'I was totally overwhelmed by this extraordinary novel. A total joy - and laugh-out-loud funny' DEBORAH MOGGACH

The New York Times-bestselling, National Book Award-winning author of THE FRIEND brings her singular voice to a story about the meaning of life and death, and the value of companionship.

The woman at the heart of this extraordinary novel finds that everyone she meets has a common need: the urge to talk about themselves and to have an audience for their experiences. And so she tries to pay attention, to imagine and listen to what those around her are going through. But then an old friend makes an extraordinary request and draws her into an intense and transformative experience of her own.

'I just adore Sigrid Nunez' PAULA HAWKINS

'Brilliant. I loved it as much as The Friend' SUSIE STEINER

'When I open one of [Sigrid Nunez's] novels, I almost always know immediately: This is where I want to be ... As good as The Friend, if not better' NEW YORK TIMES

'A true pleasure to read, a novel bursting with wit, warmth, and human empathy' INDEPENDENT

'Brilliant ... The narrative control of this novel simply dazzles' SPECTATOR