Consolation
by Anna Gavalda
At 47, and a successful architect, Charles had long forgotten his crush on his friend's mother. Hadn't he? Events force Charles to re-evaluate everything in his life and to consider the possible consolations of complete change. Put aside at least a long weekend for this very satisfying read.
Extract
'The difference is that you were brought up by people who believed in a whole lot of things, whereas I grew up with a woman who believed in nothing.'
'She believed in li-'
Charles immediately regretted what he'd been about to say. Too late:
'Sure. Just look what she made of it.'
'She believed in li-'
Charles immediately regretted what he'd been about to say. Too late:
'Sure. Just look what she made of it.'
Translated by Alison Anderson
Parallels
Iris and Ruby by Rosie Thomas
Cheri and The Last of Cheri by Colette