Wendy Holden, The School for Husbands

The School for Husbands

Wendy Holden

Plume, Feb 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 0452285887

Sophie and Mark are the perfect couple, obviously in love with one another, though he recognizes that his mother-in-law blames him for her not having a big hat moment at her daughter's wedding as they had no reception. With the birth of her first grandson Albert, Shirley throws the big wedding reception that she did not have for her offspring even if it is to celebrate a christening. Shirley also demands that rich and successful Simon, Sophie's former boyfriend, be invited as Albert's godfather as the kid will need good male role models. Implications aside, Mark barely survives the gala.

Simon agreed not because he loved Sophie, but because he loves money and its associated acclaim. He needs an in into top society, which the obnoxious Shirley who loathed him when he had a summer fling with her daughter, could provide if he was Sophie's spouse. The only obstacle is Mark. Meanwhile, Mark gets a promotion that keeps him away from his wife and child. Sophie already feels abandoned so he hurts her even more so with accusations involving other men like his business partner and Simon. Outraged, she leaves him, taking Albert with her. Knowing he made a monstrous error, a desperate Mark enrolls in the SCHOOL FOR HUSBANDS to learn how to treat his wife with love, dignity and respect before he loses her to Simon whose campaign is abetted by Shirley.

This is a fascinating family drama starring a desperate husband whose wife has given up on him and her mother pushes a wealthy former boyfriend to the front of the line. The extended cast makes for a fine tale as each one of them except for Simon learn what really matters in life is your loved ones so Wendy Holden makes it quite lucid to honestly communicate with one another.

Harriet Klausner