As I read The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress by
Ariel Lawhon, I had an image of an art deco tapestry slowly unraveling. This
novel is set on the East Coast in the 1930’s and is based on actual events: the
mysterious disappearance of Judge Crater (a 1930 New York Times newspaper
headline about the case is elsewhere on this page). Yet, the author
fictionalizes the story, adding perspectives from each of the title characters.
We come to know cool and resourceful Stella, hard-working and religious Maria,
and show girl Ritzi, each with her own motivations and concerns that somehow
seem to intertwine. As readers, we are not only entertained by the ambiance and
the many images of dodgy gangsters, corrupt officials and high society, we are
also cleverly asked to reflect on the role and varying expectations for women at
that time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a fun
mystery coupled with plenty of commentary on society plus intriguing
twists and turns, pick up the story of The Wife, the Maid and the
Mistress.
