''Intimacy'' is a 1998 novel by

Hanif Kureishi Hanif Kureishi (born 5 December 1954) is a British Pakistani playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, and novelist. He is known for his film '' My Beautiful Laundrette'' and novel '' The Buddha of Suburbia''. Early life and education Hanif Kureish ...

. The novel explores the inner thoughts of a middle-aged man contemplating leaving his wife and two young sons.

Plot summary

Set in contemporary London, the story tells why the protagonist wants to leave his family. The events of the novel unfold over approximately 24 hours. He has lived with his partner for six years and has known her for ten. He is unhappy in his relationship and has had several affairs. His young lover one day says to him, "If you want me, I'm here". He spends 24 hours reflecting on his relationships with his wife, sons, friends and lover.

Major themes

The themes of the book include: * Old family constructs in a modern society. * Sexual desires versus intellectual desires.

Film adaptation

''Intimacy'' was adapted into a 2001 film of the same name directed by

Patrice Chéreau Patrice Chéreau (; ; 2 November 1944 – 7 October 2013) was a French opera and theatre director, filmmaker, actor and producer. In France he is best known for his work for the theatre, internationally for his films '' La Reine Margot'' and ''I ...

, starring

Mark Rylance Sir David Mark Rylance Waters (; born 18 January 1960) is an English actor, playwright and theatre director. He is known for his roles on stage and screen, having received numerous awards including an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Oliv ...

and

Kerry Fox Kerry Lauren Fox (born 30 July 1966) is a New Zealand actress. She came to prominence playing author Janet Frame in the movie '' An Angel at My Table'' directed by Jane Campion, which gained her a Best Actress Award from the New Zealand Film and ...

References

Novels by Hanif Kureishi Novels set in London 1998 British novels Faber & Faber books British novels adapted into films Novels set in one day {{1990s-novel-stub