Total. Guilty. Pleasure.
How else can I describe my total immersion in a book about a toxic marriage?
Pippa Gerard appears to be living the good life. Her husband, Gabe, is handsome and charming. He’s an enthusiastic and creative stay-at-home dad to their two daughters. Gabe has even earned a shining reputation in their Australian community.
He talks people out of committing suicide.
The Gerards live along a stunning coastal path in the town of Portsea. The views and access to the sea are fantastic. Unfortunately, a nearby location known as “The Drop” attracts people who want to end their own lives.
Gabe’s successes in saving them has become the talk of the town. Still, Pippa worries when he runs out of the house to talk to another would-be jumper. Does he really need to do this? She watches from the house as he interacts with the woman—and as the woman jumps to her death.
There’s a story here (of course!) and it unfolds with alternating chapters narrated by Pippa and Amanda, the suicide victim. There are startling surprises right up to the end. There is also the slow realization that Gabe and Pippa’s relationship is seriously complicated. At first, I didn’t really question why Pippa’s parents and her sister and partner had all moved to Portsea from Melbourne. Close family, I thought. Trust me, they had their reasons.
Sally Hepworth skillfully unwinds the rather sordid, tangled tale of the Gerards’ marriage and ends it on a high note. That’s no mean feat. The Soulmate was a satisfying and enjoyable read.
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