Vesper - by Evan Marks (Hardcover)

About the Book

A sharply observed literary novel centered on Vesper, a fiercely independent consultant navigating modern dating, work and power in Manhattan. Through her interior monologue and an unexpected romantic entanglement, the novel explores the search for love alongside the seduction of independence, and examines modern intimacy, philosophy and gender dynamics.

Book Synopsis

Fiercely witty and sharply narrated, VESPER is an anti-romance literary novel about independence, love, and self-discovery through the eyes of consultant Vesper. Described as a contemporary reimagining of Sex and the City through the philosophical lens of Milan Kundera, it's perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Sarah Rose Etter and Adelle Waldman.

Vesper Elsegood is in love with being single and can't understand why any of her friends would settle down. In New York's ruthless dating scene, she's learned that love is an ever-changing concept, a silly game, and there are rarely any winners. But when Caspian, an enigmatic entrepreneur launching a prestigious global prize to celebrate philosophical thinking, enters her life, Vesper is momentarily undone. As their chemistry intensifies, she begins re-examining everything--her relationships, her career, and her ability to rewrite her own story.

A bold and unapologetic observation of what it means to be a single woman in New York City, Marks' debut novel is equal parts emotional portrait, cultural inquiry, and contemporary coming-of-age--a story about subverting gender norms, dismantling inherited narratives, and choosing a life that is wholly one's own.

From the Back Cover

Vesper Elsegood is in love. With being single.

She can't understand why any of her friends would want to settle down. Because if she's learnt anything about New York's ruthless dating scene, it's that love is an ever-changing concept, a silly game, and there are rarely any winners.

But when Caspian walks into her life, an enigmatic and ambitious entrepreneur with a vision for launching a prestigious global prize to celebrate philosophical thinking, Vesper is momentarily undone. And as the chemistry between them intensifies, she soon finds herself re-examining everything--her relationships, her career, her ability to rewrite her own story.

In this restless city, where everyone seems fixated on either finding themselves or finding their perfect match, Vesper must decide whether she's met the one she wasn't looking for, or if she's the only one she really needs...

A bold and unapologetic observation of what it means to be a single woman in New York City, Marks' debut novel is equal parts emotional portrait, cultural inquiry, and contemporary coming-of-age--a story about subverting gender norms, dismantling inherited narratives, and choosing a life that is wholly one's own.

Review Quotes

"Eternally interested but wary of commitment, Vesper retreads the ever-relevant Carrie Bradshaw's steps sans Manolo Blahniks, while also striking out on some bold adventures of her own." - Booklife Reviews

-- "Booklife Reviews" (2/4/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Marks' novel skewers modern dating, work, and power in New York... A stylish tale of the big city with biting psychological insights." - Kirkus Reviews

-- "Kirkus Reviews" (1/16/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Marks's sharp-edged protagonist offers readers a cynical but exuberant take on New York City's modern dating scene in this reflective debut." - Booklife Reviews

-- "Booklife Reviews" (2/4/2026 12:00:00 AM)