The Necessary Marriage

Book excerpt: The new novel from the author of An Unremarkable Body, shortlisted for the Costa First Book Award 2018. 'Elegant, subtle and tender, with a sharp sting in the tale' Sunday Mirror 'A captivating novel which gets to the core of lust, love and commitment' Irish Times 'Gripping and atmospheric, this book will knock you sideways' Fiona Mitchell, author of The Maid's Room Sixteen-year-old Jane has a crush on her history teacher. He's everything she has ever wanted - handsome, bookish, kind - and before long they break the rules and fall in love. It is only once married and tied down with two children in 1980s suburbia that Jane realises what she might have given up. When Marion and Andrew, a couple whose passion tips into violence, move in next door, Jane is forced to confront feelings she didn't know she could have. As desire and loyalty are blurred, it becomes clear nobody can escape the devastating impact of a family falling apart.