(Reviewed by JD Jung)
Set in suburban Nashville, Dear Second Husband is an enjoyable short story collection that explores the emotional lives of ordinary people. In these stories, men and women navigate blended families, strained relationships, infidelity, longing, trouble fitting in, and the desire for something more out of life.
Some may be romanticizing the past, lamenting over missed chances. Some characters are more nefarious, with stories centering on stalking or untimely death. I must admit, those are my favorites.
What makes this collection stand out for me is its honesty. And it’s not just the men who are culprits. There’s enough blame to go around. One of the book’s most satisfying elements is how characters reappear in later stories. Characters who seem to lack a backstory gain depth later on. This also increases the surprise element.
The writing itself is excellent: clear, observant, and emotional. Each character feels authentic, shaped by recognizable struggles and imperfect choices. The result is a portrait of suburban life that feels both intimate and unsettlingly real. Though I think I enjoyed the title story the most, others are also noteworthy.
For readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, interconnected short stories, and emotionally nuanced domestic drama, Dear Second Husband delivers thoughtful storytelling along with unexpected turns that will keep you engrossed until the final page.