair warning, there are some scenes that involve the baby that are disturbing. As a mother myself, I found myself almost in tears.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a really good thriller that kept me guessing until the end. If you’re looking for the same thing, stop searching and pick up The Dream Wife!
October 5, 2018
Wow, did this book take an unexpected turn. I’ve read a few books recently where characters are quite similar to Annie and David, so I was intrigued to see how Louise De Lange would put a new twist on this idea in her debut The Dream Wife. I don’t think this will quite appeal to everyone, but if you enjoyed The Memory Chamber by Holly Cave and Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, I think you will enjoy this book. What The Dream Wife really succeeds at, is that it takes an idea that is well known in psychological thrillers, but it gives it its own unique spin.
David was a really dislikeable character, in fact, I don’t think I have hated a character so much, and this includes his mother as well. I definitely sided with Annie on some of the decisions she made, and I was rooting for her. For the first half of the book, I spent most of my time shaking my head and willing her to do something about the situation she and her two-year-old son were in. It was definitely surprising the way how Louise took the story from here, and I couldn’t wait to see how Annie would take advantage of this new idea. And this is where the novel gets really interesting. These were the parts in the book that had me really sitting on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how everything was going to unfold. But I’m not going to say anything more about the plot here as I don’t want to spoil it.
The writing was so tense, particularly in some parts of the book when Annie and David were at home together, and some scenes made me so angry on Annie’s behalf. I couldn’t believe how she was being treated and I kept thinking that she deserved so much better. I could feel her despair as it began to grow, as the novel progressed. I could really feel that she was a prisoner within her own home and that it was going to be very difficult for her to get out. I did, however, find some of the flashback scenes that Annie experiences, confusing at times as I did have to read back over the last few lines to see where I was, but for the majority of the book the writing was excellent, and it pulled me into the story from the first page.
The unexpected direction that this novel took really got me thinking as I began to wonder how the rest of the book was going to play out. There is so much about this book that I want to talk about but I can’t without giving any of the plot away. The Dream Wife is an unusual thriller, which explores a very interesting idea. If you enjoy thrillers that blend genres and if you’re looking for a book which is a little different, I would definitely recommend it.
David was a really dislikeable character, in fact, I don’t think I have hated a character so much, and this includes his mother as well. I definitely sided with Annie on some of the decisions she made, and I was rooting for her. For the first half of the book, I spent most of my time shaking my head and willing her to do something about the situation she and her two-year-old son were in. It was definitely surprising the way how Louise took the story from here, and I couldn’t wait to see how Annie would take advantage of this new idea. And this is where the novel gets really interesting. These were the parts in the book that had me really sitting on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how everything was going to unfold. But I’m not going to say anything more about the plot here as I don’t want to spoil it.
The writing was so tense, particularly in some parts of the book when Annie and David were at home together, and some scenes made me so angry on Annie’s behalf. I couldn’t believe how she was being treated and I kept thinking that she deserved so much better. I could feel her despair as it began to grow, as the novel progressed. I could really feel that she was a prisoner within her own home and that it was going to be very difficult for her to get out. I did, however, find some of the flashback scenes that Annie experiences, confusing at times as I did have to read back over the last few lines to see where I was, but for the majority of the book the writing was excellent, and it pulled me into the story from the first page.
The unexpected direction that this novel took really got me thinking as I began to wonder how the rest of the book was going to play out. There is so much about this book that I want to talk about but I can’t without giving any of the plot away. The Dream Wife is an unusual thriller, which explores a very interesting idea. If you enjoy thrillers that blend genres and if you’re looking for a book which is a little different, I would definitely recommend it.
October 5, 2018
Ok, so it’s hard to know where to start with this review and there are two reasons for that. Firstly I do not want to give any spoilers away and I think that could be easy with this book, and secondly because I’m slightly confused about the book and the ending.
That probably doesn’t sound very good, but that’s not the case. So many psychological thrillers are hyped up about the clever twist and it becomes a little bit boring, how can every book have the most amazing twist of any book this year? But here we have a book that says that it has a clever twist and, amazingly, it really does.
The Dream Wife was, for me, a bit slow to get going and I did wonder where on earth it was going, especially when Annie started having these strange dreams. I had a look at other reviews and came to the conclusion that the book is a little bit like marmite, but the reviews sounded intriguing and so I carried on.
