'The War of the Roses' by Warren Adler is a dark comedy that delves into the destructive nature of divorce, focusing on the moral decay caused by a passion for material possessions rather than the separation itself. The story follows the Roses, a couple who define themselves by their possessions, leading to a brutal battle over property division that escalates into a fight to the death. The narrative explores the consequences of prioritizing materialism over human relationships, with sharp dialogue and insightful commentary on human psychology.

Despite being written in 1981, 'The War of the Roses' is not just a black comedy on divorce but a satirical take on the onset of the Yuppie phenomenon, highlighting the dangers of valuing possessions over people. offers a compelling and tense read, with believable characters and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end, ultimately delivering a poignant message that people are more important than material things.

Characters:

Characters contrast with one another, with Barbara depicted negatively and Oliver more sympathetically, while children grapple with adult conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is sharp and incisive, providing compelling insights into human behavior and marital strife.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a couple's marriage collapsing and resulting in a materialistic war, ultimately leading to their mutual destruction.

Setting:

Set in an upscale Washington D.C. neighborhood, the book's tension is largely centered around a materialistic home.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is fast and suspenseful, engaging the reader throughout.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of bin...

Notes:

The novel explores the breakdown of a marriage without clearly stating the reasons behind it.

The story centers around a couple that turns their love into hate, resulting in an intense battle for their possessions.

Adler's book is seen as a cautionary tale about materialism and its impact on relationships.

The movie adaptation is described as slightly better with a darker comedic ending compared to the book.

The children in the story are portrayed as responsible adults while the parents act like children during the divorce.

Barbara, the female lead, evolves from a loving wife to someone who feels trapped in her marriage.

The house they fought over is filled with personal treasures and symbolizes the materialistic nature of the couple's conflict.

Adler's writing offers sharp dialogue and insights into human psychology regarding separation and marital conflict.

The book was written in 1981 and reflects the emergence of the yuppie phenomenon and its effects on personal relationships.

Many readers found the book more serious and intense than the humorous portrayal in the film.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings include themes of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the psychological toll of divorce.

From The Publisher:

The ULTIMATE battle of the spouses! Read the iconic novel that became a Hollywood box-office hit!

Jonathan Rose has a cushy law career, and Barbara's gourmet culinary business is just a pâté recipe away from glory. Add in their picture-perfect children - matrimonial perfection!

But the line between suburban bliss and guerilla warfare is thin...

When Jonathan has a heart attack scare, the sudden event unmasks their idyllic family life, revealing the loveless union underneath. The Roses' mutual hatred becomes ammunition in a bloody (and hilarious) domestic battle.

"The gradual progression from cuddly love to cooking the dog's liver into pate is... MESMERIZING!"

Read Adler's macabre divorce masterpiece today!

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The War of the Roses

Warren Adler

Book 1 in the series:War of the Roses