Description
A collector unearths the find of a lifetime: an eighteenth-century portrait of a man uncannily like him.
While wandering through a Paris auction house, avid collector Pierre-François Chaumont is stunned to discover the eighteenth-century portrait of an unknown man who looks just like him.
Much to his delight, Chaumont’s bid for the work is successful, but back at home his jaded wife and circle of friends are unable to see the resemblance.
Chaumont remains convinced of it, and as he researches into the painting’s history, he is presented with the opportunity to abandon his tedious existence and walk into a brand new life…
Reviews
‘A delightful literary soufflé that fans of his other charming books will savor.’ Library Journal
‘The story will captivate through its unique charm … A quick read that will leave readers eager for more of Laurain’s delightful works.’ Portland Book Review
‘Effortlessly eloquent, quietly hilarious and consistently self-aware, Antoine Laurain’s debut novel is a delightful read.’ Reader’s Digest
‘It’s delightful’ Star Tribune
‘Laurain’s novella is distinctive for its energetic prose and plot and for his skill in rendering simple what is otherwise complex… pure entertainment.’ Riveting Reviews
‘A superlatively enjoyable little treasure from France’s best current purveyor’ The Book Bag
Praise for The President’s Hat and The Red Notebook
‘A hymn to la vie Parisienne…enjoy it for its fabulistic narrative, and the way it teeters pleasantly on the edge of Gallic whimsy.’ The Guardian
‘Like finding a gem among the bric-a-brac in a local brocante’ Christian House, The Telegraph
‘Resist this novel if you can; it’s the very quintessence of French romance’ The Times
‘Soaked in Parisian atmosphere, this lovely, clever, funny novel will have you rushing to the Eurostar post-haste’ Daily Mail
Bonus Material