Well Behaved Wives: A Novel

In the 1960s, Ruth Appelbaum, a newlywed law school graduate, navigates life and marriage in a posh Philadelphia neighborhood. She befriends Carrie Blum, who reveals a dark secret. Together, Ruth and Lillian challenge the status quo and form an unbreakable bond, defying expectations and protecting one of their own.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

In the 1960s, America was a time of immense change and upheaval, and it was also the era of the "perfect wife." Ruth Appelbaum, a recent law school graduate and newlywed, finds herself acclimating to life and marriage in a posh Philadelphia neighborhood. She is determined to win over her mother-in-law, who has already signed her up for etiquette lessons with the impeccably accessorized tutor, Lillian Diamond. Ruth brings a fresh perspective to the small circle of housewives, with her sharp wit, honesty, and independent streak.

Right away, Ruth develops a friendship with the shy Carrie Blum. Carrie reveals a dark and disturbing secret lurking beneath her seemingly perfect life, and Ruth invites Lillian and the Diamond Girls of the etiquette school to question the status quo. Together, they form an unbreakable bond and stretch beyond their comfort zones. They challenge what others expect from them, discover what they expect from themselves, and do whatever it takes to protect one of their own—fine manners be damned.

Ruth's determination to break free from the expectations of the 1960s society is unwavering. She refuses to conform to the societal norms and instead chooses to live her life on her terms. Her friendship with Carrie and the Diamond Girls empowers her to be her true self and to stand up for what she believes in. They challenge the notion that women should be subservient to their husbands and instead advocate for equal rights and opportunities.

Through their experiences, Ruth and Carrie learn that true happiness comes from being true to oneself and from standing up for what is right. They also realize that the rules of behavior that were imposed on them in the past are not necessarily applicable in the modern world. They break free from the constraints of societal expectations and forge their own paths, determined to live life to the fullest.

In conclusion, "The Perfect Wives" is a powerful story that explores the complexities of marriage, friendship, and societal expectations in 1960s America. Ruth Appelbaum is a character who defies the norms and chooses to live her life on her terms, inspiring others to do the same. Her friendship with Carrie and the Diamond Girls empowers her to be her true self and to stand up for what is right, ultimately leading to a more liberated and fulfilling life for all.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 140 x 208 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781542025409