Nathan Hill made a significant impact with his debut novel, The Nix, upon its release in 2016. The book, spanning numerous decades and hundreds of pages, delved into the story of a man determined to uncover his family's hidden secrets in his quest to reclaim his own life. Both critics and readers were captivated by its intricate narrative. Although I missed the chance to read that novel, I promised myself to keep an eye out for whatever Hill would create next. When his publisher offered me a copy of his second work, Wellness, I eagerly seized the opportunity to dive into it. This latest tale, while more intimate than his previous work, retains the sprawling and impactful quality that characterizes his writing.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Jack and Elizabeth certainly did. In the early 90s, Jack, a struggling art student, stood on the verge of greatness after escaping the mundane life of rural middle America for the vibrant art scene of Chicago. With the advent of the internet, his work gained recognition, and Jack embraced his newfound subversive identity. Elizabeth, seeking an escape from her wealthy and regimented upbringing, found everything she desired in Jack – an edgy, adventurous artist deeply in love with her. They married, fully expecting their happily ever after.
Twenty years later, their life is far from what they envisioned. The once-blissful couple has succumbed to the routine of married life. Jack, unable to recapture the brilliance of his early work, churns out repetitive images while working as adjunct faculty at a university. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has achieved professional success, manipulating consumers' perceptions for corporations implementing cost-saving measures. Their relationship has lost its spark. Balancing the challenges of co-parenting a difficult eight-year-old and saving for their dream "forever home" takes a toll on Jack and Elizabeth. The idea of separate bedrooms in their new home, which would have been an outrageous thought just a few years ago, seems like a practical solution to ensure their new life together functions in a way that suits their evolving needs. To prevent the deterioration of their relationship, Jack and Elizabeth embark on separate journeys of self-discovery, risking the loss of the most precious thing they share – each other.
Nathan Hill's Wellness left me with much to contemplate. It depicts the erosion of a relationship and the extraordinary efforts required to reignite the flame of love. While this remains the central theme of the story, Hill skillfully leads readers into explorations of numerous other subjects. He delves into topics like modern marriage, polyamory, psychology, art, and algorithms, among others, adding depth to his central characters and shedding light on their lives. Simultaneously, the novel serves as a timely commentary on the first part of the 21st century, offering insights into both the intricacies of marriage and the state of the world. Despite its substantial length of over 600 pages, Wellness never feels overly long. Hill's skillful storytelling draws readers into the narrative, making us think and feel through all the complexities of his tale. It is a nearly flawless American novel and is undoubtedly one of my favorite reads of the year.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 59)
Relationships take effort to keep them alive especially when you've been with someone for that long.
ReplyDeleteVery true. It is work for both members to keep things alive.
DeleteWhen 600 pages doesn't feel like a long read you know the story is good! I enjoy a good marriage-in-crisis story, but I go in hoping things work out. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Ethan!
ReplyDeleteYou can't help but root for this couple, and their story easily sustains the length!
DeleteIt takes real talent to write a 600-page novel that doesn't feel like it's too long! I'm not sure I'd make it through this one, even though it is so good. I'm just too tired these days for really long books. ;D
ReplyDeleteA lot of readers on instagram seem to be having luck with the audio version of this one, so that may be a good alternative for you!
Deletewow, 600 pages, that is quite the brick of a book
ReplyDeleteRight? I normally steer clear of these longer titles, but I'm really glad I took a chance on this one. It is easily the best book I've read this year!
DeleteI do think it is an accomplishment to make a long book never feel long. I just peeped that this could be the best book you read this year. That's quite a title to award a book.
ReplyDeleteI know haha. I feel pretty confident this will make the top 5, but it is going to be pretty hard for something else to knock this one from my top spot.
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