The Imperfection of Us

Dawn and Rob were never meant to be together. 

It’s the summer of 1990 and seventeen-year-old Dawn is infatuated with Billy. He’s cool, in a band and the opposite of her other besotted admirer: gentle electrician Rob. 

But then Billy disappears, and Rob is still around. He's there when Dawn falls pregnant and he’s there for the sleepless nights. And though Dawn and Rob were never destined to be together, suddenly they’re married. 

This real-life relationship involves arguing about who loads the dishwasher, cosy nights in while not having sex (and not missing it) and dragging kids to violin classes (even though they’re terrible). 

Decades have flown by since Dawn last saw Billy, and her once glossy blonde hair is now silvery grey, yet she can still remember exactly how he made her feel. But is now-famous Billy worthy of her thirty-year obsession? And how dangerous would it be for her marriage if she decided to find out?

From the number one multi-million-copy bestselling author of The Photographer’s Wife and The Other Son comes a story that will move you to laughter, tears, and everything in between. The Imperfection of Us is an emotional journey through the ups and downs of married life, the difficulties of letting go of the past and a heartfelt reminder that our imperfections are what make us human. 

Read what everyone is saying about The Imperfection of Us:

‘This book emotionally wrecked me. I laughed. I cried. It was such an amazing book. I absolutely loved the characters and it was very well written. So good!’ Reader Reviewer, 5 stars

‘I absolutely loved this book. The characters were brilliant - so real… I laughed and cried… a well-deserved 5 stars from me.’ Reader Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Will tug at readers' heartstrings.’ Reader Reviewer

‘I have lived and breathed every single word. Emotions have been wrung out of me and tears have never been far away.’ Reader Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow... I haven’t laughed (and cried) along with a book in such a long time.’ Reader Reviewer

‘Another gem from Nick Alexander. He always seems to write about characters that you warm to and that you have such empathy with… Fabulous fabulous fabulous!!!!!’ Reader Reviewer, 5 stars

‘A story rich in tears and laughter. A beautiful story.’ Reader Reviewer, 5 stars

‘A compelling and genuine novel.’ Daisypea Reads,5 stars

‘A fabulous book... a really lovely tableau of a marriage well navigated and relatable on so many levels.’ Reader Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Loved the story. Marriage can be tricky and following your heart even trickier. I think Alexander did a great job with telling Dawn's story... a pleasure to read. Heartfelt and raw.’ Reader Review