Under the Influence by Joyce Maynard
Fiction
2016
Finished on August 11, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
When Helen meets Swift and Ava Havilland at an art gallery opening, her life is at an all-time low. A DUI conviction caused her to lose her driver's license and custody of her eight-year-old son, Oliver. Now she sees Ollie on Saturdays, but he hasn't forgiven his mother for messing up their life. She's got a dead-end job and goes on occasional dates, but spends most evenings at AA meetings. The Havillands change all that.
Ava and Swift are wealthy, charismatic philanthropists who fill their home with valuable art, unlikely friends, and over-the-top parties. The Havillands quickly become the center of Helen's world, as she takes on jobs for them and joins their glamorous inner circle. Then Helen meets Elliot--a quiet, uncool accountant the Havillands dismiss as boring. Helen might be falling in love with him, but her new best friends disapprove--and cause Helen to distrust her own heart.
Most compelling, for Helen, is what her friendship with the Havillands has meant to her relationship with her son. Ollie looks up to the larger-than-life man who treats him like a second son. And Swift has promised Helen the services of a high-powered attorney to help her regain custody. But when tragedy strikes, Helen and Ollie must pay for the generosity of Helen's new friends. Or pay dearly if they refuse.
Oh, Helen. Why didn't you trust your gut? Why were you so blind to how your so-called friends were treating you. The writing was right there on the wall, but you chose to ignore the red flags. Sigh.
Under the Influence is the proverbial train wreck. I could see where Maynard was leading her readers, and I distrusted Ava and Swift from the get-go, but I couldn't stop reading despite my impatience with the sluggish plotting. Thankfully, it's a quick read, and somewhat satisfying, but the heavy foreshadowing dragged on far too long before the finale. Unlikeable characters in an unrealistic situation. This is one to borrow from the library.
How the Light Gets In (3.5/5)
The Bird Hotel (4.5/5)
Count the Ways (5/5)
After Her (4/5)
Where Love Goes (4/5)
Labor Day (4.5/5)
The Usual Rules (5/5)
I have never read a Joyce Maynard book. I see that you have read many and that you have found several to be quite good.
ReplyDeleteDeb, you can't go wrong with Count the Ways. I thought it was exceptional!
DeleteI love her books, may get a copy of this.
ReplyDeleteVicki, I love her books too, although there have been a couple of medicore works in the bunch.
DeleteIt sounds a little predictable, but stories of the uber wealthy can also be so fun.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I couldn't figure out their lifestyle and how they were so wealthy!
DeleteI hope ole Helen doesn't lose her son over the whole debacle. Or will the Havillands take her to the cleaners? ... Sounds like Helen's decision-making isn't too keen. I'm glad for your review.
ReplyDeleteSusan, that was my concern, too. There was something very suspicious about the Havillands and their intentions!
DeleteCount the Ways was my favorite book the year I read it and I liked How the Light Gets In, too. I may pass on this one and turn to The Bird Hotel or The Usual Rules next. I'm also tempted by her memoirs.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I think you'd enjoy The Bird Hotel. The Usual Rules was a tough (sad) read set during 9/11. I am also curious about her memoirs. I loved reading her weekly column back in the 80s!
DeleteI think, based on your review, that I will start with another of Maynard's books.
ReplyDeleteBe aware that How the Light Gets In is a sequel to Count the Ways. The Bird Hotel and Count the Ways are very good, in my opinion. It's been a long time since I read Labor Day, but I must have enjoyed it quite well to give it such a high rating. Enjoy, Tina!
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