The Booker Prize for Fiction has once again highlighted the presence of white male novelists, shattering recent claims that this demographic is fading from the literary landscape. Among its six finalists for 2025, three are white men, including the eventual winner David Szalay. One of the shortlisted works, “The Rest of Our Lives,” by Ben Markovits, delves into the complexities of white male identity amid a perceived cultural shift.
“The Rest of Our Lives” follows Tom, a 56-year-old white man grappling with feelings of dislocation and dissatisfaction both at home and in his professional life. Having been married to Amy for nearly three decades, Tom’s life is overshadowed by the lingering effects of her past affair. As their daughter Miriam heads off to college, Tom finds himself questioning his commitments and decides to abandon his predictable life in Westchester County. Instead, he embarks on a journey westward, encountering fellow white men who share similar anxieties about their status in society.
Markovits’s narrative avoids the overtly political tones that often characterize discussions surrounding contemporary issues of race and gender. Instead, the author presents a nuanced exploration of the subtler discontents that many white American men experience. Tom’s character, while embodying privilege and success — with a degree from Pomona College and a career in law — epitomizes the feelings of being left behind. Despite his accomplishments, he grapples with a lingering sense of inadequacy, stemming from societal pressures regarding masculinity and success.
Throughout his journey, Tom reconnects with individuals from his past, including a bitter brother and an accommodating ex-girlfriend. These interactions reveal deeper social critiques, particularly through the eyes of his college teammate Brian, who embodies a frustration over perceived systemic discrimination against white players in the NBA. This subplot serves as a lens through which the reader can examine the misguided beliefs that often complicate the narratives of marginalization.
Markovits adopts a conversational tone, allowing Tom to break the fourth wall at times, which adds layers of self-awareness to the character’s reflections on loneliness and personal struggle. Yet, despite the opportunities for growth, Tom remains largely unchanged by the novel’s conclusion. His encounters force him to confront elements of his mortality, but true introspection seems elusive for someone who fits the mold of the stereotypical “angry white male.”
This rich exploration of a character wrestling with his identity within a shifting cultural landscape opens up avenues for thoughtful discussion about gender, race, and privilege. Readers might find solace or even a sense of connection in Tom’s journey, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of the existential dilemmas faced by those who feel overlooked. In essence, “The Rest of Our Lives” invites reflection on the deeper complexities of identity, inviting readers to consider the nuanced struggles that lie within the broader societal discourse.