Annie’s husband David is a truly horrible person, there is absolutely nothing likeable about the man and some readers might find some of the scenes with him difficult to read. A total opposite are the scenes with Annie and her little boy Jonnie, he sounds so adorable and the love that Annie has for him shines through every page.
And then we have the ending. I got to the end and thought that I had got it and I knew what was going on, but then I thought about it a little bit and the questions started to come and in the end, I’m not really sure about any of it. I think that I have it right but it’s an ending that probably needs rereading, or a long discussion with a friend who has also read the book. It is so unexpected, very clever and makes for a very impressive debut. Although writing this I’m still a bit confused.
That probably doesn’t sound very good, but that’s not the case. So many psychological thrillers are hyped up about the clever twist and it becomes a little bit boring, how can every book have the most amazing twist of any book this year? But here we have a book that says that it has a clever twist and, amazingly, it really does.
The Dream Wife was, for me, a bit slow to get going and I did wonder where on earth it was going, especially when Annie started having these strange dreams. I had a look at other reviews and came to the conclusion that the book is a little bit like marmite, but the reviews sounded intriguing and so I carried on.
Annie’s husband David is a truly horrible person, there is absolutely nothing likeable about the man and some readers might find some of the scenes with him difficult to read. A total opposite are the scenes with Annie and her little boy Jonnie, he sounds so adorable and the love that Annie has for him shines through every page.
And then we have the ending. I got to the end and thought that I had got it and I knew what was going on, but then I thought about it a little bit and the questions started to come and in the end, I’m not really sure about any of it. I think that I have it right but it’s an ending that probably needs rereading, or a long discussion with a friend who has also read the book. It is so unexpected, very clever and makes for a very impressive debut. Although writing this I’m still a bit confused.
August 4, 2018
Thankyou to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and Louisa de Lange for granting my wish and granting me an advanced readers copy of The Dream Wife.
I am at a loss for words. It is a little after 2am and I have just finished the book. All I can say is, if this is the quality of writing in a debut novel, then Louisa de Lange is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The Dream Wife was incredible. I experienced so many emotions while reading, but the ending left me stunned. I did not see it coming. There are truly no words I could say that would convey how absorbing this book is.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a face-paced thriller that will leave you breathless. I cannot wait for more from this author.
I am at a loss for words. It is a little after 2am and I have just finished the book. All I can say is, if this is the quality of writing in a debut novel, then Louisa de Lange is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The Dream Wife was incredible. I experienced so many emotions while reading, but the ending left me stunned. I did not see it coming. There are truly no words I could say that would convey how absorbing this book is.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a face-paced thriller that will leave you breathless. I cannot wait for more from this author.
September 16, 2018
OMG! Annie is married to David and they have a 2 year old son Johnny. Anna fell for Daved as to her he personified being safe and looked after. Little did she know how much she would regret that. Trigger warning****Domestic abuse***. David is a control freak. If Annie so much as leaves a cobweb he will accuse her of “sitting on her arse all day” and worse. When she gives birth, she has a cut on her head, we don’t know why. . When Johnny has an anaphylactic reaction, David is at work , doesn’t respond to her messages and leaves her to it. He treats her worse than a slave and holds her prisoner to his whims in every way imaginable and more besides.. The book begins by someone being shot- we don’t know who either the perpetrator or the victim are. We learn of Annie’s dream world where she can take her self away and is learning via Jack to be a different person. This book shook me rather. I think we have all come across people who are controlling in one way or another but this takes it to another level which we know goes on behind closed doors. I felt for Annie and for Johnny who saw little interaction with his father but occasionally saw the rough side of him- how he would “bring up” a child- yea gods. David’s mother idolises him and also believes that he is the head of the household and that everything should be done with him, and only him, in mind. I believe that this is Louisa’s first novel- wow, wow and wow again. Stunningly written with descriptions that put you in the heart of the story. A book to mess with your head a little, a book to make you think. A book very much to enjoy. Louisa you have a talent. I very much look forward to your next novel.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
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For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
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January 27, 2020
DNF just couldn’t get into this book at all gave up after 30 pages !
