I received Today Will Be Different* by Maria Semple as an e-book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The premise of improving yourself by being a good wife, mother and friend is an easily relatable quest. The inability to complete this quest due to life getting in the way is even more relatable.
Today Will Be Different is a day in the life of Eleanor Flood, with flashbacks of her life. A mid-life crisis seems to be occurring as she picks up her son from school due to him being ill. She then goes on a hunt for her mysteriously missing husband who is on ‘vacation’ from his work. The twist ending wasn’t as satisfying as hoped but I enjoyed the #firstworldproblems which Semple managed to pull off.
Most books set in the real world create unlikable characters, but Eleanor is an endearing person to follow around. Eleanors son, Timby, works well as a call back to earth when caught up within flashbacks. Without creating a child who is insanely stupid, or unrealistically clever for their age. Timby is a perfectly written kid to help Eleanor get through this day.
I’ve read many reviews about how mean Eleanor is, but I see her as realistically snarky in a life which isn’t quite going her way. The sense of humour Semple brings to her writing is perfect for me, although I know not perfect for everyone. With wittiness and clever comments, Eleanor’s world comes alive and draws you in.
The ending which explains why Eleanor’s husband has been missing wasn’t particularly satisfying. I think this was one of the unrealistic areas of the book, as I don’t see this happening to real people. But still, I enjoyed the rest of the book and I would definitely read more of Semple’s work.
