The President's Hat

A whimsical journey of ambition and unexpected encounters

Antoine Laurain author Louise Rogers Lalaurie translator Emily Boyce translator Jane Aitken translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Pushkin Press

Published:27th Mar '25

Should be back in stock very soon

The President's Hat cover

An accountant's life changes dramatically after he finds a hat belonging to President Mitterrand, leading to unexpected success. The President's Hat explores ambition and fate.

In an elegant Parisian brasserie, accountant Daniel Mercier finds himself dining alone when he is unexpectedly joined by President François Mitterrand. After the presidential party departs, Daniel notices a black felt hat left behind. After a moment of contemplation, he decides to keep this unique souvenir, which fits him perfectly. Little does he know that this seemingly ordinary hat will alter the course of his life in extraordinary ways.

As Daniel dons the hat, he begins to experience a newfound sense of confidence and success. The hat seems to bestow upon him a taste of power and influence that he had never known before. Over the next two years, the hat passes through the hands of various individuals, each of whom finds their own lives transformed by its presence. The story weaves together the lives of these characters, showcasing how a simple object can have profound effects on one's destiny.

The President's Hat is a delightful exploration of ambition, identity, and the whimsical nature of fate, all set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s Paris. With a witty and humorous narrative, the book invites readers to reflect on the possibilities that life offers and the unexpected turns that can lead to greatness.

'A hymn to la vie Parisienne' - Guardian

'A fable of romance and redemption' - Telegraph

'Impossible to resist' - L'Express

'As entertaining as it is original, this is the story to enjoy like a chocolate with a surprise centre' - Marie France

ISBN: 9781805333432

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

208 pages