On Beauty by Zadie Smith

The New England Belsey family have problems. Kiki is struggling with Howard’s adultery whilst his academic career is faltering. Their three teenagers are discovering that life is not always fair.
When Howard’s arch-rival Monty Kipps arrives at the university, the two men lock horns but their wives form a tentative friendship. A death and a disappearing painting propel the novel to its explosive climax.
Brilliant, Technicolor language illuminates this compulsive tale - thick ankles are “like the ones Tom and Jerry played around”. This book demands that you settle down for a marathon word fest amongst imperfect yet likeable characters.