Read
October 30, 2025baffling ending
January 21, 2019
Fantastic debut novel. I couldn't put it down finished it in a day. 5 worthy stars*****
April 23, 2019
Trying to separate reality from the dream world, makes this story different from the usual nasty bastard husband tale.
You can't help feeling sorry for poor Annie, as she is abused, raped, and gaslighted into a dream world, where to protect her young son she plans the perfect dream murder.
You can't help feeling sorry for poor Annie, as she is abused, raped, and gaslighted into a dream world, where to protect her young son she plans the perfect dream murder.
October 4, 2018
Well, what the holy f-…frogs I was going to say frogs! This was a debut book and it blew my mind! Just as you think you know something an author comes along and changes the world as we know it, and in this case the author has blown it up.
Now, this review will be really vague on the plot because you have to read this book, and you have to go in blind. Head has been blown!
Annie and David, the dream couple of the story, have the most beautiful little boy Johnny! But it’s for show, behind closed doors it’s a different story. David is one of the most disgusting, degrading human beings. The hatred I have for that man is astounding. He is controlling of Annie, the things he expects from a “wife”, all encouraged by his mother, were shocking! I kept asking my husband if he agreed with the behaviour. He then jokingly said he expects it from me, well he best be joking! Annie has been isolated by David, no support and she has no family but she has Johnny. The hours she has with that boy are precious, but only once she has done all her chores.
Some parts of this book made for a difficult and uncomfortable read, but dare I say it, it made it that much more riveting because you can not believe what you are reading!
I would love to talk more about the story but I really can’t. What Ms De Lange has done will have you thinking for ages after you have finished the last page, dissecting everything. Her words are powerful and twisty. You really do not see the ending coming…and I LOVED IT!
I will definitely be keeping my eye for more by Louisa for sure, her imagination has no bounds. Everyone once in a while you find little gems of a book like this, where it just excites you to see what is in store for us next. Every page turned I really did not know where we were going or what would happen, and it was that anticipation that drives you through this book. It is a book that starts off as one thing and ends being something completely different! EPIC
Now, this review will be really vague on the plot because you have to read this book, and you have to go in blind. Head has been blown!
Annie and David, the dream couple of the story, have the most beautiful little boy Johnny! But it’s for show, behind closed doors it’s a different story. David is one of the most disgusting, degrading human beings. The hatred I have for that man is astounding. He is controlling of Annie, the things he expects from a “wife”, all encouraged by his mother, were shocking! I kept asking my husband if he agreed with the behaviour. He then jokingly said he expects it from me, well he best be joking! Annie has been isolated by David, no support and she has no family but she has Johnny. The hours she has with that boy are precious, but only once she has done all her chores.
Some parts of this book made for a difficult and uncomfortable read, but dare I say it, it made it that much more riveting because you can not believe what you are reading!
I would love to talk more about the story but I really can’t. What Ms De Lange has done will have you thinking for ages after you have finished the last page, dissecting everything. Her words are powerful and twisty. You really do not see the ending coming…and I LOVED IT!
I will definitely be keeping my eye for more by Louisa for sure, her imagination has no bounds. Everyone once in a while you find little gems of a book like this, where it just excites you to see what is in store for us next. Every page turned I really did not know where we were going or what would happen, and it was that anticipation that drives you through this book. It is a book that starts off as one thing and ends being something completely different! EPIC
October 6, 2018
Wow, this is quite a book! Never in my wildest dreams (see what I did there?) could I have predicted the turn it would take.
Annie is married to David. Her life before she met him wasn't always plain sailing but she was leading a pretty ordinary sort of life. David took an interest in her and made her happy until they were married and she had baby Johnny, whereupon David became controlling, overbearing and thoroughly unpleasant. Annie's world gets smaller and smaller until it comes down to doing all the little things that make David happy and nothing that makes her happy, unless you count looking after her son who is the light of her life.
So far, so fairly textbook psychological thriller. But then Annie discovers something that means she can do something to change her life in a pretty amazing and incredible way. And from now on I can't tell you anything else about it - you absolutely have to find out for yourself. A spoiler would be disastrous!
