Publication Date: 04/05/2023 ISBN: 9781787704473 Category:

First Blood

Amelie Nothomb, Alison Anderson

Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Publication Date: 04/05/2023 ISBN: 9781787704473 Category:
Paperback / Softback

£14.99

Quantity:

Description

The Republic of the Congo, 1964. A young man is facing a firing squad, preparing for his last moment on Earth. He reflects on his childhood with a distant mother, and the moments which have led to him finding himself staring death in the face.

Patrick Nothomb is a young diplomat, aged 28, when he is taken hostage with thousands of others in Stanleyville (now Kisangani) by rebels. Over the course of four months, Nothomb has negotiated with his captors each and every day, saving the lives of 1500 citizens.

Inspired by the life of her father, who died at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, Amelie Nothomb slips into his shoes to give voice to his story.

Publisher Review

"Nothomb's crystalline re-remembrance is a spellcasting, one-sitting read that's Technicolor vivid and rich in joy, humor, and love." * Booklist * "This book is a gem." * Le Parisien * "Amelie Nothomb at her best: cruel, tender and funny." * Telerama * "A book bubbling in delightful humour and exuberant vitality." * Le Figaro *

Book experts at your service

What are you looking for?

A recommendation
Something specific
  • Mr B's Recommendation Station
  • Fill in the three questions below, along with your name and email address, and our book experts will be in touch soon with their personal recommendations

  • I'm after something specific
  • Tell us about the book, author or subject you're looking for, along with your name and email address and our book experts will be in touch as soon as possible