From the author of The Red Notebook, described as 'Parisian perfection' by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, An Astronomer in Love is a story of two men, 250 years apart, who find themselves on separate quests to see the transit of Venus across the Sun. In 1760, Guillaume le Gentil sets out on a quest through the oceans of India, to document the transit of Venus at the request of the King. The weather is turbulent, the seas are rough, but Guillaume's determination will conquer all. In 2012, divorced estate agent Xavier Lemercier finds Guillaume's telescope by chance in a cupboard in one of his old apartments. While looking out across the city, the telescope falls on the window of a beautiful brunette woman. Xavier watches her wistfully from afar, until the day she walks through the door of his office, and his life changes forever... From the best-selling author Antoine Laurain, An Astronomer in Love is a time-travelling epic-in-miniature of adventure, destiny, and the power of love.
Antoine Laurain Books
Antoine Laurain crafts enchanting tales that often capture the unique atmosphere and charm of Paris. His narrative style is distinguished by its subtle blend of history, collecting, and the unexpected. Laurain delves into the intricacies of human connections, uncovering the hidden secrets within ordinary objects and events. His works offer readers a distinctive perspective on French culture and life.







Red Is My Heart
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
How do you get over the woman you loved? A painful yet playful tale of love, break-up, solitude and hope told in words and pictures, from the author of The Red Notebook, Antoine Laurain, and Paris street artist Le Sonneur.
The President's Hat
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This prize-winning French bestseller is a charming fable about the power of a hat that takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through French life during the Mitterrand years. Dining alone in an elegant Parisian brasserie, accountant Daniel Mercier can hardly believe his eyes when President Fran ois Mitterrand sits down to eat at the table next to him. After the presidential party has gone, Daniel discovers that Mitterrand's black felt hat has been left behind. After a few moments' soul-searching, Daniel decides to keep the hat as a souvenir of an extraordinary evening. It's a perfect fit, and as he leaves the restaurant Daniel begins to feel somehow . . . different. Has Daniel unwittingly discovered the secret of supreme power? For two years the iconic item of headgear plays with the lives of the men and women who wear it, bringing them success that had previously eluded them. Antoine Laurain's brilliantly orchestrated tour captures entertaining portraits of a rich gallery of characters. Shot through with a delicious, wicked sense of humor, The President's Hat is a vivid re-creation of the everyday life of an era. "As entertaining as it is original, this is a story to enjoy like a chocolate with a surprise centre."--Marie France "An enjoyable trip into the heart of the 1980s."--Le Figaro "Impossible to resist"--L'Express Antoine Laurain was born in Paris. He is a writer, collector, and director of several short films.
A Parisian editor is drawn into a murder investigation when an unknown thriller author is shortlisted for a prize.
The Red Notebook
- 159 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Heroic bookseller Laurent Letellier comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street. There's nothing in the bag to indicate who it belongs to, although there's all sorts of other things in it. Laurent feels a strong impulse to find the owner and tries to puzzle together who she might be from the contents of the bag. Especially a red notebook with her jottings, which really makes him want to meet her. Without even a name to go on, and only a few of her possessions to help him, how is he to find one woman in a city of millions?The Red Notebook has already been sold in twelve different languages. French TV is making a film of The President's Hat and the movie rights of The Red Notebook have been sold to UGC.Antoine Laurain was born in Paris. He is the author of five novels, including The President's Hat.
A Parisian editor is drawn into a murder investigation when an unknown thriller author is shortlisted for a prize.
Bringing his trademark style and charming whimsy, Antoine Laurain's new novel of intrigue, murder and neighbourly curiosity is sure to delight fans old and new. Nathalia, a young photographer, has been seeing a therapist. Having accidentally photographed a murder, she finds that she can no longer do her job. Instead, Doctor Faber suggests that she write about the neighbours she idly observes in the building across the street. But as these written snapshots become increasingly detailed, he starts to wonder how she can possibly know so much about them. With each session, Doctor Faber and his mysterious patient will get closer and closer to the truth. But are the stories Nathalia submits each week as she claims... Bestselling author Antoine Laurain serves up a dose of suspense and intrigue in Rear Window with a Parisian heart.
Antoine Laurain, wie wir ihn voller Charme und Esprit und immer für eine Überraschung gut. Schon seit Jahren ist François Heurtevent Bürgermeister von Perisac, die Leute mögen ihn, seine Wiederwahl gilt als sicher. Doch dann geschieht das Unglaubliche, und ein windiger Konkurrent setzt sich gegen ihn durch. Niedergeschlagen räumt François sein Rathaus, da fällt es ihm in die Hä sein Klassenfoto, dreißig Jahre alt, darauf lauter junge Gestalten, vor denen die Zukunft wie ein zauberhaftes Geheimnis zu liegen scheint. Kurzerhand beschließt François – schließlich hat er jetzt Zeit –, die Kameraden von früher aufzuspüren. Ob Pfarrer, Friseurin oder Pornoregisseur – bei seinen Begegnungen wird François klar, auf welch unterschiedliche Weise sich das Glück im Leben darstellen kann. Doch wird er selbst es wiederfinden, jetzt, wo sich die Hinweise auf einen Wahlbetrug verdichten
Reader's Digest Im Schatten Der Gotter; Funf Minuten Verspatung; Mutter Macht Geschichten; Zerreissprobe
Wie weit würde ein Raucher gehen, um eine Zigarette genießen zu können? Für Fabrice Valantine, erfolgreicher Headhunter, ist die Antwort klar: weit, sehr weit. Als in seinem Unternehmen ein Rauchverbot in Kraft tritt, lässt er sich von seiner Frau überreden, einen Hypnotiseur aufzusuchen, der ihn von seinem Laster heilen soll. Die Behandlung ist ein voller Erfolg: Fabrice vergeht jede Lust am Rauchen. Doch als Fabrice die versprochene Beförderung nicht erhält, wird er rückfällig. Zu seinem großen Entsetzen bleibt jede Wirkung aus: Die Zigarette schmeckt nicht mehr. Fabrice ist verzweifelt – bis er durch einen Zufall entdeckt, dass die Lust am Rauchen zurückkehrt, wenn er einen Menschen umgebracht hat …


