Satirical, clever novel on relationships with a nice premise for the protagonist, Anna who is using her friends as case studies for a book she is writing about marriage. Opening up and talking can be very unsettling and indeed give room to ponder, reflect and question. Not always a good idea, especially when it’s difficult to be totally honest. With well thought-out characters and a good storyline, this was a rewarding read.
Anna is working on what promises to be her breakthrough bestseller about marriage and what makes it work. Who doesn't want to peer through the keyhole of other peoples' relationships from the couple who've been together for years but aren't really talking, to the newly divorced pair who aren't quite separated? Some of Anna's friends have been eager to act as case studies: Ruth and Dave, the contented, unconventional, boho couple; resting actor Tony and his beautiful and controlled ex-wife Jean; Valerie and Archie, smug marrieds with two children. And then there's Anna herself, living a tranquil life with new man Richard in their pale minimalist flat. It should all be plain sailing, but Anna's carefully noted observations don't seem to tell the whole story - if these are the models for marriage twenty first century style, why is it that, in each case, something is missing?
Shane Watson writes regular columns for the Sunday Times ‘Style’ section and the New Statesman, and is a contributing editor to Easy Living magazine. She is the author of The One to Watch and Other People’s Marriages.
