Sandrine's Case by Thomas H. Cook

from goodreads

2 stars

Reading is ultimate adventure. You really don't know what you are going to get. When you crack the cover you could be on the cusp of discovering a new favourite or a bitter disappointment.  I guess it can be a bit like russian roulette.

There are so many other factors that go into whether a book is a hit or not. A lot depends on you as the reader. The timing of books is so important. If you have just finished a favourite and the next book isn't as great it could be a greater disappointment then it would have been if it had been read after a different one. Sometimes it could be the mood you are in, the weather outside, how much reading time you have in your schedule and more.

This reading year is starting to wind down. So far, it has been a pretty good year for reading. I have read more than I thought I would. I have a had a pretty good mix of books. And there haven't been too many books that have been complete duds and that makes me happy. How has your reading year been?

Synopsis

Samuel Madison is on trial for the murder of his wife Sandrine, though he maintains it was suicide. During the trial Samuel lets his mind wander and he reflects on his life with his wife.

My Thoughts

This was not a favourite. I only finished it because it was a book club read.

I found the book boring and repetitive. I couldn't stand any of the characters and really didn't care what happened to any of them. And honestly what was the point of Albi. It kept coming up but it really wasn't this big revelation everything made sense kind of explanation. The ending was a let down. I figured there would have been some kind of twist or something but no.

I think I have a problem with stories like this because of the unhealthy promotion of relationships. I feel like I am the only person that seems to understand that long term relationships are not going to be hot and steamy the whole time. There will be disappointments with ourselves and our spouse. But we get on with it and move on. Relationships are about putting others needs before our own out of love and concern. It is about building up those around us. I know this is an ideal and not always easy, but I think a lot of the problems with the characters in this book, and others, could have been rectified if the characters had an honest and frank discussion with each other and weren't so wrapped up in themselves and their convoluted ways of doing things. Why can't we ever see a nice normal relationship? (sorry for the rant)

I did like how the story was told, through reflections. I did like the bit of redemption that Samuel went through to change his life for the better. But that was about it.

This was the first book that I have read from this author. I might give others a try. He is obviously successful as he has written a lot over many genres. But this book has definitely not made me want to rush out and read everything he has written.