Engaging and illuminating, al-Khalili argues that a scientific approach is “one of humankind’s great riches and the birthright of everyone”. Asking how we might navigate our way through misinformation and conflicting statistics, he proposes that thinking more scientifically can aid our ability to steer a course through truth and uncertainty, doubt, bias and decision-making. The quantum physicist and BBC presenter invites readers to adopt a scientific approach to modern living. Princeton University Press, £12.99, pp224 Filled with razor-sharp dialogue and psychological acuity, At the Table is an astute debut novel about dysfunctional family life. Her brother, Jamie, is having second thoughts about his impending marriage and becomes obsessive about diet and exercise. Nicole is a successful commercial director for a technology company but also a functioning alcoholic. SO astute, on so many levels.When Linda and Gerry Maguire announce their separation after decades of marriage, their thirtysomething children find the news difficult to digest. ‘A brilliant, coruscating depiction of dysfunctional family life. I missed this book whenever I wasn’t reading it’ Luke Kennard ‘Painfully funny, acutely well-observed, powerfully resonant in its humanity and emotional accuracy. A gripping yet tender depiction of family dynamics, love and disillusionment, At the Table is about what it means to grow up – both as an individual, and as a family.
Set in 2018, Claire Powell’s beautifully observed debut novel follows each member of the Maguire family over a tumultuous year of lunches, dinners and drinks, as old conflicts arise and relationships are re-evaluated. But as the siblings grapple with the pressures of thirtysomething life, their parents struggle to protect the fragile façade of their own relationship, and the secrets they’ve both been keeping. Hardworking – and hard-drinking – Nicole pursues the ex she unceremoniously dumped six years ago, while people-pleasing Jamie fears he’s sleepwalking into a marriage he doesn’t actually want. So when Linda and Gerry announce that they’ve decided to separate, the news sends shockwaves through the siblings’ lives, forcing them to confront their own expectations and desires. To Nicole and Jamie Maguire, their parents seem the ideal couple – a suburban double act, happily married for more than thirty years. ‘An assured, exquisitely drawn novel that fans of Sorrow And Bliss will adore’ Sarra Manning, Red magazine ‘ At the Table is a hugely intelligent, emotionally astute novel about family dynamics, and Claire Powell is an incredible new talent’ Marian Keyes a summer read to devour with suncream and spilt rosé – and then lend to your mum or your daughter’ The Times ‘The kind of rare story you want to nosedive into on a hot hungover weekend and slurp down like iced coffee – cold, sweet and quenching. A 2022 BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR for THE TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, RED, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AND CRITIC
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