About the book
Longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction. One of Time’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2024. One of the Washington Post’s Best Books of 2024.
From “one of our most thrilling and singular innovators on the page” (Laura Van Den Berg), a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife who goes for a swim in her apartment complex’s swimming pool one morning...and won’t come out.
It’s November 3, 1957. As Sputnik 2 launches into space, carrying Laika, the doomed Soviet dog, a couple begin their day. Virgil Beckett, an insurance salesman, isn’t particularly happy in his job but he fulfills the role. Kathleen Beckett, once a promising tennis champion with a key shot up her sleeve, is now a mother and homemaker. On this unseasonably warm Sunday, Kathleen decides not to join her family at church. Instead, she unearths her old, red bathing suit and descends into the deserted swimming pool of their apartment complex in Newark, Delaware. And then she won’t come out.
A riveting, single-sitting read set over the course of eight hours, The Most masterly breaches the shimmering surface of a seemingly idyllic mid-century marriage, immersing us in the unspoken truth beneath.
Editions of The Most
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780316576376
- EBook
- ISBN 9780316576390
Read an Excerpt
Longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction. One of Time’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2024. One of the Washington Post’s Best Books of 2024.
From “one of our most thrilling and singular innovators on the page” (Laura Van Den Berg), a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife who goes for a swim in her apartment complex’s swimming pool one morning...and won’t come out.
It’s November 3, 1957. As Sputnik 2 launches into space, carrying Laika, the doomed Soviet dog, a couple begin their day. Virgil Beckett, an insurance salesman, isn’t particularly happy in his job but he fulfills the role. Kathleen Beckett, once a promising tennis champion with a key shot up her sleeve, is now a mother and homemaker. On this unseasonably warm Sunday, Kathleen decides not to join her family at church. Instead, she unearths her old, red bathing suit and descends into the deserted swimming pool of their apartment complex in Newark, Delaware. And then she won’t come out.
A riveting, single-sitting read set over the course of eight hours, The Most masterly breaches the shimmering surface of a seemingly idyllic mid-century marriage, immersing us in the unspoken truth beneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Most about?
Longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction. One of Time’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2024. One of the Washington Post’s Best Books of 2024.
From “one of our most thrilling and singular innovators on the page” (Laura Van Den Berg), a tightly wound, consuming tale about a 1950s American housewife who goes for a swim in her apartment complex’s swimming pool one morning...and won’t come out.
It’s November 3, 1957. As Sputnik 2 launches into space, carrying Laika, the doomed Soviet dog, a couple begin their day. Virgil Beckett, an insurance salesman, isn’t particularly happy in his job but he fulfills the role. Kathleen Beckett, once a promising tennis champion with a key shot up her sleeve, is now a mother and homemaker. On this unseasonably warm Sunday, Kathleen decides not to join her family at church. Instead, she unearths her old, red bathing suit and descends into the deserted swimming pool of their apartment complex in Newark, Delaware. And then she won’t come out.
A riveting, single-sitting read set over the course of eight hours, The Most masterly breaches the shimmering surface of a seemingly idyllic mid-century marriage, immersing us in the unspoken truth beneath.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Most?
Fiction > Thriller / suspense fiction > Psychological thriller
Where can I read a sample of The Most?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780316576376
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Most?
Jessica Anthony
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Most is available as paperback(ISBN 9780316576376) and ebook(ISBN 9780316576390)
Where can I buy The Most online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Most from below
Where can I buy The Most?