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Cover of A Proper Marriage

A Proper Marriage

Doris Lessing (1954)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesChildren of Violence #2
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.96

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageMild

Heroine archetypes

AntiheroineTrapped Wife

Protagonist archetypes

Morally Gray Protagonist

Tropes

Not yet tagged

Synopsis

An unconventional woman trapped in a conventional marriage, Martha Quest struggles to maintain her dignity and her sanity through the misunderstandings, frustrations, infidelities, and degrading violence of a failing marriage. Finally, she must make the heartbreaking choice of whether to sacrifice her child as she turns her back on marriage and security.

A Proper Marriage: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This literary novel contains domestic violence, infidelity, emotional abuse, and adult themes surrounding a failing marriage. Martha's struggle with mental health and the difficult choice regarding her child make this appropriate only for mature adult readers.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include domestic violence, emotional abuse, and cheating (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Not appropriate for young readers due to mature adult relationship themes.

Tags

Literary FictionPsychological DramaSocial RealismFeminist Literature