The Marriage Diaries
Rebecca Campbell
Ballantine, Sep 2006, $12.95
ISBN 0345485882

Sean the writer and Celeste the Fashionista seem to live a comfortable dull life raising terrible two years old Henry. However, Celeste becomes initially numb which quickly turns to outrage when she peeks into Sean's journal. He describes his growing friendship with seductive "yummy mummy" Uma as much more than just two colleagues discussing work; Celeste vows vengeance..

Uma tries to seduce Sean while Celeste goes man-hunting. In spite of their love for their offspring, Celeste and Sean continue down a destructive path that seems to symbolize the end of their relationship is coming soon. The question for this couple is simple. Does either of the partners truly care as this marriage seems to have gradually lost its adrenaline as "like the bathwater going slowly cold" seems time to pull the plug?

THE MARRIAGE DIARIES is an interesting relationship drama starring a fascinating female protagonist who hooks readers who wonder whether her world ends with a bang or a whimper (apologies for butchering T.S. Eliot). The story line rotates between Celeste's obsession for vengeance and Sean's journals. Using British humor including Python style body puns, Rebecca Campbell provides a deep look at the impacts of several years of marriage and raising a child on a couple's relationship.

Harriet Klausner