Spousonomics is more entertainment than information, but it nevertheless provides an insightful tour of common marital gripes as seen through the lens of the dismal science. Having not read many books about marriage, I cannot speak to the genre, but this engaging read provides ample bite-sized ideas suitable for spousal discussion.

For example, there is a good explanation of comparative advantage and how to apply it to the division of labour. Comparative advantage, outlined by David Ricardo in 1817, essentially says that we should do what we are relatively better at. This provoked a conversation around our dinner table as to what are relative advantages are. One was obvious: I wash dishes really slowly, but I dry them at a decent rate, whereas my wife enjoys an absolute advantage in both. So, rather than alternate washing and drying (which would be fair), or have my wife wash and dry all the time (which would not be fair) we specialize and trade: she washes all the time and I dry, which results in more time for everyone to enjoy other things. It's also a great opportunity to chat!

Other topics include: Supply and Demand (or, how to have more sex), Incentives (or, getting your spouse to do what you want) and Asymmetric Information (or, why you should tell your partner stuff). A knowledge of economics is certainly not required to enjoy the book's playful and narrative approach, but for readers who know a thing or two, it does add another dimension. I found myself saying, on more than one occasion: "I never thought about it like that before."

While it may not save a relationship that is seriously floundering, most of the ideas and ‘case studies’ are real enough to provide some practical options for couples (or one side of a couple) to consider when working on ‘making it work’.