Book Review: Rocco’s Wife

Reviewed by Amy Brozio-Andrews

A marriage in crisis, mental illness, and the obstacles one woman is willing to overcome for love

Sadie Ignani has been content to consider herself Rocco’s wife, but as his mental illness takes a stronger hold on him, she is forced to forge a new identity of her own and a strength she didn’t know she had.

She’s seen multiple signs of concern with Rocco for a while now. The impulsive decisions, freewheeling spending, mood swings, and reckless behavior slowly increase over time, and while Sadie makes an effort to find someone—anyone—to help her husband and her marriage, her pleas remain unanswered.

It’s only when Rocco’s unpredictability spills over into legal trouble that Sadie finds a true ally in getting Rocco the help he desperately needs. Through it all, the support of Sadie’s friends and a select few neighbors and family give her confidence. Sadie finally begins to see herself as more than Rocco’s wife, and she fully steps into her own, making decisions instead of reacting to others’ decisions.

Sadie and Rocco’s story is revealed through a running series of vignettes that move between past and present to color in a full picture of their marriage. And while no union is perfect, including the Ignagnis’ marriage, it’s clear that there is love and commitment there. Sadie’s vow to love her husband through better or worse, and through sickness and in health, is one she takes seriously. It’s heartrending to see the legal, financial, and emotional wake of destruction Rocco’s increasing mental illness leaves Sadie dealing with.

Rocco’s Wife is never maudlin or depressing though. Skillful pacing keeps the action moving without glossing over the challenges faced by Rocco and Sadie. The author has a sharp sense of humor and delivers plenty of well-timed quips—a needed contrast to just how seriously Rocco’s actions have upended the Ignagnis’ lives. Sadie and Rocco’s family and friends are wonderful foils, reflecting the couple’s highs and lows with sensitivity, respect, and sincerity.

While a compelling, realistic portrait of the toll mental illness takes on a person and a marriage, Rocco’s Wife ultimately becomes an uplifting story of one woman’s determination to take care of her husband and herself, even if she’s not entirely sure what that looks like. As easy as it is to cheer for Sadie with each small success, it’s crushing to see every new obstacle Rocco puts in her way, even unintentionally. Fortunately, Sadie’s not just a fighter but a survivor, and we are better for having witnessed her dedication to Rocco.

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