9 Moving Novels About Complicated Marriages

9 Moving Novels About Complicated Marriages

6 Great Films About Weddings & Marriage

1. Father of the Bride (1991)
2. Steel Magnolias (1989)
3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
4. Meet the Parents (2000)
5. The Notebook (2004)
6. Yours, Mine and Ours (2005)

The History of Marriage

In Depth

There are many love stories that equate marriage with the concept of "happily ever after." Plenty of novels end with the couple getting hitched, leaving a fairy tale romance to the reader's imagination. However, being joined in matrimony does not always mean living a happy life. If you want to delve into stories that tackle a more realistic side of being married, then take a look at these nine moving works of fiction, listed in no particular order.

At #1 is "Midwinter Break," a heartfelt story about an elderly couple confronting the underlying troubles of their marriage. It follows the lives of Gerry and Stella Gilmore, as they go to Amsterdam for a long weekend vacation. Gerry, a former architect and a secret alcoholic, mocks his wife's Catholic beliefs, which Stella takes seriously. She even plans their trip as her first step towards leaving her husband.

Bernard MacLaverty chronicles the couple's relationship, from their courtship and early marriage to their present, while unveiling their past struggles and uncertainties.

Bernard MacLaverty chronicles the couple's relationship, from their courtship and early marriage to their present, while unveiling their past struggles and uncertainties.

At #2 is "The Young Wives Club," which follows the story of four friends in Louisiana who all dream of marrying young. Laura, who is forced to go back to their hometown when her quarterback husband is injured, reevaluates their relationship when he suddenly becomes an alcoholic. Madison, who is waiting for a musician named Cash to commit in a relationship with her, finds herself torn when George, a wealthy man who pampers her, proposes marriage.

Claire, a supportive wife to her minister husband, fears she will end up like her divorced mother when her spouse starts spending less time with her in bed. And Gabrielle, who built her relationship on lies, struggles to confess the truth to her rich and successful fiance. Written by Julie Pennell, this light-hearted novel shows how the women support each other with the matters of life and love, portraying a real and sincere friendship.

What we have at #3 is "Behold the Dreamers." Cameroonian immigrant Jenda Jonga is elated when he lands a job as a chauffeur to Clark Edwards, an executive at Lehman Brothers. Similarly, his wife, Neni, is offered work at the Edwards' summer home with the help of Clark's spouse, Cindy. Imbolo Mbue's debut novel presents how the Great Recession of 2008 affects two Manhattan families with contrasting lifestyles. She fearlessly reveals the contradictions within the American dream, while tackling its effects on marriage, immigration, and class.

Similarly, his wife, Neni, is offered work at the Edwards' summer home with the help of Clark's spouse, Cindy.

Coming in at #4 is "Stay with Me." After four years of marriage, Akin and his wife, Yejide, are still unable to bear a child. As they try to avoid polygamy, the couple feels pressured to produce an offspring due to their society's customs. After Akin's parents force him to take a second wife, frustrated Yejide does everything she can to get pregnant, only to find out about her husband's lies. Ayobami Adebayo explores the meaning of motherhood, deception, and family ties in this heartfelt narrative about Nigerian culture in the 1980s.

Next, at #5 is "Idaho." Ann, a young music teacher and second wife to Wade, is compelled to know what happened in her husband's first marriage, in hopes of soothing him from despair. Suffering from the early signs of dementia, Wade continually grieves over the death of his daughter who was killed by his first wife, who is now behind bars. With Emily Ruskovich's vivid and lyrical writing, the story features the perspectives of each character, focusing heavily on the meditation of memories and how people cope with the aftermath of a family tragedy.

At #6 is "After the Lie." In the summer of 1982, thirteen-year-old Lydia made a mistake that ruined her family's lives. Thirty years later, Lydia now leads a happy and prosperous life, and manages to hide her dark secret from her husband and two teenage children. However, when someone from her past reappears in her life, she is forced to reveal her lies in order to protect her son. Written by Kerry Fisher, this thought-provoking novel presents the consequences of telling a single lie, and how hiding it can affect a family relationship.

However, when someone from her past reappears in her life, she is forced to reveal her lies in order to protect her son.

At #7 is "I Liked My Life." After Maddy jumps off a building, her husband, Brady, and teenage daughter, Eve, are left reeling in the aftermath of her death, wondering what went wrong since Maddy seemed to love everything around her. Now in the afterlife, she continues to watch and influence her family. She narrates how she comforts Eve, and pairs Brady with a potential new wife. Abby Fabiaschi depicts the realistic flaws of life in her compelling debut novel that revolves around the supernatural, grief, and healing.

Next up, at #8 is "The Promise of Stardust." Neurosurgeon Matt knows that his wife, Elle, would do anything to have a child after having multiple miscarriages. So when Elle gets in an accident and is diagnosed as brain dead but also pregnant, her husband goes against her signed advance healthcare directive that states her willingness to be euthanized, to give their unborn baby a chance at life. Priscille Sibley combines a heart-wrenching love story with a legal and ethical dilemma, exploring complicated moral issues of life and loyalty.

Finally, at #9 is "Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty." While having a luxurious vacation at Martha's Vineyard in 1976, Fern and Edgar Keating receive a call from their family lawyer informing them that nothing is left from Fern's deceased parents' fortune, which had allowed them to live comfortably for the past several years.

While having a luxurious vacation at Martha's Vineyard in 1976, Fern and Edgar Keating receive a call from their family lawyer informing them that nothing is left from Fern's deceased parents' fortune, which had allowed them to live comfortably for the past several years.

In the face of financial crisis, the two go their separate ways, having their own affairs, and leaving their three young children behind to fend for themselves. Ramona Ausubel includes flashbacks from the early years of their marriage, and shows how the couple comes to terms with their distress and confusion.