Zi

Zi follows a Brooklyn family as love and loss strain its bonds. Michael Cunningham’s novel returns to April 5 across three years, from 2019 to 2021.

In 2019, Dan and Isabel’s marriage begins to break down. Both love Robbie, Isabel’s younger brother, who lives in their attic flat. The family’s rebel, Robbie is coping with a split from his boyfriend. He has made an online persona and must find another home. His move threatens the ties that hold the family together. Meanwhile, ten-year-old Nathan starts to seek more freedom. His sister Violet, five, tries to ignore her parents’ growing rift.

In 2020, lockdown leaves the family feeling trapped at home. Violet fears opening a window as she tries to keep everyone safe. Dan and Isabel trade veiled barbs and struggle to speak openly. Robbie is stuck alone in a mountain cabin in Iceland. His thoughts and secret life on Instagram fill his days.

In 2021, the family gathers again after the crisis. They must face how much their lives have changed. This family novel explores the strains of love in modern life. Mihaela Ghiță translated it from English and supplied notes.