Scaffolding

Two couples live in the same apartment in Belleville 50 years apart in a book which is beautifully anchored to place and character. Renowned essayist Lauren Elkin exemplifies intellectual prowess, in which the narrative form of fiction actually allows her to push towards something arguably greater than her non-fiction. The novel explores psychoanalysis through a variety of theories, in fact revealing how we cannot grasp a single notion of love and desire but should embrace a multitude of ever-changing possibilities. This is the hottest, cleverest book of the year, it will tear you apart but it also feels like home.