Richard Kramer in conversation with Daniel Mendelsohn

Richard Kramer's new novel These Things Happen is set in Manhattan and told through a cast of familiar, sympathetic voices. It's the story of Wesley, a bright, sensitive and self-conscious teenager who moves from his mother and step-father's home to live with his gay and hitherto elusive father. When Wesley and his best friend Theo become victims of random violence, the fragile structure of his family is shattered and they are forced to confront their real feelings. Trauma makes them authentic.