X-Book

A Happy Marriage

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Both intimate and expansive, Rafael Yglesias’ autobiographical new novel is the story of the relationship between Enrique Sabas and his wife, Margaret. Spanning thirty years, the novel alternates between the romantic misadventures of the first weeks of their courtship and the final months of Margaret’s life as she says good-bye to her family, friends, and children—and to Enrique.

Inspired by the author’s own marriage to his wife who died in 2004, this achingly honest story is about what it means for two people to spend a lifetime together—and what makes a happy marriage. Bold, elegiac, and emotionally suspenseful, Yglesias’ beautiful novel will break every reader’s heart, while encouraging all of us with its clear-eyed evocation of the enduring value of marriage.

Critics Review

“Grover Gardner renders complex emotions to fine effect and rejects any temptation to infuse his narration with an inappropriate sentimentality. This is a stunning combination of clear-eyed writing and a compelling voice…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

AudioFile

“Will both touch and break hearts.”

Marie Claire

“Brave…instantly compelling.”

Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“A profound deliberation on the nature of love, marriage and the process of dying…A tour de force…[Yglesias] has found the novel of his life.”

New York Times

“This is, fundamentally, the story of a happy marriage. But it’s not simple, because marriage—like love—isn’t static. And Enrique is ruthlessly honest in his quest to figure out what made his last…The mystery of what’s at the heart of a marriage can’t be unlocked, or even fully captured in words. But Enrique and Margaret are anything but common, distinct both as characters and in the endurance of their love.”

New York Times Book Review

“Maybe marriage is the oldest story in the world, but in Mr. Yglesias’ tender, funny, rueful telling, the lifelong relationship is the story of life itself.”

Wall Street Journal

“I can’t think of many examinations of long-term marriages in modern novels, and that alone makes Rafael Yglesias’ surprising and deeply affecting new work stand out. What’s more, it’s clearly autobiographical, yet deals evenhandedly with deeply painful subjects, which makes it a very brave book indeed.”

Cleveland Plain Dealer

“[A] devastatingly raw appraisal of a nearly 30-year marriage...heart-wrenching.”

Publishers Weekly

“Audie Award–winner Grover Gardner skillfully conveys the small and large tensions and drama that encapsulate this and most every other long-term relationship. For appreciators of literary fiction interested in more deeply exploring the subjects of relationships, cancer, death, and dying.”

Library Journal

“[A] superb and courageous writer…Yglesias’ riveting portrait of enduring love, with all its grand imperfections, manages a tricky literary feat: warming your heart as he breaks it.”

Bookforum
Author Rafael Yglesias
Narrator Grover Gardner
Duration 11 hours and 36 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781483052236
Format Audiobook
Publisher Blackstone Publishing
Genre Fiction: general and literary
Availability US

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.