In the novel “Fleishman is in Trouble,” Toby Fleishman is a recently divorced doctor in his 40s, doing his best to start dating again in the Tinder-era. He feels exceedingly scorned, having spent a lot of time making career sacrifices so he could take care of his two kids. The target of his anger is his ex-wife Rachel, a high-powered talent agent. He says she always cared more about work and social status than her own family.
But one day, Rachel disappears, leaving Toby to figure out where she went, all while balancing his kids, his job, and his new dating life. What follows is an exploration of marriage, gendered expectations, and the value society places on women.