I'm now onto my next book - The Post Birthday World by Lionel Shriver (a woman). This is a novel that explores the "what-if" concept. It involves, Irina, a children's book illustrator, living in London and married to her American husband, Lawrence. Every summer, the two have dinner with a friend, Ramsey, on his birthday. This is a man that Irina is not entirely comfortable being around because at first conversation is difficult with him and as years go by she feels he may be a little "sweet on her". On the sixth year of this tradition, Lawrence is out of town but Ramsey and Irina decide to celebrate on their own. In the midst of their "date", Irina (after cocktails and a little hash) is tempted to kiss Ramsey. As a result of this near kiss, the author takes the reader on a dual narrative. The first involves what Irina imagines would have happened if she had given in to temptation, the other shows Irina staying with Lawrence while fantasizing about Ramsey.
This novel has gotten rave reviews (as has the author who's won prizes for previous novels) and so far (about 30 pages in) I really like it. I'll let you know.
Update: So, I had to stop reading The Post Birthday World because I was having a hard time getting through it. It was all about a woman somewhat discontent in her 10-year relationship and fantscizing about having an affair. It just felt so destructive. I couldn't like the main character because even though in the book she was only having an affair in her mind it was just so deceitful. Maybe I'll pick it up later - but for now, I'm not there.
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