The Scent of Flowers at Night
a stunning new work of non-fiction from the bestselling author of Lullaby
Leïla Slimani author Sam Taylor translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton
Published:25th Jul '24
£9.99
Available for immediate dispatch.
This captivating work delves into art and life through the lens of a sleepless night, offering reflections that resonate deeply with readers. The Scent of Flowers at Night invites contemplation.
In The Scent of Flowers at Night, Leïla Slimani offers a profound exploration of art, life, and the complexities of the human experience. Commissioned to spend a sleepless night in the Punta della Dogana museum in Venice, Slimani reflects on her journey as a woman, writer, and daughter. The quiet solitude of the museum becomes a canvas for her thoughts, as she navigates the interplay between beauty and existence. Through her intimate observations, she reveals the power of art to evoke memories and emotions, allowing readers to join her in this reflective journey.
As Slimani wanders the museum's halls, she confronts her past and present, intertwining her personal narrative with the timelessness of the artworks surrounding her. Each piece of art serves as a mirror, prompting her to question the meaning of life and death. The night becomes a transformative experience, where silence amplifies her introspection and deepens her understanding of beauty in its many forms. Slimani's elegant prose captures the essence of her thoughts, creating a tapestry of reflections that resonate with anyone who has grappled with similar questions.
The Scent of Flowers at Night is more than just a meditation on art; it is an invitation to contemplate the profound connections between our lives and the world around us. Slimani's insights encourage readers to embrace their own experiences of beauty and loss, making this work a deeply personal and universal exploration of existence.
Slimani's The Scent of Flowers at Night is a revelation - I have never felt more seen by a book, nor have I been so gripped. In such elegant and readable prose, she captures the obsession and joys of writing, and the power of art and words -- Katy Hessel
An utterly compelling exploration of memory, art-making and solitude: what it takes, what it costs, to be a daughter, a woman, who writes. I couldn't put it down. * Tanya Shadrick *
An engaging meditation on literature, death, deracination and tourism -- Lucy Ellmann * Daily Telegraph *
Mesmerising. I inhaled this writer's poetic meditation on time and the creative process -- Sheena Patel
Heartwarming and sad...accessible and endearing...frank and honest...humorous and affirming * Buzz Listings *
Vivid and capable of transporting the reader * The Observer *
ISBN: 9781529399677
Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 12mm
Weight: 120g
160 pages