All That Man Is By David Szalay

All That Man Is is a profound and intricately crafted novel that explores the nature of masculinity through interconnected stories of nine different men at various stages of life. From a restless teenager on a summer trip to a retired diplomat reflecting on his past, Szalay’s characters navigate love, ambition, failure, and existential crises. Set across multiple European countries, the novel paints a broad yet deeply intimate portrait of what it means to be a man in the modern world.

Szalay’s precise prose and keen psychological insight allow him to explore themes of identity, purpose, and the fleeting nature of success. The book questions whether life has meaning beyond fleeting pleasures and achievements, offering a sometimes bleak yet deeply human perspective.

Why read this book?

• A powerful meditation on masculinity, identity, and the struggles of modern men across different stages of life.

• Thought-provoking storytelling that blurs the line between novel and short story collection.

• Beautifully written with sharp, observational prose and a strong sense of place.

• A finalist for the Man Booker Prize, praised for its depth, structure, and emotional resonance.

About the Author

David Szalay (b. 1974) is a Canadian-born British writer known for his introspective and atmospheric fiction. He has been recognized as one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists and has won the Gordon Burn Prize. His works often explore existential themes, relationships, and the complexities of contemporary life.