An Ideal Husband really pulls you into the hearts and minds of its characters. Erica James has a wonderful way of making each personality feel real and layered, so you can’t help but understand their struggles, choices, and flaws. The book beautifully captures how complicated family relationships can be, from tensions to unspoken bonds, and does so with a gentle, empathetic touch.

One of the aspects that surprised me most was how the story explores men’s mental health—done with sensitivity and realism that felt both refreshing and important. Alongside this, the novel gently weaves the theme of forgiveness throughout, showing how it can allow us to move forward rather than be held back by past mistakes.

I particularly loved the reflection on the meaning of home. How our memories live in the spaces around us, and how those spaces become part of who we are, was something that really stayed with me. By the end of the book, I found myself thinking about my own relationships, my own past, and the ways forgiveness and understanding can truly help us grow.