Tangled Lies and Love: My Husband Reviewed

Okay, let’s talk about My Husband by Maud Ventura. This book? It’s one of those that makes you think long after you’ve finished reading it. It’s not a light read, but it’s definitely worth the time if you’re into stories that dig into the messiness of relationships—especially marriage.

The book is told from the perspective of a woman who’s reflecting on her marriage to her husband. The thing is, we don’t even get her name, which kind of adds to the feeling that she’s lost a bit of herself in the relationship. She’s not just thinking about her husband’s actions, though; she’s also wrestling with who she is now, how she fits into this life they’ve built together, and what it all really means.

What I love about this book is how real it feels. Ventura doesn’t sugar coat the ups and downs of marriage—there’s no perfect, happily-ever-after vibe here. Instead, it’s all about the small, often unnoticed ways relationships shape us. The protagonist is constantly questioning things, whether it’s her role in the marriage, her identity as a person, or just what love even looks like when it’s been around for a while.

And let’s be real: this book is funny!! It’s not a comedy, but there are moments of dry humour that really make you smile, especially when the protagonist is being brutally honest about her thoughts. It’s the kind of humour that feels almost like an inside joke, like you’re in on the secret with her. But even with the humour, there’s this underlying tension that makes you think about how complicated love can be.

My Husband isn’t just about one woman’s marriage—it’s also about the bigger picture. It touches on things like gender roles, expectations, and how we balance our own desires with the needs of those around us. Ventura’s writing is sharp, clever, and at times, a little bit brutal. It’s the kind of book that makes you reflect on your own relationships, but in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or overdone.

Reading My Husband from a woman’s point of view is especially interesting because it really shines a light on the gender roles that shape relationships, often without us even realizing it. The protagonist’s internal struggle between being a loving wife, a supportive partner, and an individual with her own desires and needs is something many women can relate to.

Throughout the book, she grapples with the societal expectations of what a woman should be in a marriage—nurturing, selfless, always available—and how that often comes at the expense of her own identity. It’s fascinating to see her question whether fulfilling these roles is truly fulfilling for her, or if it’s just a performance she’s been conditioned to play. As a woman reading it, you can’t help but see how these gender expectations are ingrained in us, and how challenging it can be to balance personal fulfilment with the roles we’re expected to take on in relationships. It makes you reflect on your own experiences and how gender dynamics can quietly shape the way we navigate love, marriage, and identity.

Honestly, this book is a bit of a rollercoaster. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you might even find yourself thinking, “Wow, that’s exactly how I feel.” It’s not a quick read, but it’s definitely one of those books that stays with you. If you’re into stories that explore the real, raw side of relationships, My Husband is a great pick.

Rating 3.5/5