Couples

Brief Overview

The novel «Couples» by John Updike explores the lives of ten married couples living in the fictional town of Tarbox in New England during the 1960s. The central characters are Piet and Angela Fox, whose interactions with other couples serve as a catalyst for examining themes of marital infidelity, sexual freedom, and moral dilemmas. The book intricately details the complex interweaving of the characters' personal and social lives, their internal conflicts, and their pursuit of personal happiness. Updike masterfully captures the atmosphere of the time and place, creating a profound psychological portrait of American society during that era.