Book Review: A Dark Comedy

The Best Way to Bury Your Husband by Alexia Casale

Publication Date: March 14, 2024

Summary from Goodreads:

Confession:

Even though this was quite the humorous story, it was also quite dark and a needed look at domestic violence. All of the women in this book suffered at the hands of their husbands, and all of them ‘murdered’ their husbands in self defence. This was a funny yet hard book to read, and it focuses on a topic many people wish to ignore.

All of the main characters share the narrative, but Sally carries the majority of the story. I really liked Sally and appreciated how strong she became throughout the story. She overcame all of the belittling and emotional abuse her husband had dealt out over the years to become a strong and caring leader of this little group. Her character arc was perhaps the most believable. She was also the funniest of the group.

Ruth and Janey were also well rounded and sympathetic women. Janey was a more recent victim of violence, her husband not adjusting well to the lockdown and being a new parent. She was also a childhood friend of Sally’s and I really liked how the two of them got past their estrangement and found each other again. Ruth was also a long time victim, but also proved to be stronger and better after her husband’s demise. Samira’s storyline was perhaps the most harrowing, and my heart really went out to her. She also was able to pull through the events a stronger person.

I also need to mention Edwina, the nosy neighbor, who didn’t have any chapters, but provided much needed guidance in gardening to the others. She also provided some humor in her need to remind everyone about the covid restrictions. I really liked her and wanted a bit more from her character.

The story is a bit far fetched as far as these women banding together and helping each other dispose of the bodies, but that was where the comedy in this tragedy comes out. The DIY information about getting rid of a body was quite funny! I never thought about the many uses of cat litter! The pacing was also a little on the slow side, and the obvious answer as to what to do with the bodies, took awhile for the women to come up with. I also found their solution explaining their husbands disappearances a little on the flimsy side, but kudos to the execution of it. The abuse was handled well, as well as the impact on the children in these families. I really appreciated how much effort these women put in to protect their children. I felt quite sad when Sally realized that she really hadn’t protected hers at all from the emotional strain of living in an abusive family. Many of the emotions and family relationships felt very real.

A well written and important book, told with humor but still having an emotional impact. This is a book I recommend to anyone who likes dark comedy, especially one that deals with such a hard topic. This book is also full of compassion and friendship, and finding your happiness.