A restless modern male and his long-suffering girlfriend come of age against the historic events of the 21st century in the American writer’s witty second novel

Last year, I read several novels featuring well-educated, disaffected men. Debuts by Michael Magee, Tom Lamont and Mark Bowles spring to mind. The Book of George features another restless modern male, this time written by a woman. American Kate Greathead’s bittersweet second novel charts pivotal moments in the eponymous protagonist’s life, from growing up in a New York suburb to his late 30s.

After graduating as a philosophy student, George believes his best years are behind him: “Never again would life be so promising, so full of friends and intellectual pursuits.” Masking his frustrations and depression by sneering at those he deems less intelligent, George sabotages his own attempts to find happiness or a meaningful career.