Synopses & Reviews
A Europa classic about love, deceit, Paris, and books!
Ivan and Francesca decide to open a bookstore devoted solely to good
literature and their love of books. Frustrated by the glut of mediocre
books printed every month and envisioning a true literary paradise, they
offer a selection of literary masterpieces chosen by a top-secret
committee of like-minded literary connoisseurs.
To their amazement, after only a few months, their vision proves
popular. Very popular. Tucked away in a corner of Paris, the bookstore
quickly becomes a haven for bibliophiles. Indeed, it becomes so
successful that the great majority of Parisian readers are now buying
their books only at Ivan and Francesca's store, and other stores in the
city are starting to change how they order and display books too. Now
big publishing's powerful elite are desperately trying to adapt their
business model to the demand for quality above all else. As the store's
success grows, venomous comments begin circulating online and the
owners, and their selection committee, become the target of vicious
editorials and threats.
A Novel Bookstore blends book love and bookstore love with a
brilliantly conceived and entertaining mystery and is a delight for
readers of all tastes.
Review
"Eminently readable, it is a
love letter to the novel (literature junkies will find within its pages
a seemingly endless supply of book suggestions) and a profound
exploration of human nature." Library Journal
Review
"Cossé poignantly depicts characters who have turned to literature for solace against the pain in their lives." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Reader manifestos, tricksy
narration, a dash of mystery, somewhat surreal plotting — Cossé stacks
her novel full of the delights of sophisticated writing." The Guardian
About the Author
Laurence Cossé worked as a journalist before devoting herself entirely to fiction. She is the author of the satirical thriller, The Corner of the Veil, and the bestselling Prime Minister's Woman. A Novel Bookstore is her ninth novel. She lives in France.
Alison Anderson has translated numerous works of literary fiction, including the bestselling novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. She has also written her own works of fiction and resides in Switzerland.