Preview
  • Love and Other Thought Experiments

  • By: Sophie Ward
  • Narrated by: Sophie Ward
  • Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
  • 3.8 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

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Love and Other Thought Experiments

By: Sophie Ward
Narrated by: Sophie Ward
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Publisher's summary

This impressive debut novel, long-listed for the 2020 Booker Prize, takes its premise and inspiration from 10 of the best-known thought experiments in philosophy - the what-ifs of philosophical investigation - and uses them to talk about love in a wholly unique way.

Married couple Rachel and Eliza are considering having a child. Rachel wants one desperately, and Eliza thinks she does, too, but she can't quite seem to wrap her head around the idea. When Rachel wakes up screaming one night and tells Eliza that an ant has crawled into her eye and is stuck there, Eliza initially sees it as a cry for attention. But Rachel is adamant. She knows it sounds crazy - but she also knows it's true. As a scientist, Eliza is skeptical. Suddenly their entire relationship is called into question.

What follows is a uniquely imaginative sequence of ten interconnecting episodes - each from a different character's perspective - inspired by some of the best-known thought experiments in philosophy. Together they form a sparkling philosophical tale of love lost and found across the universe.

©2021 Sophie Ward (P)2021 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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Critic reviews

Longlisted for the Booker Prize

Shortlisted for the Mckitterick Prize

Longlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize

Longlisted for the Polari Book Prize

"Ingenious." (The Guardian)

"Intriguing.... The author’s grasp on the ideas at play effectively and poignantly connects readers with the characters’ grief." (Publishers Weekly)

"A conspicuously erudite, skilfully observed debut novel." (Telegraph)

What listeners say about Love and Other Thought Experiments

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One of my new favorites

Love the deep interplay of modern and classical philosphy as an undercurrent to discussing both motherhood and identity. Phenomenal piece of literature.

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Exceptional deep original

In sentence after sentence I was reminded of strange deep thoughts from my own mind about life and relationships. Yet if somehow this book is fun and easy to read. To mix philosophy with a page turning narrative is impressive. What a thrilling book.

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