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US is poignant, convincing and laugh out loud hilarious novel that give us an intimate insight into a 25 year marriage � a marriage that’s run its course.

Douglas and Connie Petersen are preparing for the ‘Grand Tour� across Europe, taking their 17-year-old son, Albie, before leaving home for university. This will be their last tour together as a whole family, and to educate, prepare Albie for his departure. However, at 4am one morning Connie drops a bombshell; she tells Douglas she can’t see the rest of her life with him, once Albie is gone, and is thinking of a divorce. But they’ve both agreed for Albie sake, they should continue with the ‘Grand Tour�, as planned.

US is narrated by Douglas as they journey across Europe, who believes he will win back the heart of his wife and to restore the gap between his son by his meticulously planned trip. But the harder he tried, the worse it got; accidently booking an undesirable hotel in Amsterdam, being stung by jellyfish in Barcelona, a run in with irate bikers, and generalLY saying wrong things that would get up Connie’s nose, and would ultimately drive his son away to travel with an accordion busker.

At the beginning of US, I couldn’t understand why Connie would want to leave this him. Douglas seemed like a decent man, and in his own awkwardness, he does make Connie laugh. I thought her reason to ‘rediscover herself� was a bit selfish. Why couldn’t she do it with Douglas?

Through alternative chapters, Douglas reminisces of the time they first met and the years that follow. Douglas is biochemist, and what I’d describe as plain, straight-laced type of guy, a bit pedantic and likes order. Whereas Connie is the artistic type, spontaneous and free spirited in nature but beautiful lady - and Albie’s inherited Connie’s free spirited nature. Even though they are poles apart, Connie found these traits in Douglas so appealing, and they clicked. It wasn’t until the later parts of their marriage, when they came together to make important decision - such as parenting issue, job security and home relocation - that their differing values collided; and that included Douglas relationship with his son. The entire family dynamics felt so draining for all parties, and I could see where Connie was coming from.

US is a simple story and while it’s hilarious at times it did give my heart a gentle tug. Douglas voice had appeal and honesty that was so engaging and being married for 25 years, a few of issues that were brought up felt real and relatable.

Superb novel. It has now made me want to read ONE DAY.