The Usual Desire to Kill

A “droll, psychologically astute…unexpected…very funny” (Maureen Corrigan, NPR’s Fresh Air ) and moving portrait of a long-married couple, seen through the eyes of their wickedly observant daughter. Miranda’s parents live in a dilapidated house in rural France that they share with two llamas, eight ducks, five chickens, two cats, and a freezer full of decades-old food. Miranda’s father is a retired professor of philosophy who never loses an argument. Miranda’s mother likes to bring conversation