Enjoyable but probably forgettable quicker read. Plot is nothing original of course: woman's spouse dies after a long marriage and she reminisces about their past together. You've seen this in memoir and fictional forms plenty.

Tuck has not made the wife character here very compelling or sympathetic, aside from being deeply shaken by finding her husband passed away. She's a painter, though she has only ever sold a few paintings to friends. She was raped by her husband's cousin, but never says anything about it. She has had an affair for unclear reasons but that may have had to do with resentment over her husband's professional success. He's the far more interesting character. A mathematics professor, Tuck works in references and explanations of some mathematical and philosophical topics into the book which for me were something approaching its saving grace. ( )

Very original look at a long-term marriage, using a lot of mathematical theory and physics as descriptors. Takes place in Paris, on various islands and Massachusetts. ( )

Phillip has unexpectedly died, and Nina, his wife, sits by his bedside holding thoughtful vigil during this one night. In a kind of wandering, stream of consciousness sort of way, through random bits of memories, Nina processes their 40 years of love and marriage together. Philip was a mathematician, and Nina, an artist, and that sets up an interesting dynamic for the pair, who meet and fall in love in Paris. As Nina’s mind wanders, her thoughts are both honest and tender.

I have read Lily Tuck’s work before, but feared this spare novel would be a bit morbid, depressing, or perhaps too intense. I passed it by in hardcover, but the attraction eventually proved too great. It’s a believable narrative; a lovely, tender, completely absorbing story—very hard to pull away from once started. And I think, as the book blurb suggests, the reader is left wondering how much of our lives is ordered by intent... or chance? ( )

It was a little confusing to follow. It was an ok easy read. ( )

https://msarki.tumblr.com/post/168850911423/i-married-you-for-happiness-by-lily-...

Phillip is dead. By holding his gradually cooling hand, Nina, for one entire night, remembers the defining moments of their long life together as husband and wife. Private intimacies, dark secrets, and overwhelming joys. How to connect with someone, even after living forty years with them? All are individuals. Best we can hope for are momentary connections. Memories. Challenges. Threats to what we deem secure. Imagine spending the entire night alone with your dead spouse. Touching, but more importantly, something needed. And for those contiguous moments, too shocked to grieve.

Lily Tuck has bought me out. I am all in. Years ago, she writes, before they met, her husband accidentally kills a woman riding in his car with him. And later, her Nina has an affair with Phillip’s best friend. And then she has another with a son of a mutual friend, hiding both of these men from him. She also conceals the necessary abortion. Now Nina wonders to herself how many secrets Phillip had, and perhaps he had other hidden lovers as well. Now neither spouse will ever know due to their marital deceits.

For a long time after, Nina is convinced that the migraine headaches are a punishment for her lies.

It is understandable that Nina suffers. The truth is often hurtful especially when it remains in hiding. She is confessing this on the page. Too late for it to benefit Phillip, or to find out what it is Nina knows is missing. Series upon series of events meant to enliven and enjoy. Never a thoughtful concern at the time for consequences. Only careful methods managing to remain concealed. These episodes blended within periods of general satisfaction.

Tuck’s writing is comfortably relaxed and warm in its feeling. No complaints about that. She is gifted and extremely sexy. Sensual to the degree my imagination soars. It is easy to want to be with Lily Tuck in every possible pose. To want her to get naked too. She even explains the difference. But intimacy ends as soon as you get inside her. It then it becomes just sex and something dogs simply do with no conscience.

She sleeps with Jean-Marc only three or four times. Not enough to qualify as a proper affair.

As morning nears and the dawn of a new day Tuck’s prose quickens. Nina hurries. Her manners choppy and seeming nervous in some way. Phillips remains dead on the bed. Nina perhaps unsure of what she truly is.

How long ago everything seems to her.
And how unreal. ( )