The Course of Love by Alain de Botton is a captivating novel that delves into the intricacies of romantic relationships. Through the story of Rabih and Kirsten, the book explores what happens after the initial rush of infatuation—the part of love that comes after the fairy tale ending. In Edinburgh, Rabih and Kirsten fall in love, get married, and have children.
But as we all know, no long-term relationship is as straightforward as “happily ever after.” The novel skillfully weaves philosophy into its narrative, providing an annotation and guide to what we’re reading.