Book Review: The Ten Year Affair by Francesca Hornak
When I first stumbled upon The Ten Year Affair by Francesca Hornak, I was instantly intrigued by the premise. A decade-long affair is bound to elicit some juicy drama, I thought. However, the deeper I dove into the pages, the more I realized that the book is less about the affair itself and more about the complex web of relationships and the inner turmoil of its protagonist, Cora.
Cora, a millennial wife and mother of two, unwittingly finds herself entangled in a mental fantasy that spirals out of control after meeting Sam at a baby group. Their connection—sparked by a mutual disdain for a particularly obnoxious mom—quickly evolves into an unhealthy obsession that colors nearly every facet of Cora’s life. The book is narrated in a third-person perspective, but it remains firmly planted in Cora’s head, allowing us to traverse her tumultuous journey. It’s fascinating to witness her unraveling; she moves from a happily married woman to someone caught in a web of desires and delusions, reflecting perhaps a crisis many millennials face today.
Now, while the book has been labeled as funny in its synopsis, I found that description to be laughable—pun intended. The characters are universally detestable! Each one, from Cora’s husband to Sam’s awful wife, could easily win a “worst character of the year” award. The unsettling absurdity of their behavior often had me questioning whether people like this truly exist outside the pages. If you resonate with these morally bankrupt characters, I sincerely urge you to consider therapy.
One of my main frustrations was the author’s use of a "two-world" narrative style. Sometimes, losing track of what was real and what was merely happening in Cora’s mind made for a confusing reading experience. For instance, I found myself flipping back pages, desperately trying to locate an elusive kiss I had missed, only to find it was part of Cora’s fantasy. However, I came to appreciate this narrative technique as an effective metaphor for Cora’s growing disconnection from reality.
As Cora and Sam’s families become increasingly intertwined—joining the PTA and indulging in social interactions I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at—I found myself rooting for an affair I knew was wrong. Perhaps it was the absurdity of the situation or my desire for Cora to escape these loathsome people that fueled my thoughts. Yet, ultimately, the book challenges us to confront our own judgments about infidelity and what constitutes a “happy” life.
Hornak’s writing is both raw and gripping, pulling you into a whirlwind of emotions that somehow left me spellbound. The pacing might be contentious for some readers due to the muddled realities, but I found it addictive and ultimately rewarding. By the time I reached the last chapter, I was left gasping, “What did I just read?”—and I couldn’t help but give it a solid four stars.
This book is not for everyone. It’s polarizing, and you’ll probably either love it or find it repugnant. If you enjoyed Wellness or works by Sally Rooney that dissect millennial angst, The Ten Year Affair might just capture your attention. But be warned: it’s likely to provoke some serious reflection on the darker nuances of personal relationships. All in all, it’s a wild ride that lingered with me long after the final page had turned.