http://rstyle.me/~aeuIl The Blonde Bookworm: The Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers -- Review

The Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers -- Review

Monday, April 17, 2017


Title: The Widow of Wall Street 
Author: Randy Susan Meyers
Pages: 352
Publishing: April 11th 2017 by Atria Books
ISBN: 1501131346 

Synopsis: 

What’s real in a marriage built on sand and how do you abandon a man you’ve loved since the age of fifteen?

Phoebe sees the fire in Jake Pierce’s belly from the moment they meet as teenagers in Brooklyn. Eventually he creates a financial dynasty and she trusts him without hesitation—unaware his hunger for success hides a dark talent for deception.

When Phoebe learns—along with the rest of the world—that her husband’s triumphs are the result of an elaborate Ponzi scheme her world unravels. Lies underpin her life and marriage. As Jake’s crime is uncovered, the world obsesses about Phoebe. Did she know her life was fabricated by fraud? Did she partner with her husband in hustling billions from pensioners, charities, and CEOs? Was she his accomplice in stealing from their family and neighbors?

Debate rages as to whether love and loyalty blinded her to his crimes or if she chose to live in denial. While Jake is trapped in the web of his own deceit, Phoebe is faced with an unbearable choice. Her children refuse to see her if she remains at their father’s side, but abandoning Jake, a man she’s known since childhood, feels cruel and impossible.

From Brooklyn to Greenwich to Manhattan, from penthouse to prison, with tragic consequences rippling well beyond Wall Street, The Widow of Wall Street exposes a woman struggling to redefine her life and marriage as everything she thought she knew crumbles around her.


Review: 

I'll be honest, Wall Street and any kind of investments/stock trade goes totally over my head. When I first picked up The Widow of Wall Street, I was a little scared that I wouldn't understand it. I soon found that wasn't the case at all as this novel is more about relationships and family than it is about Wall Street. After doing a little background research, it seems as though the novel is based on the true story of Bernie Madoff and his life. I found that quite interesting because I read it as a fictional story.

Throughout the novel, the reader follows the Pierce's from their teen years to their later adult years. We learn so much about each of the character's personalities and I found myself constantly nervous around Jake. He seemed like he was always on edge and would crack at any moment. Phoebe, on the other hand was strong willed and kind hearted, but she allowed herself to be pushed and pulled in whatever direction Jake pleased. 

I always enjoy when novels share what it is like in the lives of the rich and famous. It is a lifestyle that a very small percentage of people get to enjoy. Jake and Phoebe lived and extravagant life that most of us couldn't even imagine. At one point, Phoebe mentioned that she felt she couldn't spend money fast enough. Even though Phoebe had more money than she knew what to do with, she seemed to remain grounded. She helped those in need and wanted to give back to her community. This made me care for Phoebe and her character, and it made Jake's money hungry attitude appear even more arrogant and selfish.

I quickly found myself sucked in to the powerful world Meyers created and I loved the constant fear of not knowing when everything was going to blow up, as we all knew it would. I wasn't expecting to feel heartbreak in this novel, but I longed for Phoebe to rise from the ashes and leave Jake behind. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone and would definitely recommend The Widow of Wall Street. 

Rating 3/5

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