This collection brings together works that explore the rich interplay between culture, language, and personal growth, with a particular emphasis on literature in translation and original fiction that delves into both intellectual and emotional dimensions. At its heart are Alison Anderson’s masterful translations—such as Gourmet Rhapsody and The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery—paired with her own deeply reflective novels. Together, they showcase her rare ability to convey subtlety, tone, and insight across languages. Through these works, the collection celebrates how art, literature, and introspection shape identity and meaning, offering readers a thoughtful meditation on the human experience across cultures, philosophy, and the natural world.
This handsome hardcover edition is in fine, untouched condition. The pages are tight, clean, and unmarked, and the book remains square and firm in its binding. The black cloth boards are pristine, with bright gilt lettering along the spine and an unmarked dust jacket. John le Carré’s The Mission Song is a gripping mystery that follows Bruno Salvador, the abandoned son of an Irish father and a Congolese mother, who has long sought direction in life. Fluent in numerous African languages, Bruno becomes a top interpreter in London, working for businesses, hospitals, diplomats—and British Intelligence. When his handler, Mr. Anderson, sends him to a remote island to interpret at a secret conference between Central African warlords, Bruno believes he is serving a noble cause. But when he overhears something he was never meant to, he finds himself caught in a web of deception and moral conflict. *This copy is also available to international customers through AbeBooks.com, as Kathrin’s Books currently ships within Canada only.*
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 She claims to have discovered an unpublished novel by Anton Chekhov, which she shares with her doctor and confidant.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 beautiful first printing is in near 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. Babel Tower is a 1996 novel by A. S. Byatt, the third book in her Frederica Quartet, which follows the intellectual and emotional journey of Frederica Potter, a brilliant and ambitious woman navigating life in mid-20th-century England. This novel deepens Frederica's character while engaging with broader debates on language, identity, and societal transformation during the 1960s.
This beautiful edition is in fine condition. The pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked, remaining tight and square in their binding. The boards are well-preserved, showing only the faintest trace of gentle staining.
