'A brilliant and seemingly effortless accomplishment. steady uninterrupted delight' Sunday TelegraphFaculty wife Emily Stockwell Turner is beautiful, rich, and principled. However, five years in a marriage devoid of passion is enough to propel Emmy, despite her principles, into an affair with a silver-tongued self-confessed libertine.

Her husband, a dull, hard-working lecturer, suspecting everyone but the right man, sends himself half mad with jealousy. The shocking, unforeseen consequences of their affair shatter Emmy's most cherished delusions about friendship, romance, and the ties that bind. 'Lurie is and really is, different.

She writes with great elegance, as frostily clear as the climate she describes; and with sharp intelligence piercing through every sentence. She is very funny as well' Observer.

Why You Should Read?

• Offers a sharp critique of societal expectations within the context of marriage and relationships.
• Explores the unforeseen consequences of an affair, delving into the themes of friendship, romance, and the bonds that connect us.
• Provides a humorous yet insightful commentary on the intricacies of human behavior.
• Features a clear and engaging writing style that makes complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.

About the Author

Alison Lurie is an acclaimed American novelist and literary critic, known for her witty and insightful observations of social dynamics. Her writing often explores themes of friendship, relationships, and the complexities of human behavior. Lurie's work is characterized by its sharp intelligence, elegant prose, and a distinctive ability to capture the nuances of everyday life. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to literature, solidifying her place as a prominent voice in contemporary fiction.