Erin Somers' "The Ten Year Affair": Exploring Infidelity and Modern Life

Author Erin Somers' new novel, "The Ten Year Affair," has prompted readers to frequently inquire about her personal experiences with infidelity due to the book's authentic feel.

Somers states that she has a prepared response on her website, indicating that she has not had an affair and that the novel allowed her to explore the potential consequences.

Novel Synopsis & Contemporary Themes

The novel centers on Cora and Sam, two married parents working in marketing and communications. They meet at a baby group after relocating from Brooklyn to a small town in the Hudson Valley, upstate New York. The story explores a decade-long attachment using a "sliding-doors" structure, depicting both a potential affair and the characters' actual lives. The narrative is noted for its portrayal of modern, educated, affluent white Millennial characters.

"The Ten Year Affair" is characterized as a Millennial update on the infidelity novel, addressing themes such as the transition from city to suburb, unfulfilling work, and the challenges of balancing parenthood with a desire for personal meaning.

Inspiration & The Writing Journey

Somers developed the initial concept for the novel during her maternity leave in New York, where she joined a baby group that provided material for the story. She later expanded a short story into the full novel over approximately four years.

Somers, who resides in Beacon, New York, states that the small-town setting serves as a "social Petri dish" for observing the nuanced vanities of characters who have moved from the city. She describes her writing process as enjoyable, emphasizing the role of humor.

Future Endeavors

Discussions are ongoing regarding a screen adaptation of "The Ten Year Affair." Somers also confirmed that her next book will be set within the same narrative world, potentially featuring glimpses of familiar characters and exploring a swingers' scene in the town.