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Consolation

A tale of love, loss, and unexpected redemption.

Anna Gavalda author Alison Anderson translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:22nd May '17

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Consolation cover

This poignant tale follows Charles Balanda as he navigates grief and love after the death of Anouk, leading him to unexpected redemption with Kate in Consolation.

In Consolation, we follow the life of Charles Balanda, a forty-seven-year-old architect whose world begins to crumble after the death of Anouk, a woman he once loved. Anouk, who was the kind-hearted mother of his childhood friend, leaves a void in Charles's life that he struggles to fill. As he grapples with his grief, he finds himself spiraling into a dark place, culminating in a shocking moment where he ends up on a Paris pavement covered in blood. This pivotal event marks a turning point, forcing him to confront his past and the choices he has made.

The narrative takes us through Charles's journey as he navigates his emotions and the memories of his lost love. In the midst of his turmoil, he encounters Kate, a young woman who is both damaged and vibrant, offering him a glimpse of hope and a chance for redemption. Their relationship blossoms amidst the backdrop of loss and longing, highlighting the complexities of love and the human experience.

Consolation is more than just a story about heartbreak; it is a poignant exploration of second chances and the resilience of the human spirit. Through beautifully crafted prose, the author weaves a tale that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a possibility for healing and happiness.

Too often the best European literature doesn't reach this island; here we have a little consolation * Waterstone's Books Quarterly *
An absorbing tale... a gripping story that gallops along with un-put-downable speed * Mslexia *
Despite an awkward start, it makes an uncomplicated, easily digestible, cheering read: so it's perhaps unsurprising that it became the best-selling French novel of 2008, moving over half a million copies and being translated into 32 languages -- James Urquhart * Independent *
It is a confident author who works with a large cast of characters, and in many instances - notably the children - Gavalda nails it -- Lee Randall * The Scotsman *
Gavalda's touching writing makes what could have been a melancholy text into a beautifully insightful novel. -- Eve Middleton * Living France *

ISBN: 9781784706838

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 29mm

Weight: 331g

480 pages