Intimacy (novel)

Intimacy is a 1998 novel by Hanif Kureishi. The novel explores the inner thoughts of a middle-aged man contemplating leaving his wife and two young sons.
Plot summary
[edit]Set in contemporary London, the story tells why the protagonist wants to leave his family.[1] [2] The events of the novel unfold over approximately 24 hours.
He has lived with his partner for six years and has known her for ten. He is unhappy in his relationship and has had several affairs. His young lover one day says to him, "If you want me, I'm here". He spends 24 hours reflecting on his relationships with his wife, sons, friends and lover.
Major themes
[edit]This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2023) |
The themes of the book include:
- Old family constructs in a modern society.
- Sexual desires versus intellectual desires.
Film adaptation
[edit]Intimacy was adapted into a 2001 film of the same name directed by Patrice Chéreau, starring Mark Rylance and Kerry Fox.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "But Enough About You . . ". archive.nytimes.com. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ "Charity ends at home". The Guardian. 9 May 1998. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ "L'amour sans paroles". L'Express (in French). 31 March 2001. Retrieved 2 September 2023.