Day by Michael Cunningham (2024)

The novel revolves around a family, primarily centered on the character Isabel, her husband Dan, their two children Nathan and Violet, and Isabel’s younger brother Robbie. The story takes place on April 5th of three consecutive years, starting in 2019 before the onset of COVID-19.

Isabel is a journalist whose career has stagnated, leaving her feeling depressed and trapped in her life. Despite her unhappiness, she remains committed to Dan, her ex-musician husband, and her two children. Robbie, her brother, lives in the attic of their Brooklyn apartment and is also dissatisfied with his work and love life. He is highly sensitive and aware of Isabel’s unhappiness and desire to escape. In an attempt to make things easier for her, Robbie starts looking for his own apartment, causing Isabel to grapple with guilt and sadness.

Dan, who was once a successful musician, chose to give up his career for marriage and has since been a house husband. Isabel realizes she no longer loves Dan, and he, in turn, is trying to rekindle her attraction by getting back into songwriting. Despite their emotional distance, Dan remains a steady presence in the family, particularly for their son Nathan, and Robbie, who share a close bond.