Fallout by Sadie Jones

They came together in their twenties, each eager to make their way in the world of  English theatre.  Luke Kanowski has come to London from his little English town, not sure how he will work his way into the world of theatre, but knowing that he must.  Luke has written for years and has a box full of plays.  He meets his two best friends, Paul Driscoll and Leigh Radley, who are also fighting for a chance to make it in the world.  Paul is a producer.  He knows he doesn't have creative talent but has a feel for what works and what doesn't on stage.  Leigh hopes to direct, but fills in the time doing stage management.

Luke feels at home with Paul and Leigh and they all live together in a small flat.  Paul and Leigh are a couple and Luke is with family when he is with them.  As time goes on, the trio start to have success as Luke's plays are commissioned and put on stage.  Paul, of course, is involved in their production and Leigh keeps everyone sane.  Then Luke meets Nina.  Nina is an actress, never sure of her talent.  She is married to Tony, who is manipulative and cold, but as soon as she and Luke meet, the fireworks explode.  Luke must have her, regardless of what it takes.  Soon it takes everything.

Sadie Jones has written a breathtaking novel that keeps the reader turning pages.  Everything is there; friendship, love, romance, betrayal, forgiveness and hate.  The reader is drawn into the lives of these friends and must read on to see if their lives can work out as the years conspire to take things from them.  Sadie Jones was a finalist for the Orange Prize for Fiction with her novel, The Outcast, which also won the Costa First Novel Award.  Fallout will also probably be nominated for awards as it is a book that cannot be ignored.  Jones captures the creative urge and what individuals will sacrifice for the chance to be part of a creative world.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.