This novel presents a couple that, from the outside, ostensibly leads a charmed life. Simon is a physician with a thriving practice and Emily is a successful businesswoman; however, their relationship was irrevocably damaged by a tragic incident early in their marriage. Their only child is lonely and unparented. When Simon seems to find a cure for chronic pain, he becomes obsessed with its promotion while Emily pursues a relationship with a former lover under the guise of business obligations.
What we see from the onset is that chronic pain is not merely a physical manifestation and takes many forms. Both Emily and Simon are deeply hurting individuals who never addressed the pain they shared either individually or together, and their self absorption is a result of avoiding the pain. Kate Ledger writes intelligently about the slow dissolution of marriage and also the meaning of and significance of hope.
What we see from the onset is that chronic pain is not merely a physical manifestation and takes many forms. Both Emily and Simon are deeply hurting individuals who never addressed the pain they shared either individually or together, and their self absorption is a result of avoiding the pain. Kate Ledger writes intelligently about the slow dissolution of marriage and also the meaning of and significance of hope.
