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What I Know About You

Eric Chacour author Pablo Strauss translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Gallic Books

Published:19th Sep '24

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What I Know About You cover

SHORTLISTED FOR THE GILLER PRIZE

"An absorbing, affecting novel of grief and love, it's so assured and deftly executed that it's hard to believe it's a debut." Daily Mail

An internationally-bestselling, and multi-award-winning, tale of impossible love and family secrets in late-twentieth century Egypt.

Cairo, 1980s. Tarek’s whole life is laid out for him. A doctor like his father, he has taken over the family medical practice, married his childhood sweetheart and is well respected in society. 

When he opens a clinic in a disadvantaged area of the city, he meets Ali, a young man who is free from the societal pressures that govern Tarek’s life. This chance encounter will change everything, throwing Tarek’s marriage, career and his entire existence into question. 

From bustling Cairo to the harsh winters of Montréal, from the reign of Nasser to the dawn of a new century, Tarek wanders and reminisces. 

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, someone is compiling the chapters of his story . . .

'Newly translated into English, this international bestseller scooped one of France's top book prizes in 2023, and deservedly. An absorbing, affecting novel of grief and love, it's so assured and deftly executed that it's hard to believe it's a debut.' Daily Mail

'A mesmerizing and achingly beautiful novel that will linger in your memory indefinitely' Jon Ransom, author of The Whale Tattoo

‘A debut that reads like a classic’ Le Figaro 

‘Impressive . . . It is rare to read such a masterful, thrilling debut’ L’Express 

‘A magnificent debut novel about family secrets and loves that endure long after their breaking point’ L’Actualité

‘One of the best novels of recent years’ Fugues

'A splendid exercise in melancholy and heartbreak with highly empathetic characters, Chacour’s first novel is beautifully written and superbly translated from the French by Pablo Strauss. It is not to be missed.' Booklist

Winner of the French Booksellers Prize

Winner of the Prix Femina Des Lyceens

Winner of the Prix Première Plume 2023

Winner of the Prix de 5 Continents 2024

Winner of the Prix du Club des irrésistibles 2024

Winner of the Prix du CALQ 2024

Shortlisted for the Prix Femina 2023

Shortlisted for the Prix Renaudot 2023

Shortlisted for the Prix du Roman Fnac 2023

Shortlisted for the Prix des Libraires du Québec 2024

Longlisted for the Prix des Deux Magots 2023

Longlisted for the Prix des Libraires 2024

Longlisted for the Prix Talents/Cultura 2023



ISBN: 9781913547851

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

256 pages

International