The Necessary Marriage - Softcover

Lodato, Elisa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1474606393 ISBN 13: 9781474606394

Publisher: W&N, 2019

Synopsis

The new novel from the author of An Unremarkable Body, shortlisted for the Costa First Book Award 2018.

'Elegant, subtle and tender, with a sharp sting in the tale' Sunday Mirror
'A captivating novel which gets to the core of lust, love and commitment' Irish Times
'Gripping and atmospheric, this book will knock you sideways' Fiona Mitchell, author of The Maid's Room

Sixteen-year-old Jane has a crush on her history teacher. He's everything she has ever wanted - handsome, bookish, kind - and before long they break the rules and fall in love. It is only once married and tied down with two children in 1980s suburbia that Jane realises what she might have given up.

When Marion and Andrew, a couple whose passion tips into violence, move in next door, Jane is forced to confront feelings she didn't know she could have. As desire and loyalty are blurred, it becomes clear nobody can escape the devastating impact of a family falling apart.

About this title

Review:

Elegant, subtle and tender, with a sharp sting in the tale (SUNDAY MIRROR)

This is a novel which closely examines hidden lives and secret motives . . . I would call it Surrey Gothic: a superbly written suburban saga with an agreeable sense of creeping dread (Wendy Holden DAILY MAIL)

A captivating novel which gets to the core of lust, love and commitment. Lodato's writing is delicate, yet direct . . . an excellent examination of rash decisions and their consequences (IRISH TIMES)

Beautifully written and with emotional intelligence pulsing through its veins, this portrait of marriage is a gripping read right up to its shocking end (Kate Hamer, author of THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT and THE DOLL FUNERAL)

An intimate portrait of two couples that lays bare the truth of their marriages and the danger of relationships that stretch across neighbouring walls. Beautifully written, poignant and thrilling (Chloë Mayer, author of THE BOY MADE OF SNOW)

I adored this beautifully told, immersive portrait of two marriages and the flaws and desires within . . . so gripping and original (Clare Empson, author of HIM)

Gripping and atmospheric, this book will knock you sideways (Fiona Mitchell, author of THE MAID’S ROOM)

Tragic and affecting, this novel absorbed me from the first page - and what an ending, wow! (Melanie Golding, author of LITTLE DARLINGS)

I adored this tale of two very different marriages. Beautifully written, utterly compelling, and so tense, I was gripped from page one (Francesca Jakobi, author of BITTER)

I hugely enjoyed this novel - a subtle and unexpected take on marriage and the paths we weave through life. A lovely evocation of time and place and a perfectly judged ending. (Joanne Sefton, author of IF THEY KNEW)

Book Description:

An exquisitely crafted portrait of marriage with a dark twist, perfect for fans of Maggie O'Farrell, Louise Doughty and Anne Tyler and Liane Moriarty.

About this edition

• Publisher: W&N
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1474606393
• ISBN 13: 9781474606394
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384