Now, the author is putting another clever spin on well-worn genres.
For those familiar with Gailey’s work, expect this one to offer familiar pleasures and some new surprises.
And for those who aren’t, well, get ready.
Credit: Tor Books
EW can exclusively debut the first excerpt fromThe Echo Wifebelow.
And be sure to check out the creepy cover at the top of this post.
The novel publishes Feb. 16, 2021, and isavailable for pre-order.
Excerpt from The Echo Wife, by Sarah Gailey
My gown was beautiful.
It was the kind of garment that looks precisely as expensive as it is.
I wore it because wearing it was the thing this night demanded of me.
Everything had changed in those six months.
Everything except for my body.
That, at least, was the same.
Still, I nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get the buttons on the damn thing done up.
But I did it on my own, in the end.
The help would have been convenient, but I didnt need it.
Twice in my life, now, I have buried myself in finery.
Never mind the suffocation of the outfit, never mind the expense, never mind the impracticality.
The transaction must be made: my efforts at beauty in exchange for their regard.
And so, twice in my life, I have worn the cost of that recognition.
After Id peeled the layers of protective plastic wrap from the glass, there I was.
I allowed myself a breath of satisfaction: it was enough.
The gown was black silk.
It justified the evening I was about to face.
The task was accomplished.
The result was good.
By the time I turned away from the mirror, it was six oclock.
My car was due in four minutes.
I turned the lights off in my house and walked into the gray light of early evening to wait.
My wedding gown had also been beautiful, and expensive.
It had been nothing at all like my gown for the Neufmann Banquet.
Satin instead of silk, and suffocatingly tight.
It had been white, gently cut, with a low neckline trimmed in Alencon lace.
It had been aggressively soft, determined to be hopeful.
It had been vulnerable, where my Neufmann gown was severe.
It had been tender, where my Neufmann gown was pitiless.
He gave me a velvet box with a necklace in it.
The pendant floated perfectly above the dip of the lace.
Hed wanted me to have it sooner.
I cant remember ever wearing that necklace again.
It had been a ridiculous extravagance.
When would I ever wear a sapphire?
But I watched for that smile.
I filled my pockets with that smile.
Even then, I think I knew Id need it.
**
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