Outstanding... An elegant masterpiece... Wry but also warm and generous Roxane GayFunny exciting vulnerable truly visionary Alexander CheeTen days after calling off her wedding CJ Hauser went on an expedition to study the whooping crane. After a week wading through the gulf she realised she had almost signed up to live somebody elses life.In this intimate frank and funny memoir in essays CJ Hauser lets go of how life was supposed to be and goes looking for more honest ways of living. She kisses internet strangers officiates a wedding visits a fertility clinic. She reads Rebecca in the house her new boyfriend shared with his exwife and rewinds Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story to learn how not to lose yourself in a relationship. She writes about friends and lovers ghosts and robots grief and heartbreak blood family and chosen family and asks what more expansive definitions of love might offer us all.The Crane Wife is a book for anyone whose life doesnt look the way they thought it would for anyone trying if sometimes failing to find joy in the unexpected.What a fantastic original funny and touching voice C J Hauser is a wondrous writer. This book will give so much happiness. CRESSIDA CONNOLLY author of AFTER THE PARTYBrilliant and beautiful... An absolute mustread FRANCES CHA author of IF I HAD YOUR FACECompassionate and funny and brave. CJ is a master story weaver. I was left wanting more in the best way possible. CHARLIE GILMOUR author of FEATHERHOODA thrillingly original deconstruction of desire and its many configurations Publishers WeeklyBold and brilliant and psychologically exquisite CJ Hauser is a deeply gifted and generous writer. THE CRANE WIFE is enthralling. CHARLOTTE FOX WEBER author of WHAT WE WANTIntimate witty and beautifully crafted Elle