Summary

“The Decline of the West” by Hanif Kureishi tells the story of Mike, a 45-year-old man who works in corporate finance for a company in London.

The story begins with Mike arriving home earlier than usual. He is looking forward to seeing his family, but he is greeted by his wife, Imogen, in an indifferent manner and is unable to share his news with her.

Mike prepares a frozen meal and sits down to eat by himself while he thinks about the future. He was fired earlier that day because of recession, and he is now reconsidering his life choices.

The family lives in a large house serviced by an au pair and a cleaner. The house is expensively furnished and overlooks a garden with a shed where the children can practice music. The family has expensive habits and hobbies.

Mike can see his two sons playing a violent vide...