The Husbands

Bohai is an anomaly among the husbands Lauren receives, as he too experiences the magical swapping of spouses. He initially strikes Lauren as polite and unassuming, but also not particularly unique or interesting. However, when she learns that he is in the same position she is in, a bond rapidly forms between them. Both are eager to share their experiences with someone who can relate, and they become one another’s confidant. The two feel no sexual attraction but are content to remain “married” for a while as a respite from the stress of constantly swapping spouses. Bohai genuinely cares for Lauren and is eager to share with her the benefits of his experience. With Bohai’s help, Lauren is able to think through and solidify the qualities she seeks in a mate—something that she has not considered systematically before this point. Bohai becomes a sounding board for Lauren to determine who she is and what she hopes to gain in a long-term relationship when she finally enters one.

When Bohai “leaves” for his next life, he and Lauren make a point to keep in touch. In this way, Bohai becomes a consistent presence in Lauren’s life—someone she can trust to support her each time she “resets” her life. Indeed, as future husbands come and go, Lauren frequently finds herself turning to Bohai for support. Bohai proves to be a compassionate and careful listener, yet he is also humorous and able to help Lauren see the levity in her situation. Further, Bohai is dependable and trustworthy and comes to Lauren’s aid in several circumstances.

When Bohai develops a meaningful relationship with a woman he meets while his spouse is having an affair, his character begins to grow and change. He finally obtains the kind of connection he has longed for and welcomes the opportunity for stability that a permanent commitment brings. Though Lauren, to a degree, feels betrayed by Bohai, he has genuinely done the work of experiencing countless relationships to determine who is the best partner for him and, in turn, how to be the best partner. His commitment serves as a model for Lauren, who ultimately takes a gamble on the “final” husband she is given.

Lauren’s neighbor Toby and his wife Maryam are among the few consistent presences in her life amid the constant changes. Toby is polite and caring, taking an interest in Lauren’s life and her problems in a way that demonstrates a desire to help but not to meddle. He serves as a friend to Lauren, as they socialize together and entertain one another in their homes. Many of their exchanges occur when both are outside in their yards—this becomes a way for Lauren to escape the presence of the attic while still being within its proximity. As Lauren learns more about how the attic functions, Toby becomes a kind of barometer for her: His constant friendliness and support assure Lauren that he is unable to remember the existence of any past husbands. Thus, it is Toby’s stability and reliability that Lauren takes refuge in. At several junctures, Toby is physically present to assist Lauren with problems that arise due to the husbands, such as comforting her and bringing her to the hospital when husband Zach is injured.

Toby and Maryam’s plan to move to a new flat is upsetting for Lauren. Initially, she reassures herself that this is a change she can prevent by changing husbands. However, this proves not to be the case as with each subsequent husband, the couple is in the process of packing and preparing for the move. Their move becomes symbolic of Lauren’s need to end her reliance on the attic and to settle upon one husband permanently instead of remaining in constant flux. With neither Toby nor the attic to rely upon, Lauren must change and move forward.