I love this novel so much! When I first heard about it, I pre-ordered it months before, devoured it in two days and wrote an Amazon rave. What a deep, rich idea to write this terrible history from the pov of the tragic wife and sons. One of my friends who is passionate about Wilde said he was shocked that he had seldom thought of what the whole sordid lying adultery thing did to Constance. Martha, I love what you said: "[Wilde] appears to be more self-deluded than selfish. He floats in a cloud of magical thinking, assuming he can juggle his separate lives and keep everyone happy." I think many married people who have affairs think like that but they don't take on the force of the late Victorian cruel court sentencing. A strong review of a strong book.
I agree, Stephanie. Bayard tells a sad, troubling story with such subtlety--and he tells it in such an interesting way. When I was writing this, I was also thinking of people who have repeated extramarital affairs assuming they'll never be found out. Wilde was taking frightening risks, both for himself and his wife and children, and then he lost the bet. Terrible for everyone.
Oof! Despite the fancy clothes, the pictures of his face show an interesting man. I did know about his jail-time and have laughed at "Ernest." Another novel on my endless TBR stack. Thanks for a perceptive review.
Lou is n old acquaintance of mine from doing community theater on Capitol Hill in the 1990’s. He was Motel the tailor and my then 9 month old son played the baby in that production. I love Lou’s novels and his nonfiction writing he has done in the years since. The Wildes is next in my queue. The last of his works I read his novel on Lincoln was a great read
I love this novel so much! When I first heard about it, I pre-ordered it months before, devoured it in two days and wrote an Amazon rave. What a deep, rich idea to write this terrible history from the pov of the tragic wife and sons. One of my friends who is passionate about Wilde said he was shocked that he had seldom thought of what the whole sordid lying adultery thing did to Constance. Martha, I love what you said: "[Wilde] appears to be more self-deluded than selfish. He floats in a cloud of magical thinking, assuming he can juggle his separate lives and keep everyone happy." I think many married people who have affairs think like that but they don't take on the force of the late Victorian cruel court sentencing. A strong review of a strong book.
I agree, Stephanie. Bayard tells a sad, troubling story with such subtlety--and he tells it in such an interesting way. When I was writing this, I was also thinking of people who have repeated extramarital affairs assuming they'll never be found out. Wilde was taking frightening risks, both for himself and his wife and children, and then he lost the bet. Terrible for everyone.
Ones again truth is stranger than fiction, and this review has its own touch of magic. Definitely adding to my must read list
Thank you. There are so many fascinating aspects to this book -- it's been on my mind ever since I finished it.
Oof! Despite the fancy clothes, the pictures of his face show an interesting man. I did know about his jail-time and have laughed at "Ernest." Another novel on my endless TBR stack. Thanks for a perceptive review.
Yes, there are so many good books out there -- I have such a long list going.
Lou is n old acquaintance of mine from doing community theater on Capitol Hill in the 1990’s. He was Motel the tailor and my then 9 month old son played the baby in that production. I love Lou’s novels and his nonfiction writing he has done in the years since. The Wildes is next in my queue. The last of his works I read his novel on Lincoln was a great read
This is the first book I've read by him, but I will definitely try some of the others. I think he's a wonderful author.
A beautifully written review. I too love your phrase: "floats in a cloud of magiical thinking."