And Then There's Margaret, by Carolyn Clarke

 

If you're anything like me, your first reaction to "meeting" Allison/Allie Montgomery was, "Whoa!" as you took a virtual step backward. As mother-in-laws go, Margaret could model for the MIL from, well, you know where, but Allie isn't perfect, either. She's stressed, feeling the pressure of aging and seems to be worried about, well, almost everything. Her anxiety is off the top of the meter much of the time and she tends to react to others negatively, no matter how minute the interaction. Her immediate reaction to the gym greeter she dubs "Gwyneth" is telling. 

She's anxious about her job, husband, children, and, well, even if she's doing right by her dog. Then, things get worse. Her father-in-law, who seems to have been her rock in rocky times, dies. Mother-in-law Margaret will be moving in with the family for a time. Margaret, who always seems to find fault and has never seemed to like her. Both Allie's anxiety levels and some hilarity result. Despite the tensions within the home, Allie perseveres, even if it means pulling the covers over her head and pretending to be ill or hiding in the closet to avoid an encounter with Margaret. And, jealousy? Yep, Allison is human, with all the quirks, failings, hopes, and fears we all harbor, all magnified by the situation as Margaret rearranges furniture, snipes at Allie's clothing and habits, interferes with her daughter, and creates scene after scene. 

Despite the negatives, which made it difficult for my more laid-back personality to feel really connected to Allie, I did wind up finding her a sympathetic character. I think, at least if I didn't have to be in her proximity for any long period of time, we might even be friends. Otherwise, her anxiety levels would wear me out. As for Margaret, just when you begin to think there is no hope for this relationship, something changes. Allie begins to see Margaret for what she is, pros and cons, and better understands the why of the treatment she's endured for so long. Allie even finds new purpose in life. 

Nope, not telling how this miracle happens. It's a slow process with both Margaret's overbearing personality and Allie's more needy, visibly anxious and stressed one evolving as the book goes along. Remember, first appearances aren't always the right ones. While this book may not be for everyone, particularly anyone triggered by other's anxieties, it was an interesting twist on the MIL/DIL relationship. Kudos to first time novelist Carolyn Clarke for bringing these complex, evolving personalities to life. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #BlackRoseWriting for giving me this peek into Allison/Allie's life.