The ultimate ‘what if’ novel, from the million-copy-bestselling author of FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON: ‘A masterpiece of poignant brilliance … heartbreaking’ Guardian
Karen and Barney Stark should never have married. Childless, uncomfortable and incompatible, their marriage has not been a success, and the lack of a child only makes the tension between them worse. And living their lives to the beat of a fertility clock only adds to the increasingly volatile atmosphere.
When an incident at Barney’s workplace causes them both to be unknowingly contaminated with radioactive dust, they also become pariahs – in their neighbourhood and with their families. But things are only going to get worse. Karen discovers she is pregnant and as their closest friends become frightened enemies, the dream of becoming parents turns into a nightmare…
Karen and Barney Stark should never have married. Childless, uncomfortable and incompatible, their marriage has not been a success, and the lack of a child only makes the tension between them worse. And living their lives to the beat of a fertility clock only adds to the increasingly volatile atmosphere.
When an incident at Barney’s workplace causes them both to be unknowingly contaminated with radioactive dust, they also become pariahs – in their neighbourhood and with their families. But things are only going to get worse. Karen discovers she is pregnant and as their closest friends become frightened enemies, the dream of becoming parents turns into a nightmare…
Reviews
A chilling Touch. One that you'll remember
What possibly could turn into a sort of science fiction thriller actually becomes a very human book with the spilling of emotions becoming more important than the radioactive accident
Terrifying in its potential reality
Gripping, well-plotted book ... radiation contamination has provided Keyes with a macabre and unusually provocative idea for a novel and he exploits it with narrative skill
