The Rest of Our Lives

Benjamin Markovits

£9.99

When Tom Layward’s wife had an affair he resolved to leave her as soon as his youngest daughter turned eighteen. Twelve years later, while driving her to Pittsburgh to start university, he remembers his pact. He is also on the run from his own health issues, and the fact that he’s been put on leave at work after students complained about the politics of his law class – something he hasn’t yet told his wife. So, after dropping Miriam off, he keeps driving, with the vague plan of visiting various people from his past – an old college friend, his ex-girlfriend, his brother, his son – on route, maybe, to his father’s grave in California.

In stock

Publish Date: 15/01/2026
ISBN: 9780571388554 Category: Tag:

Description

LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2025

An Observer ‘Novel to look out for in 2025’ and an FT ‘Best Summer Read’

‘Moving, smart and life-affirming.’ OBSERVER

‘Why aren’t all novels like this?’ THE CRITIC
‘A triumphant twist on the great American road novel.’ GUARDIAN

‘So funny, wise and knowing.’ CLARE CHAMBERS

What’s left when your kids grow up and leave home?

When Tom Layward’s wife had an affair he resolved to leave her as soon as his youngest daughter turned eighteen. Twelve years later, while taking her to Pittsburgh to start university, he remembers his pact, and keeps driving West.

An unforgettable road trip novel, The Rest of Our Lives beautifully explores the nuance and complications of a long-term marriage.

What readers are saying about The Rest of Our Lives:
‘What a powerful tale; a really unexpected treasure.’
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‘Highly recommended if you want to read something real and something that will resonate.’ ?????
‘The best novel I’ve read this year. Highly recommended.’ ?????
‘I absolutely loved it – the perfect mix of funny, poignant and thought-provoking.’ ?????

Additional information

Dimensions 198 × 129 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

224

Language

English

Edition

1st paperback ed

Dewey

813.6 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K