This is a huge book, both in size (597 pages) and in its examination of what it means to be in relationship with someone over the long haul – and how the family we are brought up in affects our adult experiences of relationships.
Elizabeth comes from a monied family and Jack is from a rural one – but they share a meeting on minds when they come together as students in Chicago. But 20 years on, Elizabeth is at the low ebb in the U shape of happiness – which is the theory that we are happiest in our 20s and 60s and most unhappy in our forties.
Her husband Jack sees she is unhappy but can’t shift the dial for his soulmate. There’s so much that’s funny and recognisable in wondering how they went from being idealists staying up all night discussing the big questions to now debating whether they should have closed cupboards or open shelves in their new apartment.
This novel goes back and forth in time, delving into their family histories and their current work and family lives. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves, and how this shapes our relationships and wellbeing.
