Marijke Schermer is a Dutch novelist and playwright. Her latest novel, Love, If That's What It Is was shortlisted for the prestigious Libris Literature Prize 2020 and Schermer was hailed as "fast becoming one of the most interesting writers in the Netherlands." Love, If That's What It Is is her first work to be published in English.
After twenty-five happy years, Terri has come to see her marriage and family life as a prison. She begins having an affair and ultimately leaves her husband, David, who tries to save what's left to be saved. Meanwhile, their teenage daughters feel the solid ground beneath their feet rapidly disappear.
Schermer is especially strong when it comes to intimate portrayals of family love. Love, if that's what it is, is a must-read for anyone struggling to find love in their marriage or thinking about breaking up their family or staying in it, if only for the kids.
What is love? Schermer raises big questions that the reader can think about for a long time.
Through different characters, the reader is presented with many different perspectives on relationships