The Course of Love is a novel that explores what happens after the birth of love, what it takes to maintain love, and what happens to our original ideals under the pressures of an average existence.
A work of fiction that plays with our expectations, this is a love story like no other. We watch Kirsten and Rabih meet, fall in love, get married and have children. We are witness to their thoughts and feelings as they reflect on their relationship and their reactions to each other. Searingly honest, this is an unsentimental exploration of what it means to be in love while coping with daily life and its pressures.
I imagine many readers will find themselves nodding at points during this novel as they recognise an idea or feeling. I certainly did, and I found the philosophical exploration of some of these behaviours fascinating.
It is not a criticism when I say this novel tells a fairly mundane story. To paraphrase the author a little, many of us will live utterly mediocre lives. For me, the enjoyment of this story comes from the exploration of ideas and emotions.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.