Trading Futures [Paperback]

This is Matthew Oxenhay at 60: a stranger to his wife, an embarrassment to his children, and failed former contender for the top job at his City firm. Seizing on his birthday party as an opportunity to deliver some rather crushing home truths to his assembled loved ones, it seems as though Matthew might have hit rock bottom. The truth, however, is that he has some way to go yet. When he unexpectedly bumps into Anna (the one who got away), the stage is set for an epic unraveling. Darkly funny,Trading Futuresforces us to confront how change, like death, is an inevitable fact of life: feared by most, it can transform or overwhelm us. This is a brilliantly observed novel, for fans of works such as John Lanchester'sMr. PhillipsandOn Chesil Beachby Ian McEwan.

"What starts as a light and droll Reggie Perrin-style novel about the fall of a middle-aged everyman, a 'perfect makeweight in an identity parade' becomes surprisingly dark and intense. We see the crack-up through Matthew's eyes, which also allows for some wittily caustic observations about modern living." —Times

"Haunting, quietly brilliant . . . a rare and remarkable achievement: a novel that meshes storytelling potency with historical erudition." —Boston GlobeonThe Breaking of Eggs