The ugliness of married life

 

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ A painfully raw novel, Liars is a through the keyhole peek into the blossoming of love and the slow unravelling of the marriage that ensues. It's equally addictive whilst being ever so slightly repellent in its wholly unvarnished, warts and all, truthfulness on the ins and outs of any relationship. I've not read anything quite so honest and authentic.

Jane and John are both artists who meet, become entangled in each other and eventually marry. Jane narrates this novel much like vignettes or diary entries. She shares happenings in their lives and her thoughts which many of us might, in an unguarded moment, indulge in but would never voice to another person. Her view is utterly unflattering and flawed, emotion driven but full of gut instinct inclinations she would have done well to pay closer attention to. John isn't the best husband and their relationship seems to descend into the level of Jane being his PA, moving house at the drop of a hat, and sorting all details so life runs smoothly for him. He is selfish and though Jane sees that, she reminds herself that their up and down marriage is better than that of any of their acquaintances.

There is much to be concerned about as time passes and the road gets bumpier for them. Liars is well crafted and wholly observant of the messiness of adult life. Like driving slowly past a car accident, the reader looks on in horror hoping it's not as bad as it seems but knowing it will inflict life-altering changes on the victims. I couldn't put it down.