Timothée de Fombelle crafts stories deeply rooted in a childhood spent exploring the natural world, a period he revisits through his writing as a lost paradise. His artistic journey, honed through a career in theatre as a playwright and director, informs his unique narrative style. De Fombelle's work is inspired by the richness of life's experiences, both its joys and its challenges, treating the act of writing itself as a profound journey for the reader.
On a quiet Christmas night, a swallow takes flight from Africa, searching for something it cannot quite name. A disenchanted driver sits alone in his yellow truck, yearning to be home. And a man walks through the snowy streets, feeling utterly alone. But when the three destinies meet, it seems their search for hope, belonging and kindness has finally ended
While her father is at war, five-year-old Rosalie places herself in charge of a secret mission to uncover the truth behind her father's letters from the front lines
“Rich in mysteries, enlivened by surprises, and suffused with suspense. It is so beautifully wrought, it reminds us why we love to read, and there can be no higher praise.” — Booklist (starred review) Vango has been in danger for as long as he can remember. The second half of Timothée de Fombelle’s epic adventure follows its dashing hero through the years between World Wars and across Europe as he flees dark forces and unfounded accusations. Narrow escapes, near misses, and a dash of romantic intrigue will rivet adventurous teens to their seats as Vango continues to unravel the mysteries of his past. In the shadow of a rapidly changing world, can Vango find those who have hunted him for so long and uncover his true identity?
A breathless adventure from international award winner Timothée de Fombelle charts a desperate search for identity across the vast expanses of Europe. In a world between wars, a young man on the cusp of taking priestly vows is suddenly made a fugitive. Fleeing the accusations of police who blame him for a murder, as well as more sinister forces with darker intentions, Vango attempts to trace the secrets of his shrouded past and prove his innocence before all is lost. As he crisscrosses the continent via train, boat, and even the Graf Zeppelin airship, his adventures take him from Parisian rooftops to Mediterranean islands to Scottish forests. A mysterious, unforgettable, and romantic protagonist, Vango tells a thrilling story sure to captivate lovers of daring escapades and subversive heroes.