When I first began writing my latest novel, The Marriage Debt, I had women readers in mind. After all, the main topic—menopause—is a “normal” part of aging that affects many women. As I fleshed out Nika and her husband, Ethan, their relationship, Nika’s relationship with others, and how prevalent perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms can be on a day-to-day basis, a thought occurred to me.

Sure, the book would be directed toward women, and yes, it would provide the message that they aren’t alone in the menopausal journey, but it could also—and should also—educate people who know and love those women. And that’s everyone! So color me pleased when I found out that people other than women are reading The Marriage Debt.

Overall, reception to the book has been positive (phew!), and while authors are advised to avoid reading book reviews, it can be fun to check in on reader reactions. Without further ado, I’m supplying on some of my favorite reader reactions (and keeping them anonymous).

By the end of the novel, Nika has made progress and resolved some of her difficulties, but still has a believable amount of work ahead of her.

Nika is like the everywoman for perimenopausal working moms.

Society has made some progress in talking about menopause, but so much is still left unsaid. 

Read it, let it resonate, then share it with your loved ones so that they can feel heard and seen.

I appreciate this introspective look at the big unspoken “M” word. And I could relate on SO many levels.

Sometimes the spoken reactions are the most entertaining . . .

Nika leads a chaotic life! I don’t have kids, and I’m not married. How do people do it?

The hot flashes! The hormones! The rage! ALL THE RAGE. I hear you, and I see you, Nika.

Every person who cares about a menstruating woman needs to read this book! 

Please, for the love of, can you get out of my head?

Why, oh why, doesn’t anyone talk about stuff like this? One thing—we can handle. Two things—we can handle. But it’s all the things! ALL THE THINGS! (Which we still handle, but it’s a lot more difficult to do so when society tells you to suck it up.)

Nika’s backstory really got to me. In fact, I had a hard time reading those parts—the shame, the insecurity—as they resonated a little too much with me, and I kept thinking, How did the author know that about me?

And then, we have reactions from the men …

I had no idea that’s what my wife was going through.

Huh. I thought my girlfriend was being dramatic.

Thank you for writing this book. It is an interesting topic—is that the right word? Interesting? I don’t know—and I’ve learned a lot.

Well, I guess I need to communicate more effectively now, don’t I?

This book—I thought it was going to be only for women. You know what? It’s not. I really enjoyed it!

The Marriage Debt isn’t a story for everyone, but I hope it’s a story for many people. Along with menopause, the novel includes (or flirts with) themes of marriage, family, communication, inclusivity, book banning, allyship, and finding one’s true self. This book was a joy to research and write, and I’m grateful to all those who read and recommend it.

This post was first published by Women Writers, Women Books at https://booksbywomen.org/they-said-what-reader-reactions-to-the-marriage-debt/ and is reprinted with permission.

Image courtesy of AllAuthor.com.