The Physics of Relationships
A Novel
by Chas Halpern
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Nov 01 2023 | Archive Date Dec 15 2023
Guernica Editions | Guernica World Editions
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Description
A highly readable, intimate story about loss, aging, female friendship, family, and renewal…told with grit and humor.
Lexi is a sixty-year-old widow whose solitary life is thrown into turmoil when a desperate young woman moves in with her, soon followed by the unexpected arrival of her best friend, who has separated from her husband of forty years. The mix of these three very different personalities – a powerful omnivore seeking to live life to the fullest; a sweet, self-denying vegan; and Lexi, a thoughtful, still grieving widow – leads to some surprising (sometimes humorous) situations that force Lexi to re-examine her life. In the physics of relationships, Lexi observes that nature abhors a vacuum. She begins to wonder if she herself has somehow manipulated her circumstances to fill that vacuum…simply to imitate the life she had before the death of her husband.
“[The Physics of Relationships] was a joy to read. I loved the flow of the writing, the profundity of the observations, and the humor. You have truly sketched a very accurate, forgiving, and endearing picture of a woman at this stage of life. Thank you for writing this book.” -Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn
“You did an amazing job writing so truly in the voice of an older woman…. I found Lexi’s character appealing from the first page, and her consistent voice made her a very sympathetic, fully realized character. I particularly enjoyed her reflections on all she observed about human nature and the realities and absurdities of aging. She is kind, funny, curious, thoughtful, eager to puzzle out relationships. …. I enjoyed the twists and turns and tensions of the plot, three women living together, and the extra complication of Tasha [her daughter], and romantic partners, and the suspense of whether a myriad of small/large issues will get resolved.” - Rosalyn Art
Advance Praise
“[The Physics of Relationships] was a joy to read. I loved the flow of the writing, the profundity of the observations, and the humor. You have truly sketched a very accurate, forgiving, and endearing picture of a woman at this stage of life. Thank you for writing this book.” -Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn
“You did an amazing job writing so truly in the voice of an older woman…. I found Lexi’s character appealing from the first page, and her consistent voice made her a very sympathetic, fully realized character. I particularly enjoyed her reflections on all she observed about human nature and the realities and absurdities of aging. She is kind, funny, curious, thoughtful, eager to puzzle out relationships. …. I enjoyed the twists and turns and tensions of the plot, three women living together, and the extra complication of Tasha [her daughter], and romantic partners, and the suspense of whether a myriad of small/large issues will get resolved.” - Rosalyn Art
Marketing Plan
Pitching to major US media; local promotional campaign (California); readings across California with main launch in Berkeley (author's hometown); pitching to California literary festivals; social media promotion ; giveaways; BookBub and other digital ads.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781771838498 |
| PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 200 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Julie F, Reviewer
This book was a beautiful, reflective story about loss, friendship, growing older, adult family relationships and openness to new experiences.
The characters were very likable and easy to relate to. It’s rare to find a book that captures an older woman during this stage of life in her early sixties. Her wisdom, kindness and acceptance of others while navigating life was lovely to read. I enjoyed the honesty and deep conversations that took place with women of different ages and personalities. The writing style flowed with subtle humor and made me reflect long after I finished reading it. I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Guernica Editions for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kerrie V, Reviewer
The Physics of Relationships was a breath of fresh air with an older protagonist, a recent widow in her 60s. It was entertaining watching her, and the people in her life, as she reexamines her place in the world and the people around her after the death of her husband.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!
Elly M, Reviewer
A beautiful and thought-provoking read about ageing, friendship, love, and loss. Exceptionally well-drawn and complex characters create a gently humourous read. The voice of the older women is rare in literature and the author captures it beautifully. Lots of astute observations, a very enjoyable read.
Educator 364311
"The Physics of Relationships" is the story of a sixty-year-old widow who cultivates a life largely by finding herself and her people. Halpern makes the connection that as gravity holds the world together by pushing and pulling, the narrator's kindness also draws the people within her orbit together and inexplicably closer. This seemingly gentle story of an older woman's life drew me in and I could not stop reading until the very last word. Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. #ThePhysicsofRelationships #NetGalley
Mia T, Reviewer
Wonderfully done, easy read yet cerebral with character depth. I enjoyed the main character's way of deeply thinking through the bigger concepts triggered in daily events.
Diana B, Reviewer
While the narrative presented a sweet and engaging story with an important message about human connections, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnect throughout my reading experience. The plot had all the elements of a heartwarming tale, exploring the theme that being alone and feeling lonely is not necessarily the same. Despite my appreciation for the underlying message, I felt like something was missing. I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and their emotions.
Despite its shortcomings, the story still managed to weave moments of sweetness and charm.
Thank you to NetGalley and Guernica Editions for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsey A, Reviewer
The Physics of Relationships’ weaves an intimate tale of loss, aging, and the complexities of female friendship. Set against the backdrop of Lexi’s later life stages, this book offers a thoughtful exploration of personal growth and renewal.
While the premise is highly relatable, particularly in its portrayal of an older woman’s voice and experiences, the execution was a mixed bag for me. The story offers profound observations on human nature and the absurdities of aging, punctuated with humor and warmth. However, at times, the narrative pace and depth lacked the engagement I was hoping for, leaving me somewhat disconnected from the characters’ journeys.
The interplay of three distinct personalities in a shared living space provides a fertile ground for both humor and tension. Lexi’s reflections on life and relationships add a layer of introspection to the narrative. Yet, despite these strengths, the book didn’t entirely resonate with me, possibly due to my expectations or personal reading preferences at the time.
Overall, ‘The Physics of Relationships’ is a commendable portrayal of the complexities of female relationships and the pursuit of fulfillment at any age. It’s a recommendable read for those who enjoy character-driven stories about life’s second acts.
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