Ben Seidel wasn't sure how serious they were when he and his wife Shira discussed having an open marriage. But when Shira announces that she is going on a date with Liz, any ambiguity evaporates. Suddenly, every day is new terrain for Ben, navigating between keeping things together with Shira and exploring new partners. And when one of those new partners begins to matter to him more than he ever anticipated, he discovers that the complexities of this new life are only just beginning. Bracingly honest, refreshingly sexy, and deeply empathetic, I AM MY BELOVEDS is the work of a superior storyteller, making real a lifestyle that might be as close as your own bedroom door.
Jonathan Papernick, born and raised in Toronto Canada, is the author of two short story collections and three novels, the most recent being I Am My Beloveds. He serves as Senior Writer-in-Residence in the Writing, Literature and Publishing department at Emerson College in Boston where he has taught since 2007. He lives on Boston's South Shore with his wife, step-daughters, and sons.
I Am My Beloveds is a compulsive read, at turns heart-wrenching, angry, funny, and sweet, but always smart and vivid. Papernick is a master of growing empathy from the smallest detail, in doing so has crafted a winning protagonist in Ben Seidel, who I was eager to follow, warts and all, wherever his misadventures in open marriage might lead.--Sara Novic, author of Girl at War I Am My Beloveds is a warm, funny, thoughtful, and often heart-wrenching portrait of a modern couple testing the boundaries of their relationship, while exploring the outer limits of their love for each other. It's an engaging and timely read, perfect for a generation of readers much more open to the allure (and pitfalls) of polyamory.--Lana Popovic Harper, author of Poison Priestess, Blood Countess, and Wicked Like a Wildfire I Am My Beloveds, Jon Papernick's latest novel, is about many things: love and the lack of it, the passage of time and, most importantly, how we live now. I am full of admiration for this writer and his daring imagination. He is a truly gifted novelist, and this is his finest book.--Steve Yarbrough, author of The Unmade World and The Realm of Last Chances Jon Papernick's new novel is an intimate portrait of the way an increasing number of us live now. I Am My Beloveds is up to the sexual second. It is fervent, fearless and funny. It may change the way you look at your neighbor's windows after dark.--Melvin Jules Bukiet, author of After and Strange Fire; editor of Neurotica: Jewish Writers on Sex Jon Papernick's storytelling is always compelling. Enticing, surprising, and provocative all at once.--Kevin Allison, Risk! Podcast and MTV's The State and Reno 911 Part Le Ronde and part Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice, two very different couples intersect a brave new world through surrogacy, fidelity, pregnancy, aging parents, faith and loss. Raucous, revolutionary and also, so much fun.--Caroline Leavitt, New York Times best-selling author of Pictures of You and Cruel Beautiful World
