Super Short Summary

Marriage is a Private Affair by Judith Kelly follows the story of Phoebe Schofield, a vivacious young woman in New York City during World War II, who hastily marries Tom West, an Air Corps lieutenant. As Tom is unexpectedly furloughed to run his late father's defense contracting business, the couple faces mounting pressures; Phoebe struggles with motherhood and her own desires, while Tom battles stress and resentment. The novel delves into the erosion of their passionate love into bitterness but ultimately depicts their effort to reconnect and build a resilient relationship. The novel addresses mental health challenges, alcoholism, and infidelity.