Bonding A Novel

Bonding, a novel by Mariel Franklin, is published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux on July 22, 2025, and spans 352 pages. This debut work explores the intersections of sex, technology, and pharmaceuticals within the complexities of modern life. The narrative follows Mary, who, after losing yet another job, escapes to Ibiza, where she encounters Tom, a chemist on the brink of launching a revolutionary anxiety medication. Upon returning to London, she reconnects with her ambitious sort-of-ex, Lara, who is developing a groundbreaking dating app, leading Mary to navigate the chaotic blend of love and ambition.

Readers will find a sharp and darkly humorous examination of contemporary relationships and the impact of technology on personal connections. As Mary becomes entwined with both Tom and Lara, the story delves into the implications of their pursuits, questioning the nature of love and success in an increasingly unstable world. Bonding presents a searing satire that reflects on the anxieties of our digital age, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genres of LGBTQ+ literature and psychological fiction.