Slow starting. Grieving woman talked to chickens. Supposed to be about revenge but could not stick with it.

What a pleasure to read this book and to spend time with Louisa. The Testament of Harold’s Wife is a story about a lot of things: hunting, farming, small towns, the death of loved ones and the need for closure or maybe revenge, each person’s ability to move on – or not move on, but mostly to me this was a story about the period of time where Louisa is trying desperately - desperately - to get a grip on her life, a life so totally different from the one she has so far lived. No husband Harold, no grandson Cody, son Gary not the same. She blames the drunken man who ran Cody down on the side of the road for Harold’s death, too. Harold was consumed by trying to get even with Larry, the “killer.” Louisa regrets she didn’t realize what Harold needed, couldn’t give it to him. It’s too late now that he’s gone, she feels apart from the son she was never that close to anyway, knows she isn’t and can’t help him, and fears he is trying to manage her life now, that he thinks she’s just a bit wacky and can’t manage on her own. He’s turned to God and has given her Glitter Jesus to watch over her.

The writing in this book is perfect. Louisa’s closest family now is her cat Marvelle and her chickens named after characters in the story Little Women. They spend most of the day in the house with her (when Gary isn’t checking up on her) and she has insightful conversations and tea with them all. Louisa drinks a bit too much and a bit too early these days, and as she and the cat and the chickens have tea with a boost Louisa slowly works her way to THE PLAN. Larry must pay. Simple as that. Louisa is also close with her sister CarolSue. CarolSue worries about her and checks in with her and gives Louisa fashion advice for her reconnaissance/pretend dates with the sheriff, Gus, who seems to have a crush on her. Initially the sisters develop THE PLAN together. But they aren’t that close – CarolSue lives in another state and her husband is ill and receiving radiation. So while sharing a lot, Louisa decides maybe CarolSue doesn’t need to know quite all the details of THE PLAN. And what follows is amazing and funny and suspenseful and thoroughly entertaining.

As I said, it’s perfect, real and authentic. The flow, the language, the setting, the characters – and a little mystery and a lot of suspense thrown in – are so satisfying. It’s not always a happy read because you are suffering with Louisa, feeling her grief and her tenuous hold on herself and don’t know what’s in store for her future, but it’s also wry and witty and will make you laugh out loud. And genuinely care a lot about many of these people.

A new author to me but one I will most certainly continue to read. Very enjoyable, well crafted, engaging story that made me think. I recommend author Lynne Hugo’s work without hesitation. ( )

My review is now posted on The New York Journal of Books:

https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/testament-harolds-wife

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Interesting book about loss and aging. Liked interaction between main character and animals. ( )

Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “The Testament of Harold’s Wife” by Lynne Hugo Kensington, Sept. 25, 2018 Lynne Hugo, Author of “The Testament of Harold’s Wife” has written an unusual, emotional, intriguing, riveting, captivating and intense novel. Also in this unique story is some satire and wit. The Genres for this story are Fiction, Women’s Fiction. The timeline for this story is the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The author describes her quirky, dysfunctional and unstable characters as complicated and complex. Louisa is an older woman, and has dealt with the deaths of her grandson Cody and her husband Harold. Louisa blames Larry, the drunken man who ran Cody over, and said that he thought it was a deer. Larry is walking around as a free man. Louisa also blames Larry for the death of Harold who failed in carrying out his plans for revenge against Larry. Is it for Justice or Revenge? Louisa lives on a large farm, and her best friends are her chickens and temperamental cat. Often they have “tea” parties with a little bourbon to discuss the issues on hand. Louisa is determined to carry on with Harry’s Plans to take care of Larry. Her only obstacles are Gus, the sheriff, who keeps checking up on her, and her son, who is looking to see if Louisa has lost her marbles. Louisa’s son Gary seems to be looking for some sense of purpose, and he has found some help from Jesus. Louisa does have a wicked sense of humor trying to keep her son off her tracks. Now Louisa is a retired teacher, and knows that she has to study her subject to continue with this plan. How is Louisa going to manage this? One thing Louisa does know is Larry is a trophy hunter and kills deer. How is she going to use these facts to help her plan? I appreciate how the author describes the plants and animal life that make up Louisa’s life. The beauty of nature that surrounds Louisa is amazing. It is nice to see how Louisa does appreciate the environment. I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a thought-provoking story with wit and satire. Happy Reading !!! ( )