Book review! American Housewife: Stories

American Housewife: Stories by Helen Ellis ~~

Unlike many of my other reviews, I did not pick this book up for the cover. I don't hate it, but it didn't grab me like some of the others usually do. I'm not even sure why this ended up on my wish list, but I got it as a present so it must've been there somewhere. I’m guessing I was drawn to the fact that it was dripping with sarcasm. I do love me some sarcasm.

There’s a quote on the front cover from People about this being a darkly comic work. I'm not sure what I expected, but this probably wasn't it. I think I expected something along the lines of Maria Semple, with her Where’d You Go, Bernadette, which I review here. Or something like Arrested Development or Modern Family. Snarky, awkward, and hilarious. All of these descriptors are accurate, but that there was also a darker tone and element to the collection of stories.

The works vary in length, setting, and darkness. One of my favorites was How To Be a Grown Ass Lady, which is simply a few pages of short directives. “Go to the mall for your Clinique bonus gift. Buy three pieces of clothing twice a year at full price. Join a book club. Join two. When a young person doesn’t get your reference, don’t repeat, ‘Kiss my grits!’ with the hope that they will.” I wanted to save the best for when you read the book, but they are hilarious in both delivery and intention. Other stories highlight the underbelly of high-class society in Manhattan, ranging from wildly passive-aggressive floor mates that are in disagreement over the decoration for the common hallway, to other stories appropriate for a Law and Order episode.

Darkly comic, the stories are entertaining but not something that would elicit a full-belly laugh. Some might even make you uncomfortable, like when multiple murders take place in upper Eastside apartment buildings, and body parts are sent out weekly to cover up the crime. Or when book club turns into cults and serve as puppeteers for members in their personal and private lives.

If I were doling out stars, which I don’t really do here, I’d probably give it four out of five. The twisted perspectives of these ladies that lunch can be quite disturbing, and aren’t squarely up my alley. I’m much more of a lighter-hearted person. But I can see this being a hit for someone if you like the darker sides of things. Happy reading!

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