Synopsis:
Natalie was just twenty years old when she was approached by Francois on a Paris street. From that conversation, their relationship bloomed into two years of living together, followed by five of marriage. They were happy and almost never quarreled until one tragic day when everything changed.
To survive, Natalie immersed herself in her work and earned a promotion. Leading a team of six colleagues, she has been able to avoid her boss, Charles, whose inappropriate and unwanted attempt to seduce her made Natalie uncomfortable. But three years alone have taken a toll on Natalie and one day as her subordinate, Markus, enters her office, she behaviors in a completely uncharacteristic, rash manner.
For Natalie, it was one moment of madness, but it was much more for Markus, a hapless, lumpy, and outwardly ordinary man who has never had much luck with women. Markus wants to know what really motivated Natalie to be so brash. When office gossip reaches Charles, will he extract revenge?
Review:
Natalie’s life is practically perfect until one Sunday when she stays at home to relax and read while Francois goes out jogging. When he never returns, she is bereft and completely lost, widowed at the age of twenty-seven. An intensely private person, she allows her friends to care for her just for a few months, but then resumes work, throwing herself into her career in order to fill the void created when she lost Francois. She must also fend off the advances of her married boss, Charles. Being honorable, Natalie is forthright and brutally honest with Charles, who observes that his life has been totally lacking delicacy for quite awhile. For a time, it seems that Natalie has defused what could have been a very ugly situation.
Meanwhile, the real star of the story, Markus, is toiling away in the same Swedish-owned company. When Natalie is promoted three years after losing Francois, Markus becomes one of her six team members. Markus has an off-beat sense of humor — he is quite witty, actually — and little fashion sense. He is neither particularly attractive nor socially adept. He has only had a couple of relationships with women, but when Natalie catches him off-guard, she definitely gets his attention.
Foenkinos describes the unexpected coming together of two unlikely souls in a delicate, tender manner. His characterizations and insight into his protagonists’ psyches is searing, but poignantly restrained. His prose is evocative and delightfully refreshing. The result is a sweet and touching story of resilience and second chances.
16 Comments
I so love these tales of romance where one, just one mind you, impulsive act turns their whole world on it’s head.
This looks like an intriguing book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have never read a book about office intrigue but I sure saw a lot of it when I was working. Your review shows that the author has handled it very well. I would love to read this book.
I want to read this book. I love the title. It gives me the impression of a quiet, thoughtful, sweet read. Thanks for making me aware of it and for the giveaway.
I would love the chance to read this!
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
An interesting book which would be enjoyable reading.
A unique book. Wonderful review.
Pingback: David Foenkinos, author of Delicacy, on tour February 2012 | TLC Book Tours
“evocative and delightfully refreshing” sound like a wonderful combination.
Thanks for being on the tour!
I would love to win this one! Thanks!
This book sounds really interesting. I would love to read it. Thanks for this chance.
Sounds like a meaningful read I would enjoy reading.
Another great review that drew me in. Thankyou for the opportunity to win. (i would not have entered this giveaway if i hadn’t read your review. in fact i almost didn’t read it!)
It looks like an interesting story.
Thanks for the chance to win!