One Last Time

Anne’s diagnosis of terminal cancer shines a spotlight onto fractured relationships with her daughter and granddaughter, with surprising, heart-warming results. A moving, elegant and warmly funny novel by the Norwegian Anne Tyler.

‘Helga Flatland writes with such astuteness … Her portrayal of a fractured family trying to cope through emotional personal circumstances was perfect. I devoured this in two sittings and was overwhelmed with feelings for the characters’ Nina Pottell, Prima
 
‘Sometimes you simply don’t have words to express the beauty and experience of a book – this is one of them’ Louise Beech
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Anne’s life is rushing to an unexpected and untimely end. But her diagnosis of terminal cancer isn’t just a shock for her – and for her daughter Sigrid and granddaughter Mia – it shines a spotlight onto their fractured and uncomfortable relationships.

On a spur-of-the moment trip to France the three generations of women reveal harboured secrets, long-held frustrations and suppressed desires, and learn humbling and heart-warming lessons about how life should be lived when death is so close.

With all of Helga Flatland’s trademark humour, razor-sharp wit and deep empathy, One Last Time examines the great dramas that can be found in ordinary lives, asks the questions that matter to us all – and ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, in an exquisite, enchantingly beautiful novel that urges us to treasure and rethink … everything.

For fans of Elena Ferrante, Maggie O’Farrell, Mike Gayle, Joanna Cannon, Sally Rooney and Carol Shields.
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‘The most beautiful, elegant writing I’ve read in a long time. If you love Anne Tyler, you will ADORE this’ Joanna Cannon

‘Flatland is hailed as “the Norwegian Anne Tyler”, but, for me, she writes like Flatland, which is more than good enough’ Saga
 
‘A poignant and beautifully written story ... intimate, evocative and moving’ Kristin Gleeson
 
‘Helga Flatland possesses a pen made from fluent wisdom, subtle humour and elegance’ Carol Lovekin

‘Absolutely loved its quiet, insightful generosity’ Claire King
 
'So perceptive and clever' Rónán Hession

‘A thoughtful and reflective novel about parents,...