Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff...

How I Heard About It:   This title kept popping up in different places as a book to look for and experience.  When I see a title in more than one resource, I usually put it on my radar.  While browsing audio books at the library, I came across this title, and checked it out.  This is the story that kept me company the last couple of weeks during my commute to and from work.  

What It Is About:  Lotto and Mathilde marry after only knowing each other for two weeks.  Lotto is all about Lotto and has had many experiences with different women throughout college.  Mathilde appears to be meek and not experienced at all.  The attraction between the two of them is intense and quite physical.  Lotto's mother isn't happy about this quick marriage, but he doesn't want to hear about it and distances himself from his mother and younger sister.   As these two navigate their way through marriage, they realize a physical attraction can't sustain a relationship.  Lotto becomes a famous playwright and his wife stands my his side and supports him as best as she can.  Each of them begin to keep secrets from each other, but pretend that everything is fine and that the marriage is "made in heaven".  Mathilde's past begins to creep up on her and Lotto and will have consequences that neither one of them expected.  

What I Thought Of It:  This was a different book for me, but overall I would say that I enjoyed it.  The first part of the novel is called "Fates" and is told from Lotto's point of view.  During this section there were slow parts and the story could drag a bit from time to time.  The second half of the novel is entitled "Furies" and was told from Mathilde's viewpoint.  Some of the same pieces of story were told, but of course were different because you are learning about it from the wife's perspective which is "different" from Lotto's.  I enjoyed this part of the book more than the first half.  Much more was revealed and the story moved along faster.  This couple was enjoyable (and disturbing) to read about and portrayed quiet a different type of marriage.  

Who Should Read It:  The book was well written and the story is one that should be read.  Adult readers who enjoy literature and fiction stories will find this a great read.  This is mostly a character study so if you enjoy stories that are character driven, then this is the book for you.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars