Review: “The Ten Year Affair” Explores Midlife Adultery for Today’s Generation
Erin Somers’s novel, The Ten Year Affair, delves into the complexities of midlife adultery through the eyes of Cora, a millennial mother. Set in 2015, the story highlights her longing for passion amid the cynicism of modern morality.
Plot Overview
Cora is trapped in a mundane suburban life with her husband, Eliot. The couple, originally from Brooklyn, reluctantly relocates upstate as they navigate parenthood and rising living costs. Despite their seemingly perfect life, Cora yearns for excitement and love beyond her daily obligations.
Character Dynamics
- Cora: A mother caught between desire and responsibility. Her fantasies of romance often contrast with her lackluster reality.
- Eliot: Cora’s husband, oblivious to her emotional needs, exemplifying a high-minded, privileged lifestyle.
- Sam: Their potential lover, a playgroup dad with an unusual job title, representing the allure of excitement and adventure.
Cora’s Internal Struggle
For ten years, Cora imagines an affair with Sam while overanalyzing her emotions. She creates alternate realities filled with passion rather than bills and chores. Despite her cravings for intimacy, she often feels an emptiness akin to her daily experiences.
Imagined Escapades
Cora constructs elaborate fantasies, including a fictional romance with a character named Baptiste. These daydreams represent her desire to escape her monotonous life and be adored. However, the expectations of these fantasies starkly differ from reality.
Exploring Themes of Midlife Adultery
Somers’s work offers a comical yet poignant critique of modern relationships, calling into question the meaning of passion and intimacy for contemporary parents. Cora’s experiences reflect broader existential concerns, such as the significance of life and the implications of parenthood.
Humor and Wit
The narrative is peppered with sharp humor, highlighting Cora’s observations about life, relationships, and parenthood. Her witty commentary serves to expose the absurdities of her social circle, filled with other disillusioned parents.
Conclusion
The Ten Year Affair is a fascinating exploration of desire, disillusionment, and the quest for fulfillment in middle age. With its unique perspective on midlife adultery, the book resonates with readers seeking insight into modern relationships.
Published by Canongate, the novel is available for purchase. It provides a sharp, entertaining look at how adults grapple with life’s complexities in the quest for passion and meaning.
