Blog Tour: The Man in the Needlecord Jacket by Linda MacDonald

Today I'm rounding up the Blog Tour for The Man in the Needlecord Jacket by Linda MacDonald*.

"The Man in the Needlecord Jacket follows the story of two women who are each struggling to let go of a long-term destructive partnership. Felicity is reluctant to detach from her estranged archaeologist husband and, after being banished from the family home, she sets out to test the stability of his relationship with his new love, Marianne.

When Felicity meets Coll, a charismatic artist, she has high hopes of being distracted from her failed marriage. What she doesn't know is that he has a partner, Sarah, with whom he has planned a future. Sarah is deeply in love with Coll, but his controlling behaviour and associations with other women have always made her life difficult. When he becomes obsessed with Felicity, Sarah's world collapses and a series of events is set in motion that will challenge the integrity of all the characters involved.

Inspired by the work of Margaret Atwood and Fay Weldon, Linda explores the issue of mental abuse in partnerships and the grey area of an infidelity that is emotional, not physical. The book will appeal to readers interested in the psychology of relationships as well as fans of Linda's 'Lydia' series".

My thoughts?

I instantly disliked Coll - what a selfish and self centered man! He's been in a ten year relationship with Sarah who loves him deeply. Even after all these years together she's uncertain if they have a future together. He treats her appallingly, playing mind games with her and arranges to see her when it suits him.

He approaches the owner of a new restaurant to see if they will display and sell his artwork. She turns out to be an attractive and self assured woman and Coll is drawn to her. 

Felicity threw away her marriage when she ran away with her young lover. When things didn't work out she came home hoping to slot back in at the rambling family home. What she didn't bargain for is that her husband would meet someone else..

When she finds out about Sarah she's torn but she doesn't stop seeing Coll and accepts his offers of going to the theatre and trip to London to see the Shard, a trip Sarah would have enjoyed. 

The story is told from the viewpoints of the women and I totally warmed to Sarah but not to self-centered Felicity. It's a thought provoking read with a powerful ending. Highly recommend!

*I was sent a paperback copy of the book from the author in exchange for my review.