Description

Three friends, all exhausted young mothers living in Paris, escape to Tunisia for a New Year’s getaway. By the hotel pool, they savour a rare moment of freedom, reliving past mistakes (and making new ones) while dreaming of adventure. Three years later, they reunite for another holiday, this time at a remote, disused lighthouse off the coast of Brittany. But the easy camaraderie of their earlier trip has faded. Tensions simmer, and long-held dynamics begin to shift – especially when it’s revealed that one of them is writing a film inspired by their friendship.

Full of humour and insight, Nolwenn Le Blevennec’s latest novel explores growing up, growing apart and the rich, if painful, bonds of female friendship.

Publisher Review

Praise for Friends and Lovers: 'Fast, uninhibited and stylish. Like Jules et Jim without the men.' - Mariel Franklin, author of Bonding 'Nimbly translated into English by Madeleine Rogers [...] Explores the boundaries of friendship and what it can withstand [...] Enjoyable, erudite and witty. The writing is precise and the imagery artful [...] It is certainly a book to take on holiday, though readers are advised to leave their screenplays about their travel companions at home.' - The TLS Praise for Nolwenn Le Blevennec's previous work: 'A subtle, singular novel of profound insight, delivered in a voice so hilarious, intimate and frank, it was as if I suddenly had a zany French genius for my best friend. I enjoyed this book so much it felt illicit.' - Isobel Wohl, author of Cold New Climate 'An incisive and exhilarating debut.' - Le Monde 'Woody Allen meets Annie Ernaux.' - Page des Libraires