Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2025

‘Feels less like reading a novel and more like sitting in a car beside a dear friend . . . a profoundly moving experience.’ ANN PATCHETT
‘Deeply human … a beautifully quiet and devastating book.’ SARAH JESSICA PARKER
‘Funny, wise and knowing.’ CLARE CHAMBERS

When Tom’s wife had an affair, he resolved to leave her once their children had grown up. Twelve years later, after driving his daughter to university, he remembers his pact and keeps driving West to visit friends, family and an old girlfriend.

But he also has secrets of his own – trouble at work and health issues – and sometimes running away is the hardest thing to do.

What readers are saying about The Rest of Our Lives:
‘What a powerful tale; a really unexpected treasure.’
‘Highly recommended if you want to read something real and something that will resonate.’
‘The best novel I’ve read this year.’
‘The perfect mix of funny, poignant and thought-provoking.’
‘Deeply heartfelt and engrossing . . . I can’t stop thinking about it!’
‘It packs an emotional punch . . . I know Tom will stay with me for a long time.’
‘I loved it – almost a coming-of-old-age story.’

‘Excellent . . . this compelling depiction of life at a crossroads is a male counterpart to Miranda July’s All Fours.’ Guardian

About the Author: Benjamin Markovits grew up in Texas, London and Berlin. His novels include Either Side of Winter, You Don’t Have to Live Like This and The Sidekick. In 2013 Granta selected him as one of their Best of Young British Novelists and in 2015 he won the Eccles British Library Writer in Residence Award and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. He lives in London.

25 Sep 2025
 

The Rest of Our Lives: Shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2025 by Benjamin Markovits ISBN 9780571388554