This is the story of a woman who despite not wanting a monkey, falls for him as her marriage is disintegrating j.. The little monkey makes her laugh, the husband, not so much. The little monkey, Eddie, makes her laugh; the husband, not so much. The monkey is loyal to her too and helps her realize that there is more to a marriage than social position and a nice house. The times are changing, freeing her from the frozen role of women in the 1950s. The husband has a way of gas lighting her and clouding every aspect of their marriage.
Hilarity and laughter versus disappointment, fun in socializing versus troubles and a lack of respect...Which one would any of us choose.
It starts in 1956. Gwendolyn's husband returns home after a night of cards with the boys which includes heavy drinking. He brings the monkey, Eddie, home with him and he is drunk too!
Eddie is a funny little fellow with some interesting habits, such as throwing messy things at people. In the midst of describing the background and atmosphere of the time, we are gifted with a funny remark or observation. Much of the time Eddie is the source of something amusing, which Gwendolyn really needs. Set in the southern United States, it presents a picture of the standards and mores of the 50s forward. In the 50s, women seemed to count only to look pretty. Yes, they have a nice home and lots of money, but is that enough? What about loyalty and respect?
Eddie, of course, seemed to regard Gwendolyn as his Mommy in addition to being his provider of food. He trusts her because she protects him. He is the primary source of her laughter and happiness as her husband feeds his dark side.But then, there was Eddie to lighten the mood and bring some fun and joy into Gwendolyn is life.
The novel does not take the path I was expecting. I thought it would recount tales of a young monkey and be a comic romp, but the backstory is not all fun, games, and giggles.
The characters are multi sided, and then, there is Eddie, the little monkey. I knew I would miss him.
Thank you to the publisher , author, and Eddie for allowing me to read the story of Gwendolyn and Eddie. All opinions are my own, and I promise not to forget this story.

A fun and good story. It was hard to put down. I look forward to more of her books. This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This review is mine.

I'm obsessed with the best book of 2025! I devoured it in one sitting, completely captivated by the story. The characters were so well-developed, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down, even when my friends and family tried to distract me. The writing was engaging, and the author's style was unique. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a page-turner. Trust me, you won't regret it! It's a must-read for book lovers,

“Her life, she reminded herself, was a dream come true.” -Gwendolyn

There is a lot of story packed into this book! Starting in 1957 and taking us to 2016. The book begins with the life of a 1950’s housewife with an alcoholic cheater of a husband bringing home an alcoholic monkey from a poker game. Gwendolyn takes the place of “mother” to the monkey named Eddie, because she is an excellent caregiver. It makes sense in the story. There is a lot more than Gwendolyn & Eddie. The husband (Dr. Paul Stanley) is a horrible, cheating, alcoholic doctor. We see their 3 children grow into adults witnessing things no child should. Gwendolyn is constantly cleaning up his messes and trying her best to be a good wife & mother. There is a good amount of comic relief from Dixie - friend to Gwendolyn and wife of Paul Stanley’s cousin. This is fast paced with excellent character development. Well done!

"La commedia è finita!" Paul Stanley said, almost as if he were singing the phrase. He glanced over at Oliver, who looked lost. "It means the comedy has ended."

Gwendolyn and Eddie starts out in 1957. Gwendolyn is a 1950s housewife raising three children. One night Paul Stanley, Gwendolyn's jerk of a husband brings home a Capuchin Monkey he won in a poker game. The terrified monkey bonds with Gwendolyn. She names him Eddie. Over the next five decades we see the kids grow up. Gwendolyn tries to make a life raising her kids, dealing with lousy husband who cheats on her and is unreliable. Through the decades she tried to give Eddie a home. She is the only person Eddie will be civil too as best as a wild animal can accept a human. the book can be funny at time with Eddie,. Sad sometimes for Gwendolyn who does not always have a happy life. I liked Gwendolyn for the most part. Could not stand Paul Stanley. rooted for her kids. Gwendolyn did have one reliable person in her life with Romaine, an African American housekeeper who stayed on for the household for all those decades. I received a copy of this book for NetGalley. I would give this book a 3.5.