Us (novel)

Us is a 2014 novel by British author David Nicholls. It follows Douglas Petersen, a biochemist, as his wife Connie unexpectedly announces her desire to leave him and their marriage. The announcement comes just before a planned "grand tour" of Europe with their teenage son, Albie, before he leaves for university.

The novel unfolds on two parallel timelines: the present, where Douglas attempts to salvage his relationship with Albie during their European trip, and the past, which recounts the early days of Douglas and Connie's romance and marriage, revealing the cracks that have developed over time.

The narrative is told from Douglas's perspective, providing an introspective and often humorous account of his attempts to understand his wife's dissatisfaction and reconnect with his son. Themes explored in Us include marriage, communication, family dynamics, growing older, and the challenges of long-term relationships. The novel is characterized by Nicholls's signature blend of wit, emotional depth, and realistic character portrayal.