Lauren Groff’s Fates and Furies is a novel that dives into the messy, complex, and often hidden realities of marriage. It’s the story of Lotto and Matilda, a couple whose 24-year relationship is anything but simple. Groff gives us both sides of their story, showing how each partner’s perspective shapes and sometimes distorts the marriage.
The Two Sides of Every Story: Lotto and Matilda’s Marriage
The book starts with Lotto’s version of their marriage. He’s a dreamer, an artist with big ambitions, but he struggles to make those dreams come true. From his point of view, the world revolves around his hopes and talents, even though he often falls short.
It’s easy to get caught up in his charm and optimism, but there’s an underlying sense that he’s not fully aware of what’s really happening in his life—or in his marriage.
Then, the narrative shifts to Matilda’s perspective, and everything changes. Suddenly, we see the sacrifices she’s made, the secrets she’s kept, and the ways she’s held their marriage together without Lotto even realizing it. Her story adds depth and complexity, revealing a marriage that’s much more fragile and complicated than it first appeared.
Critique: Uneven Storytelling
The shift between Lotto’s and Matilda’s perspectives can feel a bit jarring. While Lotto’s side of the story is dreamy and full of his big ambitions, it seems a bit shallow when compared to Matilda’s much darker and deeper side.
This unevenness could leave readers feeling like they were initially misled about the true nature of the marriage, making the first half of the book less engaging in hindsight.
The Role of Secrets in Sustaining and Undermining a Marriage
One of the most interesting things about this novel is how it explores the role of secrets in a marriage. Matilda’s secrets aren’t just little lies or omissions—they’re fundamental to how the relationship functions.
As I read, I found myself thinking about the balance between honesty and secrecy in relationships. How much should partners really share? Can some things stay hidden without damaging the trust and connection between them?
Groff doesn’t give us easy answers, which is part of what makes the book so compelling. Instead, she shows us how secrets can both hold a marriage together and slowly tear it apart.
Critique: Over-the-Top Secrets
The secrets Matilda keeps are essential to the story, but sometimes they feel exaggerated. This made me feel disconnected from the characters and question the realism of the marriage depicted.
A Commentary on Marriage: Love, Deception, and the Human Condition
Groff doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of relationships—the resentment, the betrayals, and the moments of profound disconnect. But she also captures the tenderness, the deep connection, and the ways in which love can be both a strength and a vulnerability.
Reading this book, I couldn’t help but reflect on how marriage is often portrayed in a simplified way, either as a fairytale or a disaster. Groff’s novel lands somewhere in between, showing that marriage is a mix of both, shaped by the unique perspectives and experiences of the people in it.
Critique: Detached View on Marriage
The exploration of love and deception was interesting, but it lacked warmth, making it hard to fully connect with the story. This emotional distance might leave readers appreciating the themes but not feeling them, which can make the book easy to put down.
A Complex and Poetic Writing Style
Groff’s writing is rich, detailed, and often poetic. There were moments when her descriptions and metaphors felt almost overwhelming like they were more about creating a mood than telling the story. I found myself having to slow down and really take in the language, which made it a bit of a challenging read at times.
The way she writes about desire and intimacy is especially striking—it’s raw, sometimes unsettling. I have to admit, though, there were moments when it all felt a bit much.
The book is full of characters with strange, almost unsettling sexual inclinations, and while it’s clear that Groff is trying to capture something truthful about human desire, I sometimes find myself feeling more uncomfortable than engaged. The intensity and frequency of these moments made me pause and wonder if they were really necessary to the story.
"He imagined a lifetime of screwing on the beach until they were one of those ancient pairs speed-walking in the morning, skin like lacquered walnut meat."
Critique: Unsettling Descriptions
The novel’s frequent focus on strange sexual desires and encounters might be off-putting for some readers. These descriptions are intense and sometimes feel unnecessary, which can make the book uncomfortable to read.
Who Should Read Fate and Furies?
Fates and Furies is ideal for:
- Fans of character-driven stories with rich, lyrical prose.
- Readers interested in darker, more complicated themes and human emotions.
- People who don’t mind unsettling or intense subject matter in their fiction.
- Those who genuinely enjoy the exploration of language and metaphor, even if it means sacrificing an emotional connection with the characters or story.
Understood. Here’s a single-row table with all the details combined:
| Reading Speed | Estimated Reading Time | Goodreads Rating | Amazon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | 8-10 hours | 3.8/5 (55,000+ reviews) | 4.2/5 (10,000+ reviews) |
Readers’ Thoughts on Fates & Furies:
Here is what GoodReads reviewers had to say about this book:
- Readers enjoy the story told from both Lotto’s and Mathilde’s viewpoints, revealing different sides of their relationship.
- The characters are seen as deeply flawed but interesting, sparking strong reactions.
- The book’s take on marriage and partnerships is thought-provoking and relatable.
- Lauren Groff’s lyrical and rich prose is widely praised.
- The novel is well-regarded by critics, though opinions on the ending are divided.
Related Reads to Check Out:
If you liked this book, you will definitely enjoy:
- What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage Review
- Never Chase Men Again Review
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Review
Final Thoughts:
Fates and Furies is a novel that stays with you long after you’ve put it down. It’s definitely a challenging read, but there’s something rewarding about it. Groff’s deep dive into the complexities of marriage—highlighting both its beauty and its flaws—feels authentic, even if the story takes some dramatic turns.
If you’re someone who loves exploring the intricate dynamics of relationships, this book offers a lot to ponder. It really makes you think about the layers of love, honesty, and the secrets that shape our lives. It’s a reminder that every relationship has multiple sides, and sometimes the most revealing parts are those we don’t always see.
As a married wife, founder, and editor of SpouseMag.com – these guides are based on my own personal experiences, observations, research and insights. I am transparent about being inspired by the life and work of the two greatest experts in the relationship space – Dr. John and Julia Gottman, and Harville and Helen. They two are some of the strongest couples, researchers, authors, and counselors when it comes to marriage and relationships. My advice and guides are based on my insights and research, and they are not an alternative to professional advice.