I read fairly steadily up to the 50-60% mark and after that I just couldn't put it down. It completely pulled me in to Annie's life, her plight, and her way of dealing with it. Her life with David shocked me to the core. What a horrible, nasty little man! But things started to change and I was totally rooting for Annie and Johnny to have a better life.
Just when I thought I had a handle on all that was going on, the author threw me a curveball that left me reeling. I'm still thinking about it and recalibrating all that I thought I knew. In terms of twists it's fantastic.
The Dream Wife is such an impressive debut. If you want a book that takes everything you know and turns it on its head then this is it. If you want a book with a thoroughly cruel and vicious character for you to hate then this is it. And if you want a book that leaves you with your mouth hanging open at the end then this is it. It's brilliant.
Annie is married to David. Her life before she met him wasn't always plain sailing but she was leading a pretty ordinary sort of life. David took an interest in her and made her happy until they were married and she had baby Johnny, whereupon David became controlling, overbearing and thoroughly unpleasant. Annie's world gets smaller and smaller until it comes down to doing all the little things that make David happy and nothing that makes her happy, unless you count looking after her son who is the light of her life.
So far, so fairly textbook psychological thriller. But then Annie discovers something that means she can do something to change her life in a pretty amazing and incredible way. And from now on I can't tell you anything else about it - you absolutely have to find out for yourself. A spoiler would be disastrous!
I read fairly steadily up to the 50-60% mark and after that I just couldn't put it down. It completely pulled me in to Annie's life, her plight, and her way of dealing with it. Her life with David shocked me to the core. What a horrible, nasty little man! But things started to change and I was totally rooting for Annie and Johnny to have a better life.
Just when I thought I had a handle on all that was going on, the author threw me a curveball that left me reeling. I'm still thinking about it and recalibrating all that I thought I knew. In terms of twists it's fantastic.
The Dream Wife is such an impressive debut. If you want a book that takes everything you know and turns it on its head then this is it. If you want a book with a thoroughly cruel and vicious character for you to hate then this is it. And if you want a book that leaves you with your mouth hanging open at the end then this is it. It's brilliant.
October 2, 2018
A Truly Outstanding Debut!
It only happens once in a while, once in a blue moon. A book comes along and challenges everything you believe in a genre and any preconceptions you had of a debut novel. For me, The Dream Wife is that book.
I was skeptical, because let’s face it, how many times can we be flooded with the strap-line “The gripping new psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming”. I want to thank the Orion (the publishers) and Tracy Fenton for inviting The Glass House to be a part of this blog tour, because honestly, after all the other psychological thrillers I have read this year, I would have probably passed this one over.
I have to be a little brutal towards the publishing industry here. Most of the time we see the twist coming, and most of the time, these books tend to follow the same formula. It’s a risk we take as die-hard book geeks. It doesn’t stop us reading them of course, but we can get a little irritated with every book claiming to have an “ending you won’t see coming.”
However – I can honestly say, The Dream Wife really IS that book!
It really does have a twist you don’t see coming. It really does shock the breath out of your body in the final few chapters. You really will close the pages of the book and sit staring out at the world that has inexplicably been moving on around you while you lived in an alternate universe. You are likely to be left feeling stunned, bereft and possibly a little confused.
A little warning to those who like a neat little book, tied up with a bow and leaves you feeling all questions have been answered; this may not be the book for you. However, I would implore you to read it anyway, if only to read an example of how a thriller really should be written. The way Louisa de Lange constructs this world is flawless.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few areas of the book that I really struggled with.
When reading the blurb, you would be forgiven for believing this is a simple thriller about a wife that seems unhappy with her lot and trapped in a loveless marriage – because honestly, the blurb gives very little away:
Annie is the dream wife.
Mother to two-year-old Johnny and wife to David, she is everything her husband expects her to be – supportive, respectful and mild – but what he expects isn’t who she truly is.
Annie is a prisoner in her home.
Her finances, her routine, her social life are all controlled by him. It’s the love for her boy that she lives for, and at night she dreams of a world where she is free.
But Annie is going to fight back.
And you won’t believe how she is going to do it . . .
The most shocking aspect about this book for me was the domestic violence. I can honestly say I was not expecting it. However, Louisa de Lange has managed, through a story written entirely in the first person, to draw you into a world so painfully controlled that for once, I believe the aspect of domestic violence has been tackled in a truly painfully authentic manner.
