The Social Animal - review

William Leith10 April 2012

The Social Animal
by David Brooks
(Short Books)

'This,' says David Brooks,' is the happiest story you've ever read.' Actually, it's not. It's about two fictional characters, Harold and Erica, who meet, get married, and become successful. But this isn't a novel. It's a work of popular science.

Brooks has created these characters in order to explain the science behind everything they do. They grow up, learn things, relate to their parents and teachers, are driven by ambition and hormones. Erica is a damaged workaholic; Harold is bright, but a bit soft.

Brooks splices the science and the narrative with great skill; you get to know these people, and like bits of them, and dislike other bits. It's good. But not always happy, particularly the death scene.

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