Sue Monk Kidd, author of The Secret Life of Bees, found success in her other novel entitled The Mermaid Chair. The novel follows  Jessie, a stay at home mom before her daughter grew up. Jessie had been feeling like the spark in her marriage was slowly disintegrating, getting bored of her daily life that now seemed like a routine. After her mom has an accident, she feels the need to go take care of her, which opens Jessie to a new mindset as she tries to discover herself. While on Egret Island, the place where her “crazy” mother lives, Jessie meets a monk who is in his final stages of becoming a full member at the monastery on the island. Will this encounter jeopardize Jessie’s home life?

Let me start off by saying that the book is actually very fascinating and well written. However, this does not mean I agree with all of the aspects of the novel. Jessie starts developing emotions toward the monk at the monastery, Brother Thomas (AKA Whit). I can understand why: new surroundings, things at home aren’t great, and she wants to turn back the clock. Unfortunately, simply feeling bored with your lifestyle doesn’t seem like a good enough reason to tear apart her own family, even if her daughter, Dee, is already an adult.

I know divorce isn’t uncommon, but this book is promoting affairs, and, as the title of this book review says, lies and deception. Also, Brother Thomas is willing to give up his relationship with God at the monastery for a woman. This kind of ties into the story of Adam and Eve, where Adam was tempted by Eve, which doesn’t help discard the idea that women can be seen as temptresses or unfaithful. Even Jessie’s friends, especially Hepzibah, advise Jessie to be aware that her actions can have a butterfly effect, where one wrong move will affect her entire life.

Jessie was meant to represent how women can be complicated or the reader is meant to see her as a victim. However, this does not represent all women, who shouldn’t be depicted as unfaithful. Too many books are maintaining those stereotypes and others that can be seen as insulting today. This book, although well-written, seems to misinterpret women and promote disloyalty among husband and wife. I wouldn’t tell anyone they shouldn’t read a book because it all depend on the person’s personality, but just keep in mind some of the faults this book has in its messages.