Reviews

Standaardafwijking by Katherine Heiny

angeliki7's review against another edition

3.0

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I’d hoped I would. It was strangely engrossing but also so unlikeable. I was gobsmacked that in the blurb, Audra was pitched as being impossible not to love. I did not love her at all!! I found her insufferable and annoying. And I couldn’t get on board with the infidelity being treated so…. normally. Guilt when present, is brief. Audra though, what a piece of work. She thinks she can talk her way out of anything, tells bald faced lies and pretends to be friendly when she’s actually being terribly manipulative. Yes she can be kind but is it self-serving? Most characters are supremely selfish people but we are supposed to accept this and like them, or at least be amused by them, because they’re New York stereotypes. And Graham has no agency in his own life. Audra treats him like an in house chef for whoever she’s decided to invite to their home without even discussing with him first. We keep being told he loves her for all this, but I seriously doubt this, he is desperately hating so many situations he finds himself in. The more I write this, the more I realise how I loathed everyone in this book. Except for the child. 😂 Skip it and read Early Morning Riser instead. 

Side note 1: Heiny loves revealing the source of the book’s title about 90% of the way through, it’s now the second book she’s done this on. It’s not the cute or satisfying trick it could be, this passage could’ve been on the first page. I suspect this reaction I had is because the momentum of the whole book is out of whack (there is honestly a point halfway through it could’ve ended with no discernible difference to the narrative) and the end itself doesn’t feel satisfying or that anything has been achieved. 

Side note 2: I’ve never been so aware of people being alcoholics but are oblivious - thinking that to drink every day is normal. I would’ve loved the sudden entry of a happy, loyal, intelligent character who shockingly - didn’t need to drink to endure their lives or tolerate other people - just to absolutely freak out the main characters. 

bethanybeyondthejordan's review against another edition

3.0

This was a funny frothy read, but the cloying chatter of one of the main characters really got on my nerves and made me glad to finish the book so I could be free of her.

There are a couple items that make the book seem dated, though it was published in 2017 (so many people wearing silk blouses, blood test to establish pregnancy rather than a drugstore test)

Distinctive characters but forgettable episodic plot lines.

But this book really did highlight the quirkiness and individuality of every person.

barbaraalfond's review against another edition

4.0

Another charmer from Katherine Heiny, this funny-sad-sweet novel takes place in Manhattan rather than Michigan, and has, as its reliable narrator, an investment banker named Graham who lives his life in a perpetual state of dazzlement over his darling, charming, second wife who could talk the paint of walls if she had enough time. Heck, she’s probably invite the new paint to spend a month or two with them and their son while it dries. Heiny isn’t the second coming of Ann Patchett or Anne Tyler—yet—but she certainly does understand the highs and lows of domestic life, and helps us validate our understanding of long term relationships: the little things can drive you crazy, but it’s also the little things that fill in the cracks and shore up our lives. In my opinion, Early Morning Riser is the better book, but I wouldn’t say no if someone handed this to me and said, “read this and laugh”.

rshirtliff's review against another edition

challenging lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

llcoold's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

snert0815's review against another edition

3.5

Interesting perspectives on parenting a special child and marriage, but the characters stay a bit pale

gregz_newdorkreviewofbooks's review against another edition

3.0

3.5

Mostly amusing, charming. Fascinating in how fascinated Heiny seems to be with people and their quirks. But sort of limps down the stretch to an unsatisfying finish.

rachel_patrick's review against another edition

emotional funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

briacelest's review against another edition

4.0

This was such an unexpected delight for me. The way the author captures the complexities of marriage, parenting, and everyday relationships with such dry wit and heart really drew me in. Graham and Audra's dynamic felt so real—especially Audra, who is this whirlwind of chaos and charm that’s impossible not to love. The book balances humor with tender moments, and while sometimes the plot meanders a bit, I found myself caring deeply about these flawed, quirky characters. It’s a subtle yet sharp look at life’s imperfections, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

tegalodon's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0