I've read a few Shreve novels, the first being The Pilot's wife, which was wonderful. I read a couple of others they were just "okay", but this is definitely a good one. It's pretty hard to read in places, it is about domestic abuse, but it also makes you ask yourself some tough questions - at least it did me. There are so many layers to life and to the choices we make - AND to the consequences of those choices. This is a very well written novel. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I was there, I was THERE. In the end, my heart ached mostly for Emily. For the unanswered question in her life, for everything she had been through. Interesting that she was such a small character, but was the one that left me with the most thoughts.

Great read, different because each chapter is from a different character's point of view. I had to check to see that it was a fiction book because it read as a reporter gathering facts about the case.

Couldn't put this book down. Loved it. Great story with message that makes you think what you would do in that situation.

fantastic story. didn't want to put this down!

This book was excellent. I loved the format too. Shreve's books are hit or miss for me.. I like some, don't like others. This was one of the best I've read by her so far.

This book is very well written. It's a very intense tale of a very intense situation. As many of Shreve's novels do, this one left me with questions and much after thought. I find myself feeling for Caroline as the real victim in this story. I find myself wondering about Helen Scofield and what makes her tick...how she sleeps at night. As always, Shreve has created characters with great complexities.

Another wonderful Anita Shreve book. I love books that make you feel everything the characters are feeling. I hated to see it end! If you are a Shreve fan, this is a must read.

Easy to read, well described characters and settings. A great Shreve novel!

One of my favorites by this author.

I loved this book. An abused wife,tells her story.

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A lone woman and her infant, running away from an abusive marriage; a wintry ocean house that beckons you to stay safe and comfortable within its walls; women who reach out to you and gift you with thier friendship; a man who offers love and safety; a murder, a suicide and you have all the makings for a great story! It touched all bases with me!

This was an interesting book...Anita Shreve weaves a tale of cruelty and abuse, love lost and found. It is an educational book as well attesting to just how devastating domestic abuse can be. It is also, as the back cover says, "...a powerful portrait of truth and deception."

Another great one by this terrific author. An excellent copy.

The reader is left to uncover the truth in this labryinth of a tale, a riveting story told within the framework of one reporter's notes and a woman's letters from prison. Everyone believes that Maureen and Harrold English, two successful New York City journalists, have a happy, stable marriage. It's the early '70s and no one discusses or even suspects domestic abuse. But after Maureen suffers another brutal beating, she flees New York with her infant daughter and seeks refuge in a small coastal town in Maine. The weeks pass slowly, and just as Maureen begins to heal physically and emotionally, Harrold finds her, bringing the story to a violent, unforgettable end.

Oversize PB, Second Shreve title. Everyone believes Maureen and Harrold English, 2 successful NYC journalists, have a happy, stable marriage. It's the early 70's and no one discusses or even suspects domestic abuse.......intense, but so well written.

From the cover:

Everyone believes that Maureen and Harrold English, two successful New York City journalists, have a happy, stable marriage. It's the early '70s and no one discusses or even suspects domestic abuse. But after Maureen suffers another brutal beating, she flees with her infant daughter to a coastal town in Maine. The weeks pass slowly, and just as Maureen settles into her new life and new identity, Harrold reappears, bringing the story to a violent, unforgettable climax. A labyrinth of a tale with an ingenious structure, Strange Fits of Passion is also a powerful portrait of truth and deception.

Read All Book Reviews of "Strange Fits of Passion"