Although I feel like some of the descriptions could be a ‘trigger’ for those who have experienced similar situations, I also vehemently believe that parts of this book could be used as examples of what to look out for in others. A way to help others recognise the signs of Domestic Violence. The author has managed to take a life and marriage that we would look at from the outside and never realise there was an issue and truly show, in an authentic way, just how wrong we can be about lives lived outside of our view.
The descriptions of isolation at the hands of her hideous husband David really do highlight issues that have too long been hidden – allowing the reader for a short while to see what it is really like to live with a monster. Her recollections of her aggressive partner and passive-aggressive mother-in-law leave you sympathetic to her desire for freedom and you are clearly rooting for Annie and her beautiful son from page one. Louisa has written her characters in such a well-rounded way that I can honestly say it’s been a long time since I have hated a character quite as much as David.
But far from a book that follows the normal arc and conventional rules, this book takes a turn that most thriller readers won’t see coming.
The dream sequences are written to throw us off, the first person perspective coupled with the jumping of time sequences within the chapters will make this a marmite book for some, but I urge you to read on because the ending really does make it all worth it. For those who have the patience to question themselves and the characters, it is the most satisfying ending I have read in a very long time.
I can not even begin to explain to you how difficult I found this review to write, not because I was short of things to say, but quite the opposite, I am having to clamp my tongue between my teeth and delete huge great chunks of text, because I simply can’t give anything away.
Louisa de Lange has created a genre masterpiece. As I said, it wouldn’t surprise me if there are a few that find the unusual aspects of the book an initial turn off – but for me, the very fact that Louisa has pushed boundaries and done the unexpected is one of the things I love the most about her work. She is not afraid to break the rules and will create a large following in return.
If you are bored of the same old same old psychological thrillers and looking for something that will test you, make you question everything and leave you feeling utterly speechless, this could very well be the book for you.
Louisa de Lange will no doubt storm the charts with this debut, of that I am sure… but honestly, I can’t wait to see what she follows this with. She has certainly set the bar high, not only for herself but for other authors in her genre.
It only happens once in a while, once in a blue moon. A book comes along and challenges everything you believe in a genre and any preconceptions you had of a debut novel. For me, The Dream Wife is that book.
I was skeptical, because let’s face it, how many times can we be flooded with the strap-line “The gripping new psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming”. I want to thank the Orion (the publishers) and Tracy Fenton for inviting The Glass House to be a part of this blog tour, because honestly, after all the other psychological thrillers I have read this year, I would have probably passed this one over.
I have to be a little brutal towards the publishing industry here. Most of the time we see the twist coming, and most of the time, these books tend to follow the same formula. It’s a risk we take as die-hard book geeks. It doesn’t stop us reading them of course, but we can get a little irritated with every book claiming to have an “ending you won’t see coming.”
However – I can honestly say, The Dream Wife really IS that book!
It really does have a twist you don’t see coming. It really does shock the breath out of your body in the final few chapters. You really will close the pages of the book and sit staring out at the world that has inexplicably been moving on around you while you lived in an alternate universe. You are likely to be left feeling stunned, bereft and possibly a little confused.
A little warning to those who like a neat little book, tied up with a bow and leaves you feeling all questions have been answered; this may not be the book for you. However, I would implore you to read it anyway, if only to read an example of how a thriller really should be written. The way Louisa de Lange constructs this world is flawless.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few areas of the book that I really struggled with.
When reading the blurb, you would be forgiven for believing this is a simple thriller about a wife that seems unhappy with her lot and trapped in a loveless marriage – because honestly, the blurb gives very little away:
Annie is the dream wife.
Mother to two-year-old Johnny and wife to David, she is everything her husband expects her to be – supportive, respectful and mild – but what he expects isn’t who she truly is.
Annie is a prisoner in her home.
Her finances, her routine, her social life are all controlled by him. It’s the love for her boy that she lives for, and at night she dreams of a world where she is free.
But Annie is going to fight back.
And you won’t believe how she is going to do it . . .
