Nick Hornby's 'State of the Union: A Marriage in Ten Parts' unfolds over the course of ten poignant encounters at a local pub, where Tom and Louise navigate the complexities of their faltering marriage. Prior to their weekly marital counselling sessions, the couple engage in candid, often humorous conversations that bring to light the underlying issues straining their relationship. Each chapter marks an evolution in their perception of marriage, as they grapple with love, commitment, and the daunting realization that dissecting a partnership may leave one with irreparable components. Hornby delivers a sharp, empathetic exploration of the mechanics of a marriage in crisis.