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The Short Reign of Pippin IV
The Short Reign of Pippin IV
Dec 6, 2025 2:07 AM

Author:John Steinbeck,Jefferson Mays

The Short Reign of Pippin IV

Brought to you by Penguin.

Steinbeck's only work of political satire turns the French Revolution on its head, as amateur astronomer Pippin Heristal is drafted in to rule the unruly French. Enchanting comedy ensues as Steinbeck creates the most hilarious royal court ever around the brief, bold reign of the corduroy-clad Pippin, his social-climbing wife Maria, his star-struck daughter Clotilde and her Californian beau, Todd.

© John Steinbeck 1957 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Reviews

The feel-good story...that we all need to read right now

—— Woman & Home

A reminder of the importance of friendships

—— Good Housekeeping

Poignant and uplifting

—— Daily Mail

'The Authenticity Project is a rich roast of great characters, even better relationships, wonderful entanglements, and a few surprises along the way. If Monica's Cafe were a real place, I'd stop by every day.'

—— Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is

It's a heartwarming, laughter-and-tears story about the value of friendships and the importance of reaching out to each other.

—— Mail Online

Fans of Frederick Backman and Gail Honeyman - make room on your shelves for Clare Pooley. The Authenticity Project is a stunning debut and it left me inspired to share more of myself with the world.

—— Steven Rowley, bestselling author of The Editor

Insightful, timely, and utterly addictive, The Authenticity Project illuminates the importance of discovering - and honoring - our truest, most imperfect selves.

—— Georgia Hunter, New York Times bestselling author of We Were the Lucky Ones

'The Authenticity Project cracks the facades that people present to the world and shows what happens when you're willing to share your true self. This is a story of love, community, of found family, and of forgiveness. A beautiful book with a poignant message, perfect for our time.'

—— Jill Santopolo, bestselling author of The Light We Lost

'A lively story of revelations and self-realisations'

—— Sainsbury's Magazine

'With lessons on honesty and just how well you might know your neighbours (which feels extra pertinent right now), The Authenticity Project will have you pondering your own 'inner self'...If you're looking for reassurance about friendship and love, it's a great place to find it'

—— Irish Examiner

'Reminds you of the good in human nature, community and friendship... A lose-yourself, uplifting read with a serious theme to ponder'

—— Suffolk magazine

'This debut is life-affirming . . . Charming'

—— Psychologies

'It's not difficult to see why this beautiful, tender novel has been such a hit with readers'

—— My Weekly

'If you're a fan of Eleanor Oliphant, read this!'

—— Fabulous

'A moving tale about loneliness, parenthood, addiction and the importance of living the best life you can'

—— Sunday Express

'A heartening story about the importance of truth and friendship, with characters that spring to life on the page'

—— The Independent

'A superb, life-affirming book . . . this is both funny and heartbreakingly sad'

—— Prima

'This is the feel-good story, full of hope, that we all need to read right now'

—— Closer

In this joyous read, we learn what it means to embrace who we really are

—— Woman's Weekly

'A moving tale about living the best life you can'

—— Daily Mirror

'A wonderfully warm, feel-good novel about the power of friendship and connection'

—— Cosmopolitan

A stirring and warm-hearted read

—— Heat

In a heartfelt and ultimately joyous read, we learn what it means to open up to who we really are

—— Woman & Home

I loved this uplifting, original tale

—— The Sun

This is a reminder of the importance of friendships and reaching out to others

—— Good Housekeeping

'Pooley handles her cast with brio as new relationships are formed and lives are changed in this poignant and uplifting read'

—— Daily Mail

It's full of life's truths, funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed it

—— Fanny Blake

I loved The Authenticity Project. I powered through it and it was such a joy. It gave me that warm fuzzy feeling that I've so missed (since the days of Love Actually etc). It really reminded me of those classic Richard Curtis films... Fab characters and just the right amount of romance, humour and weepy moments

—— Rachel Marks

'Reading the book was like hanging out with a rowdy, affectionate bunch of friends where you don't want the party to stop. A joyous, funny read that leaves you all warm inside'

—— Beth Morrey

'One of the best books I've read in a long time. Original, engaging and unforgettable'

—— Sunday Times bestselling author, Sarah Morgan

Beautifully written, thought provoking and uplifting, The Authenticity Project is a warm and endearing tale about truth, friendship and the power of connection. Pooley's characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It was a joy to read

—— Mike Gayle
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