Dangled Carat

I was excited when I found out that Hilary Grossman's Dangled Carat was a memoir, rather than fiction, as it always brings a whole new element to a story. I was intrigued to find out how Grossman approached turning her real life experiences into a novel without it becoming too personal and almost uncomfortable. Grossman has done an incredible job with Dangled Carat - the story is very real and honest without feeling awkward for delving into someone's real personal life. You feel completely connected to the characters, especially knowing that they stem from real people, rather than just from the author's imagination. It makes the story so much more authentic and meaningful. Grossman's writing style really hooks the reader in - with the flashbacks to different times in her life which help to connect the dots along the way, emphasising how events in someone's past really can affect your future. These flashbacks help maintain an excellent pace throughout the story and Grossman's ability to leave a flashback on a little cliff hanger makes for a real page-turner. Marc - the commitment-phone of the story - isn't your typical 'bachelor-type, afraid of being tied down to one woman' kind of man. The reader gets to see that there are genuine reasons for Marc's fear of commitment, and that this fear takes nothing away from the way he feels about Hilary. It definitely approaches the subject that so many people are all too ready to jump into marriage just because 'it's what they're supposed to do'. I really admired Marc's decision to make sure that it was the right thing to do and when they were both ready. There are all too many marriages that don't survive because of this need to rush. Grossman explores the very important truth in life, that you must always stay true to yourself and to your relationship. Don't let the opinions and comments of others affect how you behave or treat your relationship, otherwise someone always ends up getting hurt. I loved this book - Grossman was extremely brave sharing her story with the world, but has done it in such a gentle and truthful way as only a talented writer can! I would definitely recommend this to any chick-lit lover who fancies something a little different, and to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs that open your eyes to a common truth. Dangled Carat is a beautifully real and honest memoir.