Seduction Theory

If you love novels about academics behaving badly (“Blue Angel” by Francine Prose, and “Straight Man”, by Richard Russo to name two favorites) then “Seduction Theory”, by Emily Adrian is for you!I reveled in the gimlet-eyed point of view, and the deliciously unreliable “voice” of the novel, grad student Roberta Green.Oh, I knew from the moment Robbie inserted herself into the narrative that I was going to love this savage satire!Robbie’s “story” is her master’s degree thesis filled with theories about monogamy and seduction. She writes of scenes that she could not possibly have witnessed so her credibility is extremely strained, and that’s part of the fun!Simone and Ethan are both creative writing professors at Edwards University in Massachusetts. Simone enjoys personal and professional success, admiration, and respect, while Ethan is well-liked and admired, but has only one published novel, and no tenure. They are both forty-years-old and physically attractive. Extremely. (This point is made over and over.)Simone and Ethan have been married for twenty years, and they have the appearance and reputation of a loving and supportive couple. But remember, everything we know about them, and their past is being “made up” by Robbie. It’s all very meta!Simone is Robbie thesis advisor, and while Ethan is out of town with the department secretary (whom he finds attractive) Robbie and Simone become “close”. Too close? And then Ethan acts upon his attraction…This fast-paced novel even includes a road-trip! I think book clubs will have lively discussions about what is “real” and what Robbie has made up in her master’s thesis with a perfect ending.

An addicting, literary page-turner - this one had me binging it in two days!Ethan and Simone, two married professors, contend with infidelity in their relationship. The characters are as messy and toxic as they are (somehow still) endearing. This is an excellent example of how you do the unlikeable/unreliable narrator trope flawlessly, by creating depth and eliciting empathy for their raw humanness.It’s also an excellent portrayal of how our emotions are often conflicting within ourselves. Progressive in its embracing of sexuality, without being overt or excessive.At times tense and uncomfortable, there’s complex layers that show how no story has one side. Every person involved has their own version of events that we can never truly know, and maybe never fully understand.The structure of how it’s told adds another layer to this subversive tale of infidelity. Robbie is telling the story as both a bystander and as someone involved in the professors’ complicated lives.If you have done any post-graduate studies, you’ll find both the setting and the dissertation aspects nostalgic, as I did. I really enjoyed this take on academia.It won’t be for everyone - it’s one of those quirky, voicey, unhinged style of books - but the right audience is going to love it. I highly recommend it!My Rating: 4.5 ⭐Thank you so much to the publisher for my copy!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Such a twisty novel about infidelity and navigating relationships, this book really shows the intricate parts to attraction and the grey area between love and heartbreak/betrayal. This book was easy to follow and had a really good flow. Love the way this book makes us reexamine how we think of infidelity and love overall.

Seduction Theory is a smart, engaging novel that dives into the messy, complicated parts of life—family dynamics, creative ambition, and the ways people influence each other, for better or worse. Adrian writes with a sharp eye and a lot of heart, capturing those in-between moments where everything shifts. It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you emotionally, with characters that feel real and a story that sticks with you after you’re done.Thank you, NetGalley for the early copy.