I really think that Lionel Shriver is somewhat of an underrated writer. I have read several of her books and she has excellent character development and is not afraid to tackle dense and conflictual subject matter. This novel really focuses on the damage we do to each other in a marriage and the impact of two highly competitive people trying to have a relationship. The level of egotistical selfishness in professional athletes in this novel was amazing. Shriver writes beautifully and integrates well thought out metaphors and turns of phrase. I would recommend her as a writer and liked this novel a lot.