The much more than chick-lit novel The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale was a fun, thought-provoking read. Becky is a happily married Mormon housewife who inexplicably befriends Felix, a well-known British actor, while she is in Hollywood. Throughout the book we wonder why they are friends and if perhaps the friendship should become more. We quickly realize that, despite our own feelings about our celebrity crushes, Becky and Felix are at their best for each other when they are only friends. Hale’s dialogue is wonderfully expressive and her way with words is a joy to read.
Becky’s devotion to her family and her wonderful husband, Mike, was beautiful and inspiring while her deep connection with Felix was funny and thought-provoking. Should men and women be friends? Do you have only one soulmate? Are all soulmates intimate partners? Is it unreasonable to expect one person (i.e., a mate) to fulfill all our needs? I could easily imagine how I’d react to a similar situation and I’m pleased that Becky stayed true to herself and her beliefs throughout the story.