New Novel ‘The Ten Year Affair’ Challenges Suburban Life Today

UPDATE: Just announced, Erin Somers’ new novel, The Ten Year Affair, is redefining the suburban narrative, making a powerful statement about millennial domestic life. Released on July 15, 2023, this compelling book arrives at a time when discussions about suburban existence are gaining traction among readers and critics alike.

In a recent commentary in the New York Review of Books, novelist and critic Adelle Waldman questioned the current relevance of the “suburban novel.” Her reflections prompt a timely exploration of what truly constitutes a fulfilling life, particularly within the confines of suburban ideals. The Ten Year Affair dives deep into these themes, presenting a sharp, humorous take on the complexities of modern relationships.

Set in a small town in the Hudson Valley, the novel centers on Cora, a mother navigating the challenges of raising two children, including a newborn. Cora’s mundane reality with her husband, Eliot, contrasts sharply with her growing fantasy about a passionate affair with Sam, whom she meets at a parents-and-babies class. This duality of life creates a gripping narrative that resonates with anyone questioning their own domestic choices.

As Cora juggles a lackluster job and a fading intimacy with Eliot—who struggles with anti-depressants and his own insecurities—the fantasy affair with Sam offers an escape. They meet in a hotel to explore their desires, raising the stakes on what could happen if reality and fantasy collide. The novel captures the absurdities of upper-middle-class parenting, with laugh-out-loud moments that underline the challenges faced by contemporary families.

Somers’ sharp observational skills shine through as she portrays supporting characters like Eliot and Sam’s wife, Lily. Eliot is depicted as a loving husband, yet insecure, while Lily is a driven professional, navigating her own complexities. Their entangled lives amplify the emotional stakes, making readers question the structures that underpin their own lives and choices.

This novel is not just a story; it’s a reflection on the inertia of suburban life and the ennui that can lead to significant choices with lasting consequences. As millennials grapple with these themes, The Ten Year Affair arrives as a relevant exploration of what constitutes a “good” life in today’s world.

Readers are urged to engage with the book as it challenges conventional narratives and provokes essential questions about love, fidelity, and the societal expectations we face.

As discussions around the suburban novel resurface, Erin Somers’ latest work invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices that define them. Don’t miss this urgent literary release that is already stirring conversations and could become a staple for book clubs everywhere.

Stay tuned for more updates as readers dive into this thought-provoking narrative. Share your thoughts and join the conversation around The Ten Year Affair—it’s a story that resonates deeply with the struggles of modern life.