The most shocking aspect about this book for me was the domestic violence. I can honestly say I was not expecting it. However, Louisa de Lange has managed, through a story written entirely in the first person, to draw you into a world so painfully controlled that for once, I believe the aspect of domestic violence has been tackled in a truly painfully authentic manner.
Although I feel like some of the descriptions could be a ‘trigger’ for those who have experienced similar situations, I also vehemently believe that parts of this book could be used as examples of what to look out for in others. A way to help others recognise the signs of Domestic Violence. The author has managed to take a life and marriage that we would look at from the outside and never realise there was an issue and truly show, in an authentic way, just how wrong we can be about lives lived outside of our view.
The descriptions of isolation at the hands of her hideous husband David really do highlight issues that have too long been hidden – allowing the reader for a short while to see what it is really like to live with a monster. Her recollections of her aggressive partner and passive-aggressive mother-in-law leave you sympathetic to her desire for freedom and you are clearly rooting for Annie and her beautiful son from page one. Louisa has written her characters in such a well-rounded way that I can honestly say it’s been a long time since I have hated a character quite as much as David.
But far from a book that follows the normal arc and conventional rules, this book takes a turn that most thriller readers won’t see coming.
The dream sequences are written to throw us off, the first person perspective coupled with the jumping of time sequences within the chapters will make this a marmite book for some, but I urge you to read on because the ending really does make it all worth it. For those who have the patience to question themselves and the characters, it is the most satisfying ending I have read in a very long time.
I can not even begin to explain to you how difficult I found this review to write, not because I was short of things to say, but quite the opposite, I am having to clamp my tongue between my teeth and delete huge great chunks of text, because I simply can’t give anything away.
Louisa de Lange has created a genre masterpiece. As I said, it wouldn’t surprise me if there are a few that find the unusual aspects of the book an initial turn off – but for me, the very fact that Louisa has pushed boundaries and done the unexpected is one of the things I love the most about her work. She is not afraid to break the rules and will create a large following in return.
If you are bored of the same old same old psychological thrillers and looking for something that will test you, make you question everything and leave you feeling utterly speechless, this could very well be the book for you.
Louisa de Lange will no doubt storm the charts with this debut, of that I am sure… but honestly, I can’t wait to see what she follows this with. She has certainly set the bar high, not only for herself but for other authors in her genre.
October 3, 2018
Wow...I'm still trying to process what I've read! I'm going to try and review this without giving too much away as I really do feel this is a book best enjoyed with no spoilers.
We meet Annie - from the outside in she has the dream life. Married to a wealth man (David) and a gorgeous baby (Johnny), she has the life that most can only dream of. No need for her to work as everything is provided for, she managed to keep her home pristine and maintains the standard of life that David has come to expect.
We then come to realise what Annie's life is actually like. In what initially seemed like a generic (and slightly formulaic) turn of events - Annie is in a toxic relationship where her husband is only too happy to show her who is really in control. David effectively treats Annie like a possession; his to control by any means possible. The domestic violence that is described is not only authentic but incredibly disturbing to read.
Initially Annie's relationship was not like this. She fell for a caring, kind and considerate man. The monster who she is married to today seems to have gradually snuck up on her. If she leaves a fragment of dust she is berated, if her 2 year old son behaves like a 2 year old she's berated, if David perceives anything resembling defiance he will beat it out of her...in front of their boy.
De Lange has real skill in writing utterly abhorrent characters. Both David and his mother are perfectly and disgustingly deplorable. I have not hated characters this much for some time! David's actions are validated by his mother who not only adores him but encourages his violence towards his wife.
It's at this point that you feel you will predict the 'twist' in the story. Readers have been flooded with books such as this lately and I found myself falling into the same trap - mainly because the premise of this book keeps it's secret completely guarded. At no point did I see this plot twist happen!
When Annie dreams, she escapes her isolated world. There are several dream sequences which are told as a third person (unlike the main part of the story which is told from Annie's point of view). This initially threw me a little as I felt it interrupted the flow of the main story. In this way I think it will divide readers. I think I may be quoting several others by saying that this will be a Marmite book - you will love it or hate it.
Personally I loved it! De Lange has brought out a book that breaks all the moulds. It's bold, brilliant and deliciously dark. Just how I like 'em.
A fantastic 5 star read for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
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