The new novel from the author of An Unremarkable Body, shortlisted for the Costa First Book Award 2018.

'Elegant, subtle and tender, with a sharp sting in the tale' Sunday Mirror
'A captivating novel which gets to the core of lust, love and commitment' Irish Times
'Gripping and atmospheric, this book will knock you sideways' Fiona Mitchell, author of The Maid's Room

Sixteen-year-old Jane has a crush on her history teacher. He's everything she has ever wanted - handsome, bookish, kind - and before long they break the rules and fall in love. It is only once married and tied down with two children in 1980s suburbia that Jane realises what she might have given up.

When Marion and Andrew, a couple whose passion tips into violence, move in next door, Jane is forced to confront feelings she didn't know she could have. As desire and loyalty are blurred, it becomes clear nobody can escape the devastating impact of a family falling apart.

"Elegant, subtle and tender, with a sharp sting in the tale" - SUNDAY MIRROR

"This is a novel which closely examines hidden lives and secret motives . . . I would call it Surrey Gothic: a superbly written suburban saga with an agreeable sense of creeping dread" - DAILY MAIL

"A captivating novel which gets to the core of lust, love and commitment. Lodato's writing is delicate, yet direct . . . an excellent examination of rash decisions and their consequences" - IRISH TIMES

"Jane is 16 when she falls in love with her teacher, Leonard, but when they wed and start a family, she finds herself stifled in 1980s suburbia" - GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

"There's a gritty intensity that quietly builds. What I thought was an excellent family drama turned into something completely different as it neared it's conclusion and I was taken by surprise in a very enjoyable way. Passionate, real, and at times heartbreaking. I would thoroughly recommend this book to you all." - BOOKISH CHAT

"I was absolutely swept away by this novel and read it over one weekend, hardly putting it down at all. 1970s suburban England is brilliantly and expertly described and the incredible pull of the dangerous and the unknown for Jane was alluring and enticing. THE NECESSARY MARRIAGE is powerful and gripping. This author has a magical way with words that just engulf me. Her characters are perfectly formed, with flaws and foibles that just add to their strength and make them completely real for me. Both the story, and the author are strikingly brilliant, her ability to look at human relations is so astute. Wonderful, I loved every page and will recommend this highly." - RANDOM THINGS THROUGH MY LETTERBOX

"A beautifully written and thoughtful exploration of marriage, love, motherhood and identity. Elisa skilfully draws us into two marriages, seemingly completely different, but at the heart of both lies the same question. Is it better to settle for what we have, or to strive for what we believe we deserve, irrespective of the consequences? I loved it" - ReadingSelfishly.blog