What goes on behind-the-scenes in a marriage?

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

The Course of Love is a novel about the philosophy of love beyond the soulmate. British writer and philosopher Alan De Botton narrates the love story of a couple, Rabeh and Kirsten, who fell in love and have been married for more than 20 years. Rabeh is a romantic man who has always been in search of his soulmate, until he met Kirsten through a business project. Impressed by her intelligence and presence, it was no surprise that their love affair blossomed into marriage and building a life together. However, the novel reveals what happens after the strong tumult of romantic love and the idealistic portrayals of the beloved that they have. The novel presents the development of their relationship, their ups and downs, and how love was preserved along the years. De Botton believes that love originates when life rears its head to show its real face, away from idealism and romantic perfection. He illustrates that love is not just about finding a soulmate — it is really “true love” when it stays strong for years, despite the challenges.