At a small liberal arts college, an English professor becomes obsessed with her department’s hot new recruit. When the married novelist named Vladimir arrives on campus, the unnamed professor at the center of Julia May Jonas’ explosive debut becomes overwhelmed by her attraction to him. This burning desire comes as the prickly narrator grapples with the very public collision of her personal and professional lives: her husband, the charming chair of their department, is being accused of inappropriate relationships with former students. Their marriage was already open, but the investigation has rattled the campus, and the protagonist is becoming increasingly enraged as rumors keep flying and her students confront her about her relationship. Jonas unveils a taut and, at times, outrageous narrative about pleasure, power, and campus politics. —Annabel Gutterman
Buy Now: Vladimir on Bookshop | Amazon
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- 22 Essential Works of Indigenous Cinema
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders