Description

From the author of The Red Notebook, described as ‘Parisian perfection’ by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Vintage 1954 is a nostalgic tale of time travel.

‘A glorious time-slip caper… Just wonderful’ Daily Mail

When Hubert Larnaudie invites some fellow residents of his Parisian apartment building to drink an exceptional bottle of 1954 Beaujolais, he has no idea of its special properties.

The following morning, Hubert finds himself waking up in 1950s Paris, as do antique restorer Magalie, mixologist Julien, and Airbnb tenant Bob from Milwaukee, who’s on his first trip to Europe. After their initial shock, the city of Edith Piaf and An American in Paris begins to work its charm on them. The four delight in getting to know the French capital during this iconic period, whilst also playing with the possibilities that time travel allows.

But, ultimately, they need to work out how to get back to 2017, and time is of the essence…

Publisher Review

'I adore Laurain's novels... This latest love letter to the French capital more than keeps up his impressive standard' Daily Mail `As inventive and perceptive a story as you could wish for' Max Easterman, European Literature Network 'Delightfully nostalgic escapism set in a gorgeously conjured Paris of 1954' Sunday Mirror Praise for Smoking Kills: `It has the pleasing weirdness that makes Laurain's novels so appealing' The Sunday Times `Hilarious, formidable - and essential packing for any French Summer holiday' Daily Mail `A brisk black comedy... makes cigarettes seem seductive again, even to committed non-smokers.' The Guardian `A seductively murderous Parisian tale' The Times Crime Club `Smoking Kills is one heck of a book ... a romp and a satire and it is a reminder of all that is funny-peculiar about Parisian culture. Read this book. It will be good for your health' Shots Magazine `Funny, superbly over-the-top.... not a page too much' The Times `This is guaranteed fun' Publishers Weekly `This dark parody of classic romans noirs is one more reason to love the French' Crime Reads `Antoine Laurain is a compelling storyteller. The writing flows effortlessly, alternating action and reflection, the present and flashbacks, the sad and the comical' Riveting Reviews `...one of the most savage, most gloriously satisfying endings I've read in ages, I can't help but recommend this book for what it is: a gem' Pop Matters `This dark yet comic novel is perfect for readers wanting to enjoy a typically French satirical crime story' Living France Magazine `This is a real tonic for the soul (...) Smoking Kills is a very black comedy, it is a lot of wicked fun (...) original and playful and entertaining' Nudge Books `Dark and enjoyable . . . You will puff in pleasure' 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 `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... A gem' Daily Mail