Unraveling Oliver
The first line of this novel and the cover sold me on reading it. From there, I should have stopped. As I read, I was seeking an explanation, a reason why, and I was expecting the novel to be twisted and dark because who in their right mind would say such a thing about their wife, unless they were, twisted and dark themselves.
After Oliver commits a crime, the novel reflects back over Oliver’s life and tries to piece together where this fiery episode originated from. Reading about Oliver’s previous life and listening to what individuals have to say about Oliver, was not surprising to me. The narration felt tedious after a while and I found nothing fascinating about him. So, what exactly set Oliver off, that made him hit his wife? Why couldn’t Oliver stop this behavior before he ended up putting his wife in a coma? What was up with Oliver?
As individuals help to strip down Oliver to his true identity and I attempted to see Oliver for who he truly is, I was hoping for something else besides what the author was providing me. When someone writes, “I expected more of a reaction the first time I hit her.” I expect drama and an enticing read. This just wasn’t a good novel for me and from the reviews, I am the odd man (gal) out on this one.
