Releasing Gillian's Wolves - Book Review

Author: Tara Woolpy

Publisher:  

Releasing Gillian’s Wolves took place four years before Tara’s book Raising Wild Ginger; which I reviewed July 3, here. I read Raising Wild Ginger first and wish I hadn't since this book took place earlier; however, reading them in upside down order wasn't too bad!

Book Description:

Thirty years ago Gillian married Jack Sach, now a United States Congressman. Through the years she’s remained faithful. He hasn’t. Ever. She cooks to soothe herself and others, takes care of her mother-in-law, gardens, sneaks off to the studio to explode with angry paintings and tries to keep Jack’s dalliances secret. As she nears fifty, her friends think she should leave but she lingers, bound by inertia and fear of the effect media coverage of a divorce would have on her family.

Gillian shares a trust fund with Edward, her gay neighbor and best friend. Their grandfathers made a fortune together and left it to the two of them. Over the years, in support of Gillian’s marriage, the trust bankrolled Jack’s many successful campaigns. Not particularly interested in politics, Gillian survives by ignoring everything outside her kitchen, garden and studio. Edward has his own ragged past filled with bad relationships, drugs and alcohol. Through the course of a summer, Gillian’s marriage continues to deteriorate while Edward’s life finally starts to improve. He’s sober, stable and has just found life-changing love with Sam, a Biology professor at the local university. Their happiness shines a stark light on Gillian’s loveless marriage. Finally, when Gillian meets Jack’s latest conquest, twenty-year-old Ashley, she’s forced to confront the rot at the core of her relationship. She travels to Amsterdam, meets Luke, an intriguing Dutch sculptor, and discovers it is never too late for happiness.


My Thoughts:

This was a can't-put-it-down book for me. It brings up the stay-with-him attitude that I, personally, have never understood. Of course, I have not been in that situation; so, I can't say for sure what I'd have done. With Gillian's situation, I kind of don't understand why, at the latest, she didn't leave him after Aurora and John grew up and were on their own. I mean she didn't need his money as she had her half of the trust; so, money had no part of it. I'm glad she found love with Luke after all she went through.

Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author, Tara Woolpy, in return for this review; however, my review was not affected by this fact. My review is mine alone.