I don’t think I’ve ever read a story about cheaters. I’m not sure if this was a conscious decision or if it was for fear of it reminding me of that corny reality TV show that’s somehow STILL airing. (WHY? TELL ME WHY.) Plus, there’s always the issue of actually sympathizing with the cheater, not an easy feat. But While You’re Away surprised me. I was able to connect and understand the main character, Sarah Westlake, and her reasons for her infidelity. That doesn’t mean I’m agreeing with her decision at all, far from it. (I want you all to know that I just resisted a Cheater-Cheater-Pumpkin-Eater reference despite it’s non-relevenace.)
What I liked best about While You’re Away is Sarah’s down to earth voice. She reminds me of my teen self in some ways with her shyness and social awkwardness. At least one of those blasted traits has lingered with me through adulthood, proving that some things never change, but I digress. Sarah’s perfect boyfriend, Dave, is the opposite. He’s outgoing, a flirt and everywhere he goes, he feeds off of a crowd’s energy. This works well for his and Sarah’s band, Dasa, but often leaves Sarah lonely and put-out from seeing him flirt with so many girls. That doesn’t discount Sarah’s love for Dave because she does genuinely care for him as he does her. However, it gives Dave’s character a flaw in his seemingly perfection. Sarah doesn’t blame her infidelity on him, which I was happy to see, but you can tell that this factor of lack of attention does play into it.
Then we have bad boy Will. He’s new, thrilling and completely off-limits to Sarah. Not only does she have sweet and caring Dave, but Will is also taken. Yet through one weird moment at a party, in Sarah’s loneliness, she ends up making out with Will and later hiding it from Dave. And while she does feel bad about the betrayal, a part of her is intrigued with the connection she felt with Will.
Finally, I really enjoyed the Holbrook’s writing style as I am a sucker for pretty writing. It’s not flowery or poetic in the way you’d find Lauren DeStefano’s or Tahereh Mafi’s. It’s more straightforward realism with Sarah’s conflicted feelings particularly when Holbrook describes her feelings about Will and why she’s so drawn to explore the connection further.
“I felt split in pieces, and none of them matched. It turned out that it was possible to feel guilty and elated at the same time. To be ashamed and emboldened at once. Though it had been wrong to even try it, I wanted another taste of Will.”
If there were one thing I would have loved more of, it’s more back story between Dave and Sarah. We are shown how they met and why they decided to start Dasa, but the reader is primarily introduced right into the infidelity scene. Though, it’s entirely possible that more will be revealed as this story wears on since there are a total of six pieces. I usually prefer reading a book from cover to cover, without interruption, but I do think in this case, it works out well when you’re able to leave readers on small cliffs like this gem:
“This felt like the beginning of something. A seduction that dared me to imagine what might come next. I felt like I’d been waiting for this. Needing it, even without knowing.”
Because of this, I’m left internally cringing at Sarah and Will’s choices, secretly rooting them on and shaking my head at the can of worms they’re opening. It’s funny how that happened. When did I become both the demon and the angel on Sarah’s shoulder? So I think it goes without saying that I’ll be continuing. Like Sarah, I’m in too deep to stop at just part 1.
e-ARC was received from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!
Meg Morley
I’m conflicted, on the one hand I very strongly dislike (one might even go so far as to say hate) cheating, on the other, I like books that can make me come around and sympathize with characters despite their flaws. However, you’ve made a convincing case for the book and I’m intrigued. Now I don’t know what to do. This is too much for Friday morning, my head hurts.
Steph Sinclair
I’m the same way. I’m all, “CHEATER!!!” That’s usually accompanied by stabby feels. But this is interesting because I’ve always wondered what would go on in the mind of someone who actually does it.
Christina (A Reader of Fictions)
Urgh, I remember why I wasn’t interested in this. Cheaters. Basically, I’m with Zazoo and Cheaters (cheetahs) should never prosper. Just no. If they do not get karmic retribution, my rage gears start churning. MIXING METAPHORS IN MY BLENDER LIKE A BOSS WHO RULES ALL THE LAND THE LIGHT TOUCHES.
You are totally not socially awkward or shy, once you get going. You’re WAY better at that stuff than I am. *shudders* I’m mentally prepping for BEA already.
Hmmm, I don’t think I can handle this one, especially right now because it reminds me SO much of TID. “I wanted another taste of Will” Tessa knows this feel as well.
Steph Sinclair
Hahaha. Zazoo was totally screaming at me as I wrote my review. There has to be consequences for their actions. I can see it now, especially after her BFF reprimanded her after she made out with the guy. I’m just hoping Sarah isn’t the only one who faces the consequences and Dave gets off with a pass because he’s a guy. That would kill my happy cat for sure. We’ll see. I shall remain optimistic!
BEA was hard! Talking to strangers freaks me out, but I just made myself do it. My problem is keeping a conversation going, which is what you are good at. Thus, why we made such a kickass team. *PUMPS FIST*
OHH, you mentioned Tessa. WHYYY?? I had almost erased her completely from my mind! In this case the heroine is more exploring the lust part of the relationship. I don’t know if she’s looking for anything deeper with Will or anything. So it’s not really a love triangle (or rectangle in this case).
Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books
I’ve never come across a “cheating” story that I thought was well done. It makes me excited to hear that you liked this one!
Great review Steph, i’m excited to read it now
Steph Sinclair
Thanks, Alyssa! I think what I was most happy with was the main character acknowledging that she was in the wrong and not blaming it all on her boyfriend.
Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books
It sounds like I would really like her! She owned what she did and didn’t wallow in her mistakes!
I tried looking it up on Netgalley and it wasn’t there. Do you know if it was only available for a limited time?
Steph Sinclair
It’s already out. Penguin is releasing the parts one by one over the next few weeks and then, I believe, they will offer the full book. I don’t think it’s still on NG or if it was just a private NG title.
Tammy
I’m a horrible person then- bc from the very beginning I wanted more of Sarah and Will! They’re so young! Live a little! Fireworks! Electricity! Love it- yes, cheating is bad…but from a 40- something, married, mother of two- I’m glad she went for it!
Steph Sinclair
Hahaha! This is why I love books. I can root for the dishonorable decision and not feel awful about it!