Politics: A Novel

By Adam Thirlwell

Politics is about: a) a threesome; b) politics

Moshe loves Nana. But love can be difficult -- especially if you want to be kind. And Moshe and Nana want to be kind to someone else.

They want to be kind to their best friend, Anjali.

Politics explores crucial problems of sexual etiquette. What should the sleeping arrangements be in a ménage-à-trois? Is it polite to read while two people have sex beside you? Is it permissible to be jealous?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 13, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061881886

Adam Thirlwell

Adam Thirlwell was born in London in 1978. He is the author of two novels, Politics and The Escape, and a book on the international art of the novel, which won a Somerset Maugham Award. In 2003, he was chosen by Granta magazine as one of the Best Young British Novelists. His work is translated into 30 languages.

Reviews for Politics

[jonfaith · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Little Shit Syndrome is normally diagnosed in small children. Cheeky novelists are apparently also susceptible. Hey man, what if I alternate fucking and theory in my rad new novel? Check this one under bong hits to perspicacity. I nearly cringe when I think about this novel. Politics didn't leave me wanting a shower, I wasn't dirty, only bored and annoyed with Thirwell's waste of tender gifts.

[sophiacambridge · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

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[scribblerjee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Written at the tender age of 23, Politics went on to be a bestseller, translated into twenty languages and lauded by Granta, GQ, etc etc etc. It is an assured debut, although a slightly juvenile one in parts. Thirlwell has developed a precociously individual style, full of phonetic spellings ('restron', 'therpy', ''snot'), historical references (Hitler, Vaclav Havel, and his idol Milan Kundera), and sensitive explorations of love, sex and relationships - especially sex, which unlike most authors he is very good at. Generally the novel is provocatively graphic but not obscene, and handles the symbolism, thoughts, and innate humour in which sex is steeped very well. Although his faux-naif narrative style is occasionally irritating and overly intrusive, the book picks up to explore the dynamics of a menage-a-trois and love and obligation. Impressive - but a little lightweight.