"The Senator's Wife" was written in 2008, and this being an election year, I thought it might be a good choice to read. As I began reading and was introduced to the young couple, Nathan and Meri, at the center of the story, I presumed that somehow Nathan, a college professor was going to go into politics, and the story would be about Meri's adjustment. I soon found that the character in the title was their next door neighbor, Delia Naughton, whose husband, Ted is the Senator in question. Ted Naughton is what has become a stereotypical philandering politician. He is a brilliant man, and he and Delia have been living apart for a number of years. At one time Bill Clinton might come to mind, but if anyone has been following the television series, "Political Animals," the ex-President in that show might be a more apropos model. Delia just can't quit her man. When a stroke fells Ted, Delia, at last has him to herself.
Meanwhile next door, Meri who had landed herself an exciting new job as an interviewer and researcher for a public radio program, becomes pregnant. Her struggles with motherhood, reflect Delia's own with her now handicapped husband. The women become dependent on each other and forge a bond which is at the heart of the novel, and their relationship forms the direction of the story. Meri betrays Delia's trust in an emotional scene which is the climax of the book.
Sue Miller's strength lies in reaching the emotional lives of her characters. At times the book dragged, but taken as a whole, I found it a satisfying read and a character study of two outwardly independent women.
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