Thanks to Random House for the free advance copy of this book.

At 41, Toby Fleishman finds himself divorced and thrown into the world of dating apps. While he’s busy seeing a new woman every night, his ex-wife disappears. Toby is certain she abandoned him and their kids out of spite, but there are two sides to every story, even a marriage.

I was a little unsure going into this book, worried that it would be yet another literary novel about a middle aged man finding himself. But I know and love Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s feature writing, so I trusted her, and I’m so glad I did. This novel turns those other novels on their heads in a wonderfully messy and feminist way.

It’s revealed early on that our narrator isn’t a nameless omniscient, but Toby’s longtime friend Elizabeth. Taking the story from her perspective gives our view of Toby a slightly judgy, bitter tone that is deeply enjoyable. She loves her friend, but forces us and Toby to see the true consequences of his actions.

I really liked how this book meanders in and out of memories. It feels true to the way memory works - recollections popping up here and there, but perhaps not in a totally accurate way.

I don’t want to give away too much plot, because the way this book builds and then crumbles is masterful. I hope you’ll consider checking it out!