Shelter in Place

In "Shelter in Place," a group of New Yorkers seeks refuge in a Connecticut countryside house after the 2016 presidential election, but when Eva Lindquist persuades her husband to buy a dilapidated apartment in Venice, it sets off a chain of events that leads him to embark on an unexpected love affair. The novel explores themes of house and home, safety and freedom, and the ways in which political upheaval can undermine even the most impregnable foundations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, a group of New Yorkers seeks solace in a plush weekend house in Connecticut, hoping to recover from what they perceive as the greatest political catastrophe of their lives. Among them is Eva Lindquist, a generous hostess with a penchant for decorating. However, when she persuades her husband to purchase a grand, dilapidated apartment in Venice, she inadvertently triggers a series of events that lead him to venture outside the safety of their familiar bubble and embark on an unexpected love affair.

Shelter in Place, by Rachel Cusk, is a wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel that offers a slyly comic look at the shelter industry. It explores themes of house and home, safety and freedom, and the insidious ways in which political upheaval can undermine even the most seemingly impregnable foundations. Through the character of Eva, the novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of happiness, and the search for meaning in a world that is constantly changing.

The novel's setting in Venice adds an extra layer of intrigue, as it provides a contrast to the privileged world of the New Yorkers. The dilapidated apartment serves as a symbol of the challenges and uncertainties that come with venturing into the unknown, and the love affair that develops between Eva and her husband is a testament to the power of unexpected connections.

Overall, Shelter in Place is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of political upheaval. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys witty prose, emotional depth, and a thoughtful exploration of the human condition.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408845950