Like a House on Fire

What a surprising, challenging, unputdownable story about a woman who reaches a point in her life where she wonders if she's where she wants to be. Merit is married to her husband but when she returns to work she becomes dazzled by Jane and a strong friendship develops. Could it be more? And what will happen to her carefully constructed life if it is more? You'll have to read to find out- this will make a perfect book club book, beach read, sit by the pool and binge read book! I LOVED this page turning debut!!
Once Like a House on Fire got going, I barely put it down — Merit and Jane felt realistic as characters, neither perfect, and I needed to find out what would happen in this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! A layered, nuanced portrait of a woman questioning her life decisions, it greatly spoke to me. It was well paced and the characters were relatable and well-developed. I will be recommending.

Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer puts the genre of women dissatisfied with their perfect lives on it’s head. Merit has two beautiful children and a 12 year marriage that seems perfect from the outside. Only she knows of the inner cracks within the idyllic life that she has set up for her little family. When she goes back to work as an architect she meets Jane, her striking, demanding and beautiful boss. Through their years together their bond deepens until Merit has to acknowledge something about herself that she has long hid. If you’re looking for a book about how you might blow your life up, Like a House on Fire, this is the one for you.

Wow. I just finished this book yesterday and I am still not OK.

I had a visceral reaction to the ending of this book, specifically the last sentence, in which I audibly gasped and then proceeded to reread the entire chapter over again. The fact that this is Lauren McBrayer's debut novel is absolutely insane. The writing was beautiful and mesmerizing, the characters complicated and justified, and the story itself was realistic and fresh.

In regard to our main character, Merit, I thought she was messy but also incredibly confident which made it easy for her to navigate the chaos of her life. Of course her confidence, brashness, and respect for herself grew upon meeting Jane, but it was always there. The best part about meeting your soulmate is being able to be your true self, and Merit was lucky enough to find and do that.

It's hard to write a review about this novel without giving too much away so I will end this by saying LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE was a stellar read and one of the best of 2022.

TW: infidelity, miscarriage

Thank you to Netgalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Lauren McBrayer for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a book about self discovery and love. It took a look at the complex emotions involved in love, friendship, and motherhood. Characters are written in realistic ways and unlike other love stories, this kept me guessing. A page turner I would definitely read again.