Tempting Fate by Jane Green

3.5 Stars

Temptation is dangerous and acting on that temptation is downright stupid, especially for Gabby.  Somehow though you can't help but think she knew exactly what she was doing and what the ramifications could be.  So much of the build up is pent giving us the impression of a bored housewife who is longing for another child but her husband has taken this option away from her by unilaterally deciding to get a vasectomy.  It is clear that something is wrong in the marriage, something that neither party is willing to admit - they have slipped in to that comfortable stage where it is all too easy to take the other party for granted.    When Gabby takes the bait and becomes emotionally invested in a much younger man you kind of know where this is going to go and, unfortunately, it does.

The writing is undoubtedly deft and there is a clear emotional understanding of the characters, it just all felt a little predictable and then the ending was, for me, completely fantastical.  The pacing of the story is good with a strong narrative flow that does keep the reader engaged (even when your brain has already more or less figured out the plot and the ultimate outcome with a couple of hundred pages to go).  Ms Green is undoubtedly skillful in engaging the reader and keeping you interested and engaged - even if the storyline leaves you scoffing with incredulity.

Normally this dichotomy would leave me feeling confused but it is something I have come to expect from this author and I am pretty sure that my enjoyment in her novels come from the construction of the story rather than the content.  Her characterisations are always richly layered, even if the characters behave in ways that feel alien to the world that I have, and continue to, experience.  The plotlines are not always realistic either but it is, nevertheless, fun immersing yourself in these familiar and yet alien worlds.

A fun and light read that entertains.