It's really 2-1/2 because I couldn't reconcile the parts of Clare's personality. She was almost a "Faces of Eve" between the flashbacks and the present. The scenes with her son also failed to ring true. The story arcs of the lover and the Turk were both too far-fetched, as well. And there's a time "break" on the last couple of pages that bugged me and should have been caught in proofing. What I liked were the descriptions of Paris, the push/pull between Clare and Mathilde, and husband Edward, who seemed the portrait of a British diplomat, yet completely believable. A great quick read into a lifestyle that is different for most of us. Her life is focused on her husband's career and she has an excellent grasp on what is needed to help him be successful, yet, her flashbacks to her younger years indicate things could have been very different if the choices she had made had been different. There are several surprises in the story that are bound to hold your interest. The cast of characters is relatively small and you feel like you know them well. A captivating story of a 24 hour period in a woman's life that will enlighten and entertain you.
What do You think about An Unexpected Guest (1992)?
It was OK. I found it rather slow and predictable.
—jesslovee
Awesome book. I couldn't up it down.
—ihavecapslockon
