REVIEW
Ann O’Loughlin is a master of stories that portray difficult relationships. My Husband’s Secret takes us on a moving journey that cuts away layers of deception to work out the how, what, when, where and why of a man who has carried out simultaneously serious relationships with more than one woman. He has had a long standing partner, a marriage and an affair all at the same time. What kind of person does that? Ann explores this conundrum and how it affects the women associated with such a man. And how, in this story, the messy truth comes to light after he dies in a car accident, along with his wife.
There is more than one life story happening in this novel. Cora, an artist, is at the forefront. The unexpected death of her common-law partner of nine years is central focus but other loves and lives cluster around this event. Cora adored Jack and it seemed he was also committed to her but yet he did not want to marry her. They lived together in New York but his work took him away for two weeks every month. A position such as this, one might argue, has allowed him to carry out his bigamist tendencies.
Upon Jack’s untimely death, Cora discovers he has been married for three years to a younger woman in Ireland. She is devastated at such a disturbing revelation. The author walks us through Cora’s emotional upheaval so expertly we can imagine what it would be like to be in her shoes. It is easy to feel her hurt and anger and also her embarrassment at being conned. But to obtain closure, she must go to Ireland to explore Jack’s other life. Moving into his Dublin townhouse, where he and his wife Amelia lived, Cora begins to unwrap the layers of this man she thought she knew so well. In the process— she becomes good friends with the neighbours who are in a battle to save the square they live on— which is under threat of developers. This park is not only the setting for a commercial battle but it also harbours a shocking secret that will be exposed.
Lily, neighbour to Cora in Dublin, is the other woman we learn a great deal about. She has lived in De Courcy Square all her life. In her youth, she had a wonderful romantic relationship with a man who disappeared at a critical moment. Then she is forced by her parents to marry an extremely difficult and violent man. After her husband’s death, she finds a kindred soul named Sam who brings her much deserved love. We see Lily’s amazing strength, kindness and courage through all her trials and cheer at seeing her finally having some happiness. Lily also becomes a great friend to Cora which gives us an insider’s view of Amelia’s life with Jack.
Other mentionable characters in the novel are Lily’s daughter who helps fight the battle for the park and Amelia’s brother, Tom, who shares Cora’s grief in losing someone close in the strange car accident. She has lost her partner and he has lost his sister. They both try to make sense of the situation that surrounded this couple. He provides more insight on the woman Jack married while she discovers some of Jack’s disturbing secrets. One of which rocked Amelia’s world before her death. Should Cora tell him what she knows? This novel certainly is filled with plenty of surprises and mysteries that all become known and solved by the end.
Another character who adds a bit of vibrant colour to the story’s palette is Gladys, the local busybody and head of the ‘Association’ who sends out constant emails to the De Courcy Square tenants and residents. A woman instrumental in organising those who want to protect the park that Lily and other members love so much.
We also get glimpses of Donna, Cora’s American friend. She is the one who holds her when the terrible news of Jack’s death lands on her doorstep. Donna tries to protect Cora from more pain and is worried about her friend going to Ireland to Jack’s marital home. She reminds Cora of her place in NY and her art exhibition. But it becomes obvious Cora wants to face the facts and must work out her own restoration.
The importance of friendship is a key theme in this novel and becoming part of a community. As we see with Cora, Lily and others, the things that bring them together also provide healing from some very deep wounds.
There is a surprising twist at the end of The Husband’s Secret. And all the threads of mystery come together. Cora finds her way through her grief and begins to live again. While Lily’s relationship with her daughter strengthens and she accepts her mother’s new found happiness.
Ann O’Loughlin, as always, delivers another spectacular page turner: not light but enlightening, full of insight and sensitivity. A story that made me think, feel and wonder. To see these relatable characters rise out of difficult circumstances was heartening. I am delighted to say there is a realistic positive road to healing for each one. I highly recommend this complex heart-probing tale that gave me chills, tears and smiles. This moving, masterful and mindful story should not be missed. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
