I was breathlessly anticipating Nicholls's follow-up to one of my favorite books of 2010, One Day, and I'm so glad to report it did not disappoint. Us is told from Douglas's point of view, a middle-aged scientist trying to win back his wife and his son while they do a grand tour of Europe. Straight-laced and socially awkward, Douglas has never gotten over his surprise that someone as artistic and fascinating as Connie ever wanted to be with him in the first place. He is plainly devoted to her but now she's thinking of divorce. He thinks this European vacation is the thing to keep his family together, but through a series of embarrassing accidents and painful arguments, he comes to realize that the problems are deeper than he first thought.

This sounds depressing and some of it is uncomfortable and sad to witness but somehow Nicholls's writing kept me laughing throughout. Us is funny, touching and witty. Douglas could be clueless and rigid, but I couldn't help but root for him because he genuinely loves his family and wants the best for them.

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