Mrs. Wilson's Affair - by Allyson Reedy (Paperback)

About the Book

It is 1922. Myrtle Wilson lives a desolate existence above her husband's garage in the "valley of ashes." All her dreams--and her marriage itself--are turning to dust until she crosses paths with Tom Buchanan on the subway. In one moment, Myrtle's life is irrevocably changed. "You can't live forever, you can't live forever" becomes the mantra that galvanizes her decision to embark on a fateful affair with the wealthy stranger.
Paralleling the events of The Great Gatsby--and in key scenes even masterfully weaving in original dialogue--Mrs. Wilson's Affair provides a poignant look at how isolation and unfulfilled desire can shape our destiny and will transform how you read Fitzgerald's classic novel.

Book Synopsis

A beautiful retelling of The Great Gatsby from the perspective of an often forgotten, yet indispensable, character--Myrtle Wilson, Tom Buchanan's mistress. Perfect for fans of Julia and The Chosen and the Beautiful.

It is 1922. Myrtle Wilson lives a lonely, desolate existence above her husband's garage in the "valley of ashes" between New York and Long Island. All her dreams--and her marriage itself--are turning to dust until she crosses paths with Tom Buchanan on the subway. In one moment, Myrtle's life is irrevocably changed. "You can't live forever, you can't live forever" becomes the mantra that galvanizes her decision to embark on a fateful affair with the wealthy stranger. She battles with herself and the forces that keep her boxed in, experimenting with what little power she has over the men in her life, her situation growing more dire in the frenetic days leading up to her death.

Paralleling the events of The Great Gatsby--and in key scenes even masterfully weaving in original dialogue--Mrs. Wilson's Affair provides a poignant look at how isolation and unfulfilled desire can shape our destiny and will transform how you read Fitzgerald's classic novel.

Review Quotes

"A brilliant reimagining of The Great Gatsby from Myrtle Wilson's point view, Mrs. Wilson's Affair is a gorgeously written take on the classic that will enthrall both Gatsby fans and newcomers to the story alike. Allyson's Reedy's fascinating exploration of Myrtle, at long last as a fully-formed character, offers a whole new perspective to the story of Tom Buchanan's affair."--Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools

"A must-read for all Gatsby lovers, Mrs. Wilson's Affair pulls us back into that cherished American classic through the lens of Myrtle Wilson. Reedy breathes new life into Myrtle's story, giving her romance, depth, and a haunting humanity that makes her tragic end all the more deeply felt. A compelling, captivating read."--Sash Bischoff, author of Sweet Fury

About the Author

Allyson Reedy is a fiction writer, food journalist, and restaurant critic. Her work has been published in a number of newspapers and magazines, including the Denver Post, Bon Appétit, and 5280. She is the author of several cookbooks, including 50 Things to Bake Before You Die and The Phone Eats First. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her children, husband, and pug.