There Was Still Love

Favel Parrett

$29.99

Paperback

In stock
Ready to ship

QTY:

Hachette Australia
24 September 2019

ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ---- Set between Prague and Melbourne in 1980, this achingly tender and deceptively simple novel tells of two children who never meet, but who are related through their formidable grandmothers. Ludek in Prague is curious, energetic, boastful and funny. His family don't have much, but then again, no-one in his neighbourhood does. There are often shortages but there's always something happening and his grandmother manages well enough. Mala Liska in Melbourne is quiet, observant, dutiful and imaginative. Her grandparents scrimp and save so they can occasionally go back to visit Prague; things are measured out and weighed up and carefully preserved but Mala always feels she has what she needs. As the novel switches back and forth, deep truths are revealed, about staying and going, sacrifices and resentments, family and the tales they tell to protect themselves - and always, of love. A truly beautiful, unforced and gentle novel - one of my favourites this year! Lindy Jones

----

Prague, 1938: Eva flies down the street from her sister. Suddenly a man steps out, a man wearing a hat. Eva runs into him, hits the pavement hard. His hat is in the gutter. His anger slaps Eva, but his hate will change everything, as war forces so many lives into small, brown suitcases.

Prague, 1980: No one sees Ludek. A young boy can slip right under the heavy blanket that covers this city - the fear cannot touch him. Ludek is free. And he sees everything. The world can do what it likes. The world can go to hell for all he cares because Babi is waiting for him in the warm flat. His whole world.

Melbourne, 1980: Mala Li ka's grandma holds her hand as they climb the stairs to their third floor flat. Inside, the smell of warm pipe tobacco and homemade cakes. Here, Mana and Bill have made a life for themselves and their granddaughter. A life imbued with the spirit of Prague and the loved ones left behind.

Favel Parrett's deep emotional insight and stellar literary talent shine through in this love letter to the strong women who bind families together, despite dislocation and distance. It is a tender and beautifully told story of memory, family and love. Because there is still love. No matter what.

More of the latest new releases

By: Favel Parrett
Imprint: Hachette Australia
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 354mm, Width: 217mm, Spine: 24mm
Weight: 250g
ISBN: 9780733630682
ISBN 10: 0733630685
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 24 September 2019
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

In 2011, Favel Parrett's career was launched with her critically acclaimed debut PAST THE SHALLOWS. A heart-breaking novel, it was sold internationally, shortlisted in the prestigious Miles Franklin Award and won the Dobbie Literary Award. Favel herself won the ABIA Newcomer of the Year Award in 2012. Her next novel, WHEN THE NIGHT COMES, was also critically acclaimed and further consolidated Favel's reputation with booksellers and readers. Favel's short stories have been published in various journals including Island, Griffith Review and Wet Ink. THERE WAS STILL LOVE is Favel's eagerly awaited third novel. For more information, visit favelparrett.com.au or twitter.com/favelparrett.