In Gwendolyn and Eddie by Michael O.L. Seabaugh, Gwendolyn is married to Paul Stanley, who is a doctor just like his father. They have three children, and various things are at the center stage of their marriage. Paul is a heavy drinker and is often out with his cousin, who is also a doctor. One day after drinking and gambling, Paul brings home a monkey he had won from his cousin. Gwendolyn has to figure out how to take care of the new addition to the family. Another thing that shakes the foundation of their marriage is Paul’s infidelity, which hurts Gwendolyn as she is dedicated to being a good wife. Despite the challenges, their marriage also had good days, like when they visited the annual Kentucky Derby. How will things turn out?

Gwendolyn and Eddie by Michael O.L. Seabaugh is wonderfully written with a steady narration that leaves one intrigued and eager to find out what happens in the subsequent chapters. I loved the themes that were covered, such as civil rights issues and how it was hard to end segregation. This thought-provoking work also gets one thinking about the issues faced by women in marriages and how it affects their progress. The characters are well-developed, and all the events and emotions are vividly described, which helps to capture the imagination of the reader. The easy-to-understand language used also makes the work accessible to all kinds of readers. This was a great read, and I look forward to more by this author.

Gwendolyn & Eddie by Michael O.L. Seabaugh follows Gwendolyn Bollinger, whose life is thrown into turmoil when her husband, Paul, acquires a monkey, Eddie, from a poker game. Initially frustrated, Gwendolyn tries to manage Eddie’s chaotic behavior, from his drunken state to his antics disrupting the household. While dealing with Eddie, Gwendolyn also faces problems in her marriage. Paul’s drinking and emotional distance weigh on her, and she begins to notice troubling signs in their relationship. Paul’s anger and the unresolved issues about his past are just the start, with his questionable actions with their son, Oliver, involving a disturbing dog fight and his harsh approach to teaching "manhood" taking the cake. As Gwendolyn struggles through, she is left questioning her future with Paul and trying to balance family life in a circus not of her own making.

Gwendolyn & Eddie by Michael O.L. Seabaugh is a witty and thoroughly layered look into a mid-century woman’s chaotic life. Yes, Eddie the monkey has his role to play, but the absurdity of that situation is secondary to Gwendolyn’s more somber issues around her marriage and identity. Seabaugh’s keen eye for detail and full character development elevate an already great premise. The most interesting to me is Romaine, a woman of color, in an era of segregation which rears its ugly head throughout, but particularly on a road trip. The comedic elements and Eddie’s shenanigans provide the levity, and he is hilarious, although there is some sadness there also, and some admissions that come up later that are hard to swallow. Overall, Gwendolyn’s journey is as much about embracing the messiness of life as it is about understanding oneself. Seabaugh strikes a perfect balance, making the book as thoughtful as it is entertaining.