Us: A Novel

By: David Nicholls

Narrated by: David Haig

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Douglas Petersen may be mild-mannered, but behind his reserve lies a sense of humor that seduces beautiful Connie into a second date...and eventually into marriage. Now, almost three decades later, they live more or less happily in the London suburbs with their moody seventeen year-old son, Albie. Then Connie tells him she thinks she wants a divorce.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Connie has planned a month-long tour of European capitals, a chance to experience the world’s greatest works of art as a family, and she can’t bring herself to cancel. And maybe going ahead is for the best anyway? Douglas is privately convinced that this landmark trip will rekindle the romance in the marriage, and might even help him to bond with Albie.

Narrated from Douglas’s endearingly honest, slyly witty, and at times achingly optimistic point of view, Us is the story of a man trying to rescue his relationship with the woman he loves, and learning how to get closer to a son who’s always felt like a stranger.

©2014 David Nicholls (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

"Haig's portrayal of a straitlaced middle-aged scientist who is trying to fit in with his artistic, laid-back family is flawless, and listeners will be impressed with his ability to seamlessly transition among the characters, capturing each one's personality. This bittersweet comedy of errors and self-discovery is destined to be one of the most talked about audiobooks of the year." (AudioFile)

A listless love story

A love story or rather a story about finding oneself through love. Characters were believable (possibly too everyday). Scenery was the best part! Narration decent and suited to the main character, was a bit dry.

Lots of insight into relationships , a few too many detours

Well structured story with memorable descriptions of relatable moments eg what it feels like to go to an art museum as a non- artist, accompanied by two artists. Insightful description of the many small events and character behaviors that predicted the eventual outcome. Believable main characters; although I thought Connie was a bit unreal- who wants to end her marriage but go on a family grand tour of Europe first? After telling her husband she has had it!?! All those “I love yous” masked the infliction of psychological torture on both sides.

At times too much information; Douglas had evolved into a tedious bore when observing a painting that moved him. But that is what fast forward is for…

Despite these criticisms, the story was overall thought- provoking, often funny, and mostly engaging.

The journey to self-awareness

The handwriting is always on the wall, should you care to read it. This character is forced to confront the reality that he has ignored about his life and family relationships. The perfect life that he imagined is really quite flawed and we watch as he journeys back in time to consider why his family is so unhappy and why his son dislikes being around him.

This is a Gem!

US is the best book I have read in a long time. I am a very fussy reader and return almost as many as I keep. David Haig is a master of dialog, making subtle adjustments for younger characters. When will the next book by David Nichols be available?

Ann Gordon

Very candid, witty, poignant

I will immediately look for other books by this author and reader. At times depressing, a little too close to reality for comfort at moments, but so funny at times that I couldn't listen to it while my husband was sleeping next to me because I shook with belly laughs. Nails the absurdity of raising a teenager. I'd recommend it to people who've had long marriages and any young person wonderful enough to care about their parents' point of view if any exist.

I LOVED Douglas ❤️❤️❤️

I really enjoyed this book! It never had a dull moment! I really liked the male character, Douglas. Though, I do not feel he gave himself enough credit, I loved his resolves & epiphanies.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. Probably even to couples who are in discovery points of the marriage. But to anyone this would be a great read!

OK not that great

humour is good, at least some of it. its quite a drag towards the end.

Unexpected delight

Dryly funny with wonderful clear characters and insights into human behavior, I totally enjoyed this story of
Douglas, his wife, Connie, and their son, Albert. Truthful, hilarious, and worth a tear hear and there. No formulas used in this gem about a biochemist and his loved ones.

Laugh out loud, touching and relatable.

Very enjoyable read. I could identify with so many parts of the story... Loved the end.

What can I say?

When I started this book I truly thought it was going to be tedious. There were several times I was tempted to fast forward or just start a different book. But don’t do it. When ai finally began to really listen I found the story to be engaging, albeit sometimes frustrating, and the humor to be delightful!