Muriel Barbery is the author of four previous novels, including the IMPAC-shortlisted multimillion-copy bestseller The Elegance of the Hedgehog. She has lived in Kyoto, Amsterdam and Paris and now lives in the French countryside.
'Muriel Barbery crafts a moving tale of emotional awakening and blossoming love, set among the vivid colours and mesmerising scenery of Kyoto' - Woman's Own 'Delightful, engaging . . . this novel offers the pleasures of a poetic travelogue and an homage to a place and a culture' - New York Journal of Books 'Rich with atmosphere and character and drawing on themes of grief and second chances, this is a delicate delight' - Living Magazine '[A] multi-layered novel of self-discovery, grounded in richly evoked landscapes and experiences ... An enjoyable, immersive read' - The Lady 'An immensely calming novel, so superbly written it deserves to be savoured slowly' - Le Parisien