In The Fold by Rachel Cusk

 

When Michael is invited to his university roommate's home, he is entranced.  Adam lives on a country estate, with land and animals.  When they arrive, two women are in the kitchen.  One is Adam's mom, who was the first wife.  The other is Vivian, the second wife.  But there seems to be no rivalry between the two and Adam's mom comes to the farm most days.  Adam has two siblings and then two stepsisters.  Along with five children, two wives, the patriarch, there are countless friends and artists roaming in and out.  Egypt, the estate's name, is known for huge parties that last through the night into the next day.  Michael is instantly entranced and sets this lifestyle in his mind as his dream of what adulthood should be.

But life is rarely like our dreams.  Sixteen years on, Michael and Adam have fallen out of touch.  Michael is living in Bath, in a house his in-laws own and have given to him and his wife Rebecca along with their toddler.  Michael is a lawyer but rather than making big money has chosen to work in a nonprofit while his wife runs her father's art galley.  The marriage is strained and Michael isn't sure if it will survive.  He contacts Adam and is asked to come to Egypt as Adam's father is in the hospital and it is lambing time.

Michael is sure that a week away will be good for him and Rebecca.  Off he goes with his son in tow as Rebecca doesn't like to be tied down with childcare.  But Egypt is much different seen through adult eyes.  Adam is living in a suburb with a stepdaughter he doesn't get along with, a baby and his wife.  It is located close to Egypt.  The farm is looking ratty and disheveled, and all the carefree children have grown up to adult lives and issues.  Adam's brother is still living on the farm, raising chickens and unable to live elsewhere due to his introverted nature.  His sister has moved to a commune while his stepsisters have married and have lots of kids.  As Adam and Michael spend the week lambing, Michael is there for the big revelations about the farm and who will inherit it next.

Rachel Cusk is known for her experimental fiction and social satire.  In this book, no one has the life they thought they would growing up and everyone must make adjustments to reality.  The whole idea of wealth and landed estates is satirized along with expectations of inheritance.  Each character has had to make adjustments in their marriages and their adult expectations and yet they soldier on, making a life for themselves and their families.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.