Charlotte Wood's critically-acclaimed early novel, now published outside of Australia for the first time.

Stephen is having the worst day of his life.

On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it's time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He's 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts - and they may be his downfall.

Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona's aggressive ex-husband.

As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.

Charlotte Wood is one of our finest and most chameleonic writers . . . This is a beautiful, resounding tale of an ordinary man flailing. It's superb storytelling * The Australian *
This is a compelling and ultimately moving novel that cements Wood's place as one of the most intelligent and compassionate novelists in Australia * The Age *
When I finished, I wanted to start it all over again * Sydney Morning Herald *
Wood is a consummate observer of the human condition * Australian Book Review *
Wood's books are an intimately rendered portrait of contemporary Australia and, as such, prompt readers to think about some of this country's real issues * Sunday Tasmanian *
It made me laugh and cry. What more could you ask for? * Readings Monthly *

Charlotte Wood is the author of seven novels and three books of non-fiction. Her novel Stone Yard Devotional was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize and was selected by the New York Times as one of their 10 best books of 2025. Earlier novels include The Natural Way of Things, which won the 2016 Stella Prize and was joint winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Fiction, and The Weekend, which was an international bestseller. Her features and essays have appeared in the New York Times, Guardian, Literary Hub and Sydney Morning Herald, among others. Charlotte lives in Sydney with her husband.