My Husband

Petition to rewrite the title of the book to 'Clementine'

This strange little novel had me in a chokehold. It kicked off with suspense right off the bat in the prologue, leading you to believe something is bound to go awry. I appreciated how quick of a read it was considering you’re fully immersed in the narrator’s maddening inner dialogue. I think if it wasn’t so well-edited and concise, I would have gone mad myself! She’s riddled with anxiety and self-doubt, but still feels powerful and in control of her situation. Although it was quite dark, I found some parts hilariously funny. I actually read several lines out loud to my husband because they sounded so ridiculous. I think that was the point of the novel. The way she loves is ridiculous. I finished the novel thinking, would you even call it love?

So let’s dive into Ariane’s (the wife’s) perfect dinner party. Since she was so obsessed with pleasing her husband day in and day out, I got a sort of Stepford wife mentality from her. The author also notes they live in a bourgeois suburban French town on what seemed to be like the perfect little street with probably the French equivalent of white picket fences. She’s so calculated in everything she does and is infatuated with her image. I made sure to incorporate that energy into this imaginary dinner party. And, of course, since she loves so deeply and with so much passion, I threw in a lot of red into the theme. 

Drinks

She’s the classiest lady who wouldn’t reach for anything but the best. A beautiful chilled pinot noir feels unexpected but also timeless for Ariane. Her husband would approve. Marigny’s pinot noir is probably at the top of my list of best wines ever. And if you’ve never tried it then, you’re welcome. 

The Menu

When dining with her husband for lunch one afternoon, she’s surprised by his order of lasagne, which is not what he typically goes for. This throws her off guard, making her feel inadequate - like she doesn’t really know her husband. Although this doesn’t happen in the book, I have a feeling Ariane wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about lasagne and how that could potentially be her husband’s new favorite meal. Therefore, she’d set off to perfect the dish herself. Her husband would have to be pleased. There are so many wonderful lasagne recipes, but I swear by this one from Samin Nosrat.

Image via Pinterest

Passion should be Ariane’s middle name, so naturally I went for a light dessert that feels delicate but punchy. And lord knows we’re not making a dessert with any clementine in it.

“I hope my husband can’t fall back asleep and that his insomnia will leave him the time necessary to reflect on his betrayal. It’s important that he ask himself: How could he have reduced his own wife to the rank of a vulgar clementine? Why not a banana?”

Images via Cucina Melissa

Recipe for a simple pavlova here from Claire Saffitz.

The Tablescape
Anything Ariane touches has to feel elegant, expensive, but unfussy. She doesn’t want to come off like she’s trying too hard. I added just a hint of red with these lovely napkins from Madre Linen, a candelabra that feels like an art piece, and pretty host glasses for water or wine from Ferm Living. 

I absolutely loved the scene in the book where she’s in an inner dialogue with herself about what type of bouquet she should buy to take to her friend’s place to congratulate them on their newborn’s arrival. She goes back and forth, contemplating what’s appropriate vs. what’s not, and lands on a massive bouquet of peonies. She immediately regrets it afterwards, arguing they are bulbous and offensive. To edit this bouquet choice for Ariane, I pulled the most lavish, airy bouquet I made during peak poppy and spiera season. If you are aware of floral prices, you’ll know each of these ingredients are considered luxe. Their seasons are also short so they feel like a rarity. 

Featured flowers: poppies, spirea, lilac, clematis

1. Leche Napkin, Madre Linen

2. Vintage Duchin Silver Candleholder, Vestige

3. Host Water Glasses, Ferm Living

The Outfit 
She’s obsessed with love, is assertive when she wants to be, and carries an air of bourgeois with every step she takes. This high neck dress from Atelier Delphine feels like something a modern Betty Draper would wear. Understated and sophisticated. The dainty queen of hearts earrings are also too perfect for someone who won’t stop talking about love. And they kind of feel devious all at once?! How appropriate for her character. 

Dress, Shoes, Earrings

The Playlist
Of course, there are so many love songs out there, but I had to include their wedding song by Frank Sinatra, and a few others that give that sense of Ariane passionnée.

The My Husband Mood Board

All photos via Pinterest

I hope everyone reads this novel and never looks at a clementine in the same way ever again.