City of the Mind Lively, Penelope

**City of the Mind by Penelope Lively - Preloved Literary Fiction**

This brilliant novel follows architect Matthew Halland as he navigates 1990s London, juggling a crumbling marriage, professional pressures, and an unexpected affair. Lively weaves together past and present, exploring how memory shapes our urban landscapes and personal relationships. It's a smart meditation on time, place, and the stories we tell ourselves about both.

Perfect for readers who love character-driven fiction with philosophical depth but without the pompous baggage. If you enjoyed Julian Barnes or Ali Smith, this will hit the spot. Penelope Lively, Booker Prize winner and master of elegant storytelling, delivers her trademark blend of wit and wisdom.

This preloved copy from Patina Paperbacks has lived a little but still has plenty of stories left to tell.

**Reader Reviews:**
"Lively's prose is like walking through London itself - layered, surprising, and utterly absorbing."
"A gorgeous exploration of how cities and minds both hold their histories. Made me see my own neighborhood differently."