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Global temperatures are rising. The climate of the Abrams' marriage is
cooling. Emma is beginning to wonder whether relationships, like
mortgages, should be conducted in five-year increments. She might laugh
if Chris had bought a motorbike or started dyeing his hair. Instead he's
buying off-label medicines and stockpiling food. Chris finds Emma's
relentless optimism exasperating. A tot of dread, a nip of horror, a
shot of anger - he isn't asking much. If she would only join him in a
measure of something. The family's precarious eco-system is further
disrupted by torrential rains, power cuts and the unexpected arrival of
Chris's mother. Emma longs to lower a rope and winch Chris from the pit
of his worries. But he doesn't want to be rescued or reassured - he
wants to pull her in after him. Darkly funny and beautifully written,
When the Lights Go Out is a novel for our times: a story about
cultivating hope and weathering change. 'So timely, and so deeply human,
a novel which takes us right into the heart of a marriage and at the
same time grapples with the most crucial issue of our age. It's bursting
with compassion and wisdom.' Shelley Harris, author of JUBILEE 'Through
exquisite use of language and observation, she examines the intricacies
of family life in ways which have you laughing one moment and biting
your nails with worry the next.' Sarah Franklin, author of SHELTER 'With
characteristic wit and humanity, Bray shows us the necessity and the
impossibility of preparing for disaster, and reminds us of both the
fragility and capacity of love.' Jenn Ashworth, author of A KIND OF
INTIMACY and FELL
