Eduard Hoffman is a microbiologist with an interest in relationships. He believes he's found a strain of separation virus raging in West Berlin in 1983, which terminates every relationship within three years, 167 days, and 2 hours. As Eduard attempts to evade the virus, he tangles with Germany's Nazi guilt, memories of his father, a wayward mouse, and other threats to his identity in a divided country.A little Don Giovanni, a little cafe sociology, a little laboratory science, a little Berlin wit--it's a pleasant mix.--Suzanne Ruta, New York Times Book Review With its poignant valedictory to its protagonists' waning youth and its rueful placing of them in the firing line of history, Couplings achieves a balance of light and dark that is utterly persuasive.--Michael Upchurch, San Francisco Chronicle Book Review"