The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf
by Isa Arsén - Book Review (ARC) :
Isa Arsén’s The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf unfolds the story of an actress’s participation in an alternative marriage and it is an unexpected delight. Set in the 1950s, Margaret is a NYC actress at a small venue with an eclectic troupe. The set up is slower, reminding me very much of City of Girls, as the characters are introduced and we settle in for the performance.
When Margaret finally gets to play her most coveted role, her world falls apart and in a way she is rescued by Wesley, another actor in the company when he proposes marriage that will save his reputation. The wildness begins there as Margaret finds her path to healing and understanding her husband and the circles of friends he keeps.
The pages start turning faster when Margaret and Wesley end up in a complex affair with the mysterious Haas, as I’m riveted to how the story will unfold and how Margaret will end up after all the threads are tied—and if the tragedy she loves will have a happy ending.
Slight spoiler—the twist tying up the subtle plot was staring us all in the face.
Beautiful evocative writing with loads of introspection and historical detail. If you enjoyed City of Girls, take a look.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read this advanced copy for an unbiased book review
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