A heartbreakingly moving and hilariously funny novel about marriage, parenting, love, desire and betrayal.
Captivating Ruth Jones, author of Us Three
Tremendous William Boyd author of Any Human Heart
Funny, wry, unsettling Nathan Filer, author of The Shock of the Fall
Emily should be happy. She has a nice husband (even if they rarely speak to each other, let alone sleep in the same bed), two little boys she loves (even if a full nights sleep is a distant memory) and now, a brand-new house in which they can live out all of the bourgeois fantasies she knows she should be ashamed of. But still she aches for something more.
Enter Alathea and Elliott, their new neighbours, and also parents of two young boys. Alathea is intimidatingly confident and beautiful, but also disarmingly open and friendly. And Elliott Elliott is intriguing. Dishevelled, talented, charming and a little lost, he seems as fascinated by Emily as she is by him, and soon their friendship has reached an intensity neither of them seem able to control.
As riotously funny as it is painfully moving, this is a novel about disappointment and yearning; about parenting and growing up; and the search for love, meaning and connection.
**Discover the Heartbreakingly Funny Truths of Modern Life in Luke Kennard's *The Answer to Everything*** Dive into the complexities of marriage, parenthood, and the elusive search for meaning in Luke Kennard's critically acclaimed novel, *The Answer to Everything*. This captivating hardcover edition, published by Fourth Estate, is a must-read for fans of contemporary literary fiction, offering a poignant and often hilarious exploration of love, desire, and betrayal. Emily seemingly has it all: a husband, two children, and a brand-new house the very picture of suburban bliss. Yet, beneath the surface of this carefully constructed facade lies a deep-seated yearning for something more. Trapped in a routine and disconnected from her spouse, Emily finds herself grappling with the disillusionment of unfulfilled dreams. The arrival of new neighbors, Alathea and Elliott, throws Emily's life into sharp relief. Alathea, with her effortless confidence and captivating beauty, initially intimidates Emily but soon blossoms into a close friend. However, it's Elliott, the charming and slightly dishevelled husband, who truly captivates Emily's attention. A talented artist seemingly adrift, Elliott mirrors Emily's own sense of being lost, and their connection intensifies rapidly. As Emily and Elliott's friendship deepens, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they can't ignore. Their bond teeters on the edge of something more, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed stability of Emily's life. Kennard masterfully portrays the intoxicating allure of forbidden desire and the moral complexities of pursuing happiness at the expense of others. *The Answer to Everything* is not simply a tale of infidelity. It delves into the broader anxieties of modern life: the pressures of parenthood, the struggle to maintain intimacy in long-term relationships, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery. Kennard's writing is sharp, witty, and deeply insightful, offering a refreshingly honest portrayal of the challenges and absurdities of contemporary existence. Readers and critics alike have praised Kennard's unique voice and his ability to blend humor and pathos seamlessly. Ruth Jones, author of *Us Three*, describes the novel as "captivating," while William Boyd, author of *Any Human Heart*, hails it as "tremendous." Nathan Filer, author of *The Shock of the Fall*, praises its "funny, wry, unsettling" qualities. This 416-page hardcover edition of *The Answer to Everything* is a beautiful and thought-provoking addition to any bookshelf. Weighing in at 1127 grams, it's a substantial and satisfying read that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age stories, explorations of family life, or insightful examinations of love and friendship, this novel is sure to resonate with you. It also touches upon themes of religion and spirituality as characters grapple with existential questions. Don't miss your chance to experience the literary sensation that everyone is talking about. Order your copy of *The Answer to Everything* today and discover the truths, both hilarious and heartbreaking, that lie at the heart of modern relationships.