Review: The Objects of Her Affection by Sonya Cobb

The Objects of Her Affection by Sonya Cobb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The Objects of Her Affection" by Sonya Cobb, scheduled for release in August of 2014, tells the story of a young stay-at-home mother named Sophie who crosses the line in a desperate effort to hold on to her dreams. Cobb drew me into Sophie’s predicament so thoroughly that I was rooting for her to succeed even though her risky behavior is appalling.

Sophie has taken time off from her career to be home with her two preschoolers. She had suffered through a childhood with emotionally distant, rootless parents and wants a better life for her own children. While Sophie’s husband loves her and wants her to be happy, he is totally immersed in his job at a Philadelphia art museum.  Meanwhile, Sophie struggles with the children and the family finances. After Sophie talks her husband into buying an old Philadelphia row house, she makes an awful mistake. As Sophie searches for a way to fix the situation, she makes decisions that compound her problems and threaten her family.

This book is a good read with well-drawn characters and a plot full of twists and turns.  First-time novelist Cobb raises some truly thought-provoking questions. Why are material objects so important to some people? Is it acceptable to cheat one person if it results in something good for many people? Should we lie to loved ones to protect them? Is it acceptable to steal in order to make a better life for our children?

I am still pondering the questions raised in the book. I think many book clubs would enjoy discussing the issues that Cobb raises.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. 

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