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Us by David Nicholls - 5* - My Review

Story of a marriage told in first person by Douglas Petersen, a scientist, whose wife, Connie, tells him she “thinks she needs to end their relationship�� after twenty-two years of marriage. Douglas tells of how they met and early years, alternating with their present-day trip around Europe with their seventeen-year-old son, Albie. Douglas is a biochemist who prefers a structured and practical life. Connie is free-spirited artist who now runs an educational program. Their son takes after his mother and has a turbulent relationship with his father.

I often complain that I cannot find a humorous book that appeals to me. Well, I’ve found one. There is lots of dry humor in this story, and I laughed out loud many times. The journey around European cities provides plenty of opportunities for situational comedy, as well as insight into the relationships between the family members. Of course, the book is not entirely comedic, since it about a marriage in crisis. It is wonderfully written. Even though we are only getting Douglas’s side of the story, the author is so skilled at portraying the family’s interactions that we get a good sense of the bigger picture. The reader can start to understand the dynamics that have led to marital difficulties. It is a story of life and its ups and downs. The characters are beautifully drawn. They are easy to envision and realistic. I felt totally engrossed in the story and am adding it to my list of favorites.

PBT Comments: Set in England and tagged 30 times, it includes travel to France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain.