The new novel by the author of the bestsellers Blast from the Past and Popcorn. Sam and Lucy seem like the perfect couple. Successful, happy and in love. But life isn’t that simple. Lucy thinks Sam is a sad, cold sensitivity-exclusion zone who would rather read a newspaper than have an emotion. Sam thinks Lucy is blaming him because she can’t walk past Mothercare without getting all teary. The problem is that they might be infertile. And in more ways than one. Lucy wants a baby. Sam wants to write a hit movie. And given that the average IVF cycle has about a one in five chance of going into full production, Lucy’s chances of getting what she wants are considerably better than Sam’s. What Sam and Lucy are about to go through is absolutely inconceivable. The question is, can their love survive? Or are the odds stacked against them once again?
**Explore the Heartbreak and Humor of Infertility in Ben Elton's *Inconceivable*** Dive into the complex and often hilarious world of modern relationships with Ben Elton's *Inconceivable*, a poignant and witty novel that explores the challenges of infertility, ambition, and the enduring power of love. From the bestselling author of *Blast from the Past* and *Popcorn*, this reprint edition offers a sharp, satirical, and deeply human look at a couple grappling with a life-altering struggle. Meet Sam and Lucy, an outwardly successful and loving couple living in London. On the surface, they seem to have it all. But beneath the facade of perfect contentment lies a growing chasm of unspoken desires and simmering resentments. Lucy yearns for motherhood, a longing that intensifies with each passing month and every heartbreaking negative pregnancy test. She sees Sam as emotionally unavailable, a man more interested in his creative pursuits than in understanding her pain. Sam, on the other hand, dreams of cinematic glory. He's chasing the elusive dream of writing a hit movie, a goal that seems increasingly out of reach. He feels the weight of Lucy's unspoken accusations, sensing that she blames him for their inability to conceive. He sees Lucy's maternal longing as a ticking clock, a constant reminder of his perceived failures. Their journey through the often-dehumanizing world of fertility treatments, specifically IVF, becomes a battleground for their individual aspirations and their shared future. Elton masterfully weaves humor and pathos as he navigates the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, exposing the raw vulnerability and the surprising moments of levity that emerge from the darkest of times. *Inconceivable* is more than just a story about trying to have a baby. It's a compelling exploration of the pressures faced by modern couples, the clash between career ambitions and personal desires, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their dreams. Elton's signature wit and sharp social commentary are on full display, making this novel both thought-provoking and immensely entertaining. Set against the backdrop of late 1990s London, *Inconceivable* captures the zeitgeist of a generation grappling with profound questions about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. The novel examines the societal pressures placed on women to become mothers, the anxieties surrounding male virility and creative success, and the often-uneven distribution of emotional labor within relationships. Will Sam and Lucy's love survive the trials and tribulations of infertility? Can they find a way to reconcile their individual desires and forge a path towards a shared future? Or will the odds, both biological and emotional, prove to be insurmountable? If you enjoyed *High Fidelity* by Nick Hornby or *Bridget Jones's Diary* by Helen Fielding, you'll find yourself captivated by the relatable characters and the witty, insightful storytelling of *Inconceivable*. This paperback edition, published by Corgi in 1999, offers a chance to rediscover or experience for the first time this timeless tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. Add *Inconceivable* to your cart today and embark on a journey that will make you laugh, cry, and contemplate the complexities of the human heart. A must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with infertility, questioned their life choices, or simply wondered if true love can conquer all.