Description

Book Synopsis

The ultimate ''what if'' novel, from the million-copy-bestselling author of FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON: ''A masterpiece of poignant brilliance ... heartbreaking'' Guardian

Karen and Barney Stark should never have married. Childless, uncomfortable and incompatible, their marriage has not been a success, and the lack of a child only makes the tension between them worse. And living their lives to the beat of a fertility clock only adds to the increasingly volatile atmosphere.

When an incident at Barney''s workplace causes them both to be unknowingly contaminated with radioactive dust, they also become pariahs - in their neighbourhood and with their families. But things are only going to get worse. Karen discovers she is pregnant and as their closest friends become frightened enemies, the dream of becoming parents turns into a nightmare...



Trade Review
What possibly could turn into a sort of science fiction thriller actually becomes a very human book with the spilling of emotions becoming more important than the radioactive accident * HERALD ADVERTISER *
A chilling Touch. One that you'll remember * KIRKUS *
Terrifying in its potential reality * MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS *
Gripping, well-plotted book ... radiation contamination has provided Keyes with a macabre and unusually provocative idea for a novel and he exploits it with narrative skill * WASHINGTON STAR *

The Touch

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Daniel Keyes

    £8.54

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 15 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Published 12 November 2020
      ISBN-13 9781474617031
      978-1474617031
      ISBN-10 1474617034

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The ultimate ''what if'' novel, from the million-copy-bestselling author of FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON: ''A masterpiece of poignant brilliance ... heartbreaking'' Guardian

      Karen and Barney Stark should never have married. Childless, uncomfortable and incompatible, their marriage has not been a success, and the lack of a child only makes the tension between them worse. And living their lives to the beat of a fertility clock only adds to the increasingly volatile atmosphere.

      When an incident at Barney''s workplace causes them both to be unknowingly contaminated with radioactive dust, they also become pariahs - in their neighbourhood and with their families. But things are only going to get worse. Karen discovers she is pregnant and as their closest friends become frightened enemies, the dream of becoming parents turns into a nightmare...



      Trade Review
      What possibly could turn into a sort of science fiction thriller actually becomes a very human book with the spilling of emotions becoming more important than the radioactive accident * HERALD ADVERTISER *
      A chilling Touch. One that you'll remember * KIRKUS *
      Terrifying in its potential reality * MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS *
      Gripping, well-plotted book ... radiation contamination has provided Keyes with a macabre and unusually provocative idea for a novel and he exploits it with narrative skill * WASHINGTON STAR *

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