The First Wives Club
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By: Olivia Goldsmith
Before "Sex and the City."..before "The Starter Wife."..there was "The First Wives Club" The sharp-witted and sexy "New York Times" bestseller Elise, Brenda, and Annie have one thing in common: they were all first wives. Make that two things in common -- they were the secret to success for each of their spouses, faithfully supporting them as they rose to the top. Okay, three things: they were each abandoned for younger, blonder, sleeker women, "trophy wives" for their exes to sport about town. It may not be on the menu at New York's finer restaurants, but revenge is a dish best served cold -- and while lunching at Le Cirque, the ladies decide the time for self-pity is over: now it's time to get even. How they conspire to give each man his due -- in full view of New York society -- makes "The First Wives Club" the "deliciously wicked" ("San Francisco Chronicle") indulgence that, like vintage champagne, goes straight to your head...and captures your heart along the way
AI Overview
Title: The First Wives Club Author: Olivia Goldsmith Release Date: March 1, 1992
Key Themes
- Revenge and Empowerment: The novel explores the theme of women seeking revenge against their husbands who have wronged them. It highlights the transformation of these women from passive, masochistic victims to empowered agents of change.
- Feminist Revenge Fantasy: The book can be classified as a feminist revenge fantasy, where the mistreatment of women by their husbands is a central theme, and the women ultimately come out on top.
- Friendship and Solidarity: The novel emphasizes the power of female friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity. The three main characters form a strong bond that helps them navigate their personal struggles and collective revenge.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around three women—Annie Paradise, Elise Atchison, and Brenda—each of whom has been abandoned by their husbands for younger, more attractive women. The catalyst for their transformation is the suicide of their mutual friend, which brings them together at her funeral. Over lunch, they form the First Wives Club, determined to exact revenge on their husbands.
- Annie Paradise is a devoted mother who believes her husband, Aaron, will return to her despite his infidelity and financial mismanagement.
- Elise Atchison is a faded but still beautiful movie star who has been traded in for a younger model by her husband, Bill.
- Brenda is the wisecracking former wife of Morty the Madman, a crass millionaire who has abandoned her for a younger woman.
Together, they meticulously plan and execute a series of schemes to bring their husbands down. They use various tactics, including financial manipulation, blackmail, and public humiliation, to ensure their ex-husbands suffer the consequences of their actions.
Critical Reception
Kirkus Reviews described the novel as "sharp, vitriolic, funny, and exceedingly commercial," highlighting its commercial appeal and the author's ability to craft a compelling narrative around themes of revenge and empowerment.
Goodreads reviews praise the book for its over-the-top revenge scenarios and its portrayal of strong, resilient women who refuse to be victimized by their husbands. Critics note that the book is not kind or sweet but rather vindictive and cruel, which adds to its appeal for readers who enjoy a more dramatic and satisfying conclusion to the story.
Roger Ebert's review of the 1996 film adaptation notes that the movie is a "creepy revenge comedy" that effectively captures the essence of the novel. Ebert praises the performances of the lead actresses, particularly Goldie Hawn, and highlights the film's ability to balance heartfelt moments with slapstick humor.
Production Adaptations
The novel was adapted into a film in 1996, starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. The musical adaptation, which premiered at The Old Globe in 2009, received mixed reviews for its clumsy tonal shifts and one-dimensional character portrayals.
Overall, "The First Wives Club" by Olivia Goldsmith is a provocative and entertaining novel that explores themes of female empowerment, revenge, and the transformative power of friendship. Its critical reception reflects its ability to resonate with readers who enjoy a strong, feminist narrative with a touch of humor and drama.