A humorous and compassionate look at how we adapt to life’s absurdities in a foolishly sophisticated manner.
By Nathan Hill ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 26, 2023
A tale of love that is both joyous and sorrowful, spanning many years. Jack Baker, a photographer from Kansas, moves to Chicago in the 1990s and is met with confusion when people ask him why he chooses to work with Polaroids. His friend, an artsy hipster, reminds him that they are mass-produced, instant, cheap, and impermanent. Jack is determined to prove that this is the point of his work. Elizabeth Augustine is a student at DePaul University, studying four majors and enjoying theater, even though she has no talent for it.
They settle into a life together, but when Elizabeth gets a job at a psychological research firm, she discovers that she can make more money by creating false information than by exposing it. Hill’s novel takes a humorous look at our culture, poking fun at organic food, progressive parenting, and open marriage. He also shows how love can be a powerful force, even if it doesn’t conquer all. In the end, Jack and Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that love can be a great starting point.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780593536117
Page Count: 624
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2023