From a car accident in high school that left a classmate dead to a twisted affair and subsequent abortion, Alice Lindgren was not the most likely candidate to become first lady. Particularly on a Republican ballot. Yet she did eventually fall in love with and marry Charles Blackwell, and supported his eventual runs for governor and President. This novel revolves around two central plots. First, the love story. Alice and Charlie Blackwell, for all their differences, love one another. While he is a staunch Republican and she is essentially apolitical, though more liberal leaning, they forge a union wherein they can support one another as individuals. Obviously, the second (and central) plot, is the political story. A first lady with a past. One who disagrees with her husband's policy, yet mostly refrains from vocalizing her differing opinions.
Based loosely upon the life of Laura Bush and the administration of George W. Bush, this novel takes place during his term of office and includes the terrorist attacks of 2001 and subsequent war. It is important to remember that this is fiction and that much artistic liberty has been taken by the author.
Overall, American Wife is an enjoyable read, if not a little long at 555 pages. It may have been a lofty goal for me, having not done any serious reading since July!
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