Guide Note

American Wife is the third novel by author Curtis Sittenfeld. Similarities between the life of the main character, Alice Blackwell, and that of first lady Laura Bush have led some to say that Sittenfeld based the novel on Mrs. Bush's life.¹ Sittenfeld has said Bush was an inspiration for Blackwell, but not the sole basis for the character.²

Fast Facts

1. Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
2. Genre: Fiction
3. Publication date: September 2, 2008
4. Publisher: Random House
5. Pages: 576
6. ISBN 9780739323861
7. Sittenfeld's previous novels: Prep and The Man of My Dreams

American Wife is the story of Alice Blackwell, a librarian who marries the son of a prominent Republican family. Her husband, Charlie Blackwell, goes on to become president of the United States.