Author:Louis de Bernières
A beautiful and unlikely love story about what unites us from the bestselling author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
Chris is in his forties: bored, lonely, trapped in a loveless, sexless marriage.
He's a stranger to the 1970s youth culture of London, a stranger to himself on the night he invites a prostitute into his car.
Roza has recently moved to London from eastern Europe. She's in her twenties, but has already lived a life filled with danger, misadventure, romance, and tragedy. And though she's not a prostitute, when she's propositioned by Chris, she gets into his car anyway.
Over the next few months Roza tells Chris the stories of her past. She's a fast-talking Scheherazade, saving her own life by telling it to Chris. And he takes in her tales as if they were oxygen in an otherwise airless world. But is Roza telling the truth? Does it even matter?
'Sublimely funny and moving’ Independent
A triumph - a finely executed little masterpiece
—— Daily MirrorIt's a glory...intensely moving...It's a wise and moving novel, perfectly accomplished. It shows that no life is ordinary. It shines fresh light on the nature of love
—— GuardianSublimely funny and moving...by the time I'd finished this sleek little novel I'd laughed out loud numerous times and, eventually, cried. That's as true a testimony to a book's loveliness as I know
—— IndependentA striking and wise novel, deceptively slight yet emotionally profound
—— New StatesmanThis is a silk stocking of a novel: fragile, light - and yet possessed of surprising tensile strength...making it look this simple is a real art
—— The TimesDe Bernieres is a skilful writer, poetic but unforced, who can soothe you like a masseur, telling well-oiled stories of past excitements, and then just when you are drifting off, dexterously tweak a pressure point
—— Daily TelegraphAttractive and completely compelling
—— Daily MailA beautifully written and compelling story
—— Sunday ExpressDe Bernière's mellifluent, clear prose slips through the reader's mind with efficient ease
—— The TimesBy the end I was impressed, moved and touched
—— SpectatorA bittersweet love story
—— TatlerYou'll soon be as captivated by Roza's colourful tale as Chris is
—— SHEA bitter-sweet story of missed opportunities
—— Good Book Guide