True to being an Emily Giffin fan (says my Facebook account :P), I eventually picked up and read Baby Proof. Honestly, judging from the title and synopsis alone, it was the least interesting of her books to me, so much so that if I were to forgo reading one of her books, this would have been it. Luckily, there is no limit as to how many books I can read because Baby Proof was definitely a good read, and I can truly say it can give Something Borrowed a run for its money (and we all know the first book, which popularizes the author, is usually hard to beat).Baby Proof tells the story of Claudia who is married to Ben. The couple, perfect for each other in every way, have come to the agreement that they do not want children in their lives. Ben, however, has a change of heart, which puts Claudia in the terrible predicament of choosing between Ben and what she wants (or doesn't want), in a matter as serious and important as having a baby. Women in general are expected to want to be mothers, and it is very rare for a woman to insist with absolute certainty that she does not want to be one. This is where Baby Proof takes off from, and what follows is a very mature tale that still has all the adorable trademarks of an Emily Giffin novel - great writing, interesting retorts and anecdotes here and there, and an overall appeal that women can easily relate to. It is without a doubt, Giffin's most serious novel but it was intelligently written (not in an brain-draining way).
I give out my usual spoiler warning, but if you wish...
I thought I would be reading about the disintegration of a marriage throughout the course of the book. Instead, three chapters into the book, we read about Ben and Claudia deciding to part ways. The story proceeds to show how Claudia copes with the divorce in all its different stages - missing Ben (where the all too
familiar everything-reminds-her-of-him was detailed affectionately), the wallowing, the struggle to hang on, seeing Ben moving on, finally deciding to move on herself (where it goes to prove yet again that the rebound, no matter how ideal, will not get the girl), a sense of acceptance, and finally, the decision on how to take everything from there. While Claudia eventually regretted the haste in the divorce, it seemed much better to have decided to end things before they both started resenting each other. After all, the time off proved to be good for the both of them.My favorite part of Claudia's time apart with Ben was that time during her 35th birthday, after she arrived from that dreamy vacation at Lake Como with Richard (a. k. a. the Rebound Guy) and received a call from Ben. Despite the great vacation, it was that greeting from Ben that actually made everything feel right. Because in reality, it can be something as simplistic as that from the right person that will make you happier than any beautiful or outlandish gesture from the wrong person.
Of all of Emily Giffin's main characters, Claudia is the most ideal - successful, mature, and so put together (even in the stages of wallowing and cyberstalking the new girl). All throughout the book, Claudia demonstrated how strong-willed (but not stubborn) she was with the fact that she really did not want to be a mother. It was pretty much established that it was not because of her unfortunate experience with her mother or how it would interfere with her career (because she did decide to pass off on a career opportunity to be there for a pregnant friend) or her own fears of whether she would be a good mother or her own capacity to be one. She simply did not want children. Plain and simple. Despite everything from peer pressure to an ultimatum from the love of her life (maybe she was a bit stubborn too, huh?). To me it demonstrated strength of character to insist on this despite the contrarian forces from everywhere. Because sometimes, you really just don't want what everyone seems to want. Which is why I was quite disappointed when she finally caved and became willing to have a baby if that meant she could have Ben back.
Of course, the main point of this is not lost to me (since it was very much stressed via a cameo from Ethan because agreebly, it is easier to accept reality from an objective stranger than from your family and friends). True love really does conquer all. True love would really will you to do whatever it takes for the person you love, even if it means sacrificing what you want (or do not want) in return. After all, with regard to the matter of having a baby, there are no compromises (you either do or you don't). In a sense, Ben and Claudia were lucky that their impediment is based on wants and non-wants, and not some other totally complicated or inflexible circumstance like religion or distance or other people (all of which others have been willing to overcome as well). It was a good thing Ben caved too though, and was also willing to give up his desire for a baby in order to have Claudia back. After all, true love is nothing but unconditional. I also like how it ended not really resolving whether Claudia and Ben really do have a baby. Because either way is fine. The important thing was that they were together again.
And finally, there were other stories too. The story of the pep-talking and tip-laden Jess (Claudia's best friend), her one-sided affair and eventually her getting the relationship she deserved. The story of Daphne and her plight to have a child. The story of Maura and her struggle to stay in an unhappy marriage for the children. All stories tied up well with Claudia's storyline, and effectively enhanced it (especially on the motherhood angle). Which all in all makes Baby Proof a truly great read, with great quotes to boot as well (more on that later).
I can't wait for Miss Giffin's next book! :D
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