My Sweet Revenge by Jane Fallon

Out Now

Published by: Michael Joseph, Penguin Books

Purchase from Amazon here

The Blurb:

I want to make my husband fall back in love with me.

Let me explain. This isn't an exercise in 1950s wifeydom. I haven't been reading articles in old women's magazines. 'Twenty ways to keep your man'. That couldn't be further from the truth.

I want him to fall back in love with me so that when I tell him to get the hell out of my life he'll care. He won't just think, 'Oh good'.

I want it to hurt.

Paula has had Robert's back since they got together as drama students.
She gave up her dreams so he could make it.
Now he's one of the nation's most popular actors.
And Paula's just discovered he's having an affair.

She's going to remind Robert just what he's sacrificing.
And then she's going to break his heart like he broke hers.
It will be her greatest acting role ever.

Revenge is sweet.
Isn't it?

My review:

It is a long time since I have read a book by Jane Fallon, but it won’t be a long time until I read the next. I devoured My Sweet Revenge, and struggled to put it down. Having gone through a similar experience where I found my long-term partner cheating on me this appealed to me, and I couldn’t wait to see how her revenge would pan out.

I started off both feeling sorry for, and rooting for Paula. It is clear that she had been a loving and devoted wife who had put her dreams to one side to dedicate herself to her family. Years and security have taken their toll and she isn’t the woman she used to be as she has become complacent. However, when she discovers her husband is having an affair rather than roll over and let it break her, Paula decides she is going to make Robert see her through fresh eyes, lure him back, and then chuck him to show him how it feels.

Add into the mix that she knows the woman she suspects he is having an affair with, she puts a plan into action – and so let the shenanigans commence!

The book is divided into two parts, and if I am honest, I enjoyed the first part and all that planning and positive change the best. We follow Paula as she sets the wheels into motion and it is great fun! Not only does she work on herself, but we get to see her start to set plans in motion to mess with her husband and his mistress.

I felt real empathy for Paula and I imagine many women reading will feel the same. I really enjoyed that she didn’t roll over, but was empowered and began to make changes that would enhance her life and happiness. Whilst heartbreak hurts it doesn’t mean that we always fall apart. Sometimes it can be the trigger that becomes the making of us, and I liked that this is Paula’s approach also, even if revenge is her driver.

The second half of the book ramps up the actual act of revenge, and events transpire that lead Paula to doubt decisions, actions and others. The only negative I would have about this book is around some of the actions. But then, hell, it is fiction, and that is the point of escapism, right? It is not a blue print on how to enact revenge. But it is nice to dream J

I had forgotten how much I enjoy the authors writing, and for me she has skilfully crafted a book that delivers a compelling plot, emotion, inspiration and a wry smirk. This book hit the spot for me and my circumstance, and for those of us who believe in concentrating on our own life and happiness, it was a nice chance to fantasise!

Loved this book and would certainly recommend it to others.