The Husbands: A Novel
A Good Morning America Book Club Pick
“Chandler Baker, queen of the feminist thriller, has delivered once again! The Husbands is a poignant exploration of what it would take for women to have it all." (Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister)
Chandler Baker, the New York Times best-selling author of Whisper Network, is back with The Husbands, a novel that asks: to what lengths will a woman go for a little more help from her husband?
Nora Spangler is a successful attorney but when it comes to domestic life, she packs the lunches, schedules the doctor appointments, knows where the extra paper towel rolls are, and designs and orders the holiday cards. Her husband works hard, too...but why does it seem like she is always working so much harder?
When the Spanglers go house hunting in Dynasty Ranch, an exclusive suburban neighborhood, Nora meets a group of high-powered women - a tech CEO, a neurosurgeon, an award-winning therapist, a bestselling author - with enviably supportive husbands. When she agrees to help with a resident’s wrongful death case, she is pulled into the lives of the women there. She finds the air is different in Dynasty Ranch. The women aren’t hanging on by a thread.
But as the case unravels, Nora uncovers a plot that may explain the secret to having-it-all. One that’s worth killing for. Calling to mind a Stepford Wives gender-swap, The Husbands imagines a world where the burden of the “second shift” is equally shared- and what it may take to get there.
A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books
"The Husbands is both a gripping, well-crafted mystery and an insightful critique of motherhood and marriage in the modern age - working mothers everywhere will feel seen in the best possible way.” (Kimberly McCreight, New York Times best-selling author of Reconstructing Amelia and A Good Marriage)
In Chandler Baker's captivating novel, "The Husbands," we are introduced to a world where three men, Jack, Noah, and Rudy, find themselves bound together by a shared past and an intertwined destiny. Jack, a successful businessman, is haunted by the memories of his childhood trauma and struggles to maintain control over his life. Noah, a dedicated husband and father, is confronted with a life-altering secret that threatens to shatter his perfect world. Rudy, a charismatic charmer, grapples with the weight of his past mistakes and seeks redemption through his newfound faith. As their paths converge, these men embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and ultimately, redemption.
At the heart of "The Husbands" lies the exploration of complex relationships and the enduring power of friendship. Baker delves into the delicate dynamics between the three men, revealing their vulnerabilities, fears, and aspirations. Through their interactions, we witness the profound impact that our past experiences have on shaping our present and future. The novel also sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of marriage, highlighting the complexities of love, commitment, and sacrifice.
Baker's writing is characterized by its raw emotional depth and keen insights into the human condition. She masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives, allowing readers to intimately connect with each character's struggles and triumphs. The narrative is punctuated with moments of humor, providing a much-needed respite from the intensity of the story. Baker's ability to craft realistic and relatable characters makes "The Husbands" an engrossing and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Overall, "The Husbands" is a poignant and compelling exploration of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Baker's skillful storytelling and profound understanding of human nature make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and transformative reading experience.
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