Irina McGovern, an American writer in London, is a children's book illustrator in a long relationship with a decent, steady partner, Lawrence. At a dinner party she is faced with a moment: she can either kiss Ramsey Acton, a charismatic snooker player, or refuse. Lionel Shriver then splits the story into two parallel timelines, one in which she kisses him and one in which she does not, and follows the consequences of each over a decade. The novel considers the effect of small choices on love, work and happiness.
It suits readers who like "sliding doors" stories and relationship dramas with philosophical weight. It is a long, absorbing novel.
Inward-looking and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2007
- Language
- EN
