The book
A Europa classic about love, deceit, Paris, and books!
Ivan and Francesca decide to open a bookstore devoted solely to good literature and their love of books. Frustrated by the glut of mediocre books printed every month and envisioning a true literary paradise, they offer a selection of literary masterpieces chosen by a top-secret committee of like-minded literary connoisseurs.
To their amazement, after only a few months, their vision proves popular. Very popular. Tucked away in a corner of Paris, the bookstore quickly becomes a haven for bibliophiles. Indeed, it becomes so successful that the great majority of Parisian readers are now buying their books only at Ivan and Francesca’s store, and other stores in the city are starting to change how they order and display books too. Now big publishing’s powerful elite are desperately trying to adapt their business model to the demand for quality above all else. As the store’s success grows, venomous comments begin circulating online and the owners, and their selection committee, become the target of vicious editorials and threats.
A Novel Bookstore blends book love and bookstore love with a brilliantly conceived and entertaining mystery and is a delight for readers of all tastes.
The author
Laurence Cossé
Laurence Cossé worked as a journalist before devoting herself entirely to fiction. She is the author of Bitter Almonds (Europa, 2013) and An Accident in August (Europa, 2011). A Novel Bookstore is her ninth novel. She lives in France.
Press
- Jun 23 2013
The Book Habit: "A Novel Bookstore reads as a love poem to literature." - Nov 7 2010
The Washington Post: "Makes a good argument for literature as a sensual pleasure surpassing even sex and fine wine." - Oct 23 2010
Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Packed with sublime, enthusiastic descriptions of reading and literature." - Oct 1 2010
Three Percent: "Cossé observes the smallest details and imbues them with meaning." - Sep 16 2010
A Common Reader: "An engaging read." - Sep 15 2010
San Francisco Chronicle: "Marvelous and stimulating."