This complex, compelling and exquisitely wrought novel-from a National Book Award and Pen-Faulkner Award finalist-evokes one of the most profound realizations that eventually come to us: the real understanding that we and all those we love are going to die. Artie Rubin, author of illustrated books of mythology, has reached the age of 67. His friends are beginning to deteriorate one by one, and his beloved wife of forty years is at high risk for a heart attack. He pops a Viagra once a week to sleep with her and happily plans their 40th anniversary trip to Venice. And then an unforeseen tragedy strikes and Artie's comfortable world, his views on morality, mortality and God all begin to unravel. Hugh Nissenson writes with elegance, sensitivity and a lovely dry humor. Reading him, Cynthia Ozick writes, "is as if we are eavesdropping on life."