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This collection highlights works that explore the intersection of culture, language, and personal growth, with a particular focus on literature in translation and original fiction that engages deeply with intellectual and emotional themes. Featuring Alison Anderson's skillful translations—such as Gourmet Rhapsody and The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery—alongside her own novels, the collection celebrates her talent for capturing the nuance and depth of the written word across languages. These works examine how art, literature, and introspection shape personal identity and meaning, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of the human experience across cultures.
This like-new hardcover is in near fine condition. The pages are tight, square, with a black mark on the top edge. The dust cover is unmarked, green cloth boards, and bright gilt lettering on the spine of the book. The Summer Guest by Alison Anderson is a novel that weaves together three interconnected stories across different timelines. Zinaida Mikhailovna is a woman in 1888 who stays at a rural Ukrainian estate. She claims to have discovered an unpublished novel by Anton Chekhov, which she shares with her doctor and confidant. Ana Harding is a contemporary translator tasked with translating Zinaida's diary. Through her work, Ana unravels the mystery surrounding the novel and gains deeper insight into Zinaida's life. Katya Kendall is a publisher collaborating with Ana. The book has been praised for its rich historical detail and its ability to capture the essence of Anton Chekhov's life and work.
This beautiful softcover edition is in fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are tight, appear unread, and the book is tight, square, and unmarked. Gourmet Rhapsody (original French title: Une Gourmandise) is a novel by Muriel Barbery. The story revolves around Pierre Arthens, a renowned food critic living in Paris, who is on his deathbed. The novel alternates between Pierre's introspective monologues and the perspectives of other characters who have been part of his life, including his family members, acquaintances, and even animals. Muriel Barbery employs a lyrical and evocative style, rich with sensory descriptions, making the novel an indulgent read for lovers of both literature and gastronomy. It also echoes themes present in her later, more widely acclaimed novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog.
This beautiful softcover edition is in fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are tight, appear unread, and the book is tight, square, and unmarked. The novel is set in a luxurious apartment building at 7 Rue de Grenelle in Paris, itl follows the lives of two seemingly disparate characters: Renée Michel, a discreetly intellectual concierge, and Paloma Josse, a precocious and disillusioned twelve-year-old. Both hide their true selves to escape the rigid social expectations imposed upon them. Their lives change when Kakuro Ozu, a cultured and compassionate new tenant, moves into the building and perceives their hidden depths. The Elegance of the Hedgehog became an international bestseller and won the Prix des Libraires in 2007.
This first edition is near fine, no marks, pages are tight and appear unread, the book is tight, square, and unmarked. The dust cover is unmarked, beige cloth boards, and bright gilt lettering on the spine of the book. The Lady in the Palazzo: At Home in Umbria by Marlena de Blasi is a memoir that recounts the author’s experience of settling in a small town in Umbria, Italy, with her Venetian husband, Fernando. It is the third installment in her series of memoirs about life in Italy, following A Thousand Days in Venice and A Thousand Days in Tuscany. The book delves into their interactions with the local community, ranging from eccentric townspeople to skilled artisans, as they navigate cultural differences. Marlena De Blasi’s writing is rich, descriptive, and evocative, blending humor with poignancy to create a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The memoir has been widely praised for its wit and its detailed portrayal of Italian life, making it an immersive read.
This like-new hardcover edition is in near fine condition. The pages are tight, clean, and unmarked, and the book remains tight, square, and unmarked. It features beige cloth boards with gilt embellishments on the spine and showcases high-quality production, including finely rendered illustrations.
This beautiful softcover edition is in fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are tight, unmarked, and the book is tight, square, and unmarked.