Review: The Anniversary by Stephanie Bishop Cross-Generational Romance in Fiction

My Interest

I learned of this book when it was announced as the starting book for Six Degrees of Separation over atBooks Are My Favourite and Best. It sounded interesting and it was available on audio from the library. You can read my chain here.

The Story

Real life and fiction. Which is which? How much of her own life–or the lives of her loved ones can an author use –fictionalize? Retell?

While on a cruise to celebrate their anniversary J.B. Blackwood and her husband Patrick are having great you-know-what but not really communicating. Patrick goes overboard while they are out on deck during a violent storm. Only problem is, J.B.’s stories feature all kinds of bad stuff. What is truth, what is fiction?

He was her professor. She built a career as a best-selling and now award-winning author while he paid the bills. What is fair?

My Thoughts

“…the rage I felt when I realized he had taken our own story away from me….”

THAT QUOTE– I loved that!! I wanted to like this book–this couple.  I’m always on the look out for older man–younger woman stories (not THOSE kind of stories, but true relationships). But…but…but….sigh.

SPOILER

Yes, I’m giving a spoiler!

Remember the adage: “When you marry the mistress you create a job opening?” Yeah, that. But, wait! There’s a predictable “more” that goes with that.

The big moment, the shattering revelation–right before the BIG EVENT–yawn, so utterly predictable. I put up with a nearly monotone reader and a dull story for THAT?? 10+ hours for THAT? Come on Patrick–she said “NO” yet you didn’t listen??? A well-educated, uber successful film editor put his ego before…. And you,  J.B., you KNEW what he wanted but–oh no! (I can understand why, but compromise when you are married, ok?). And, yes you were THAT dumb and naive that first time at his place (I won’t spoil that).

NOTE: I don’t think this book is nearly as dull as the audio performer made it. Read it–don’t listen to it, a rare admission from me.

Were they each responsible for the other’s success? Did he make it all possible for her by earning the money to let her write? Or, did she bring out his talent? Could they have “made it big” without each other? Can this be dissected? In a marriage, two supposedly become one and, in theory, they support each other. We all know reality is miles from that! I think J.B. was right to stick to her decision and I think Patrick was a jerk for what he revealed in the storm. But, was there more to that “man overboard” call? I had such hopes for this couple!

My Verdict

3.5

The Anniversary: A Novel by Stephanie Bishop