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Book Celebrations at the Chateau

Download or read book Celebrations at the Chateau written by Jo Thomas and published by Random House. This book was released on 2021-09-02 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique!' Milly Johnson 'Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want?' Katie Fforde An enchanting French chateau and a handsome town mayor - the perfect recipe for romance... When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby. They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B. But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think... A romantic and uplifting read about turning your dreams into a reality from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse. ------------------------------- Readers are falling in love with Celebrations at the Chateau: The perfect story for curling up under a blanket, with a mug of hot chocolate A romantic and magical read . . . I couldn't put it down A wonderful hug of a book. Feel-good fiction at its very best! If you love Jo's books, her newest summer novel, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe, is available now!

Book The Art of Entertaining Relais   Ch  teaux

Download or read book The Art of Entertaining Relais Ch teaux written by Relais & Châteaux North America and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2016-09-27 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For all seasons and all occasions, a comprehensive entertaining book that provides the best ideas from such acclaimed establishments in North America as Blackberry Farm and Meadowood. The Art of Entertaining presents seventeen seasonal parties, both intimate and grand, held at a variety of Relais & Châteaux venues. These hospitality insiders, who transform their properties into perfect settings, share their ideas for creating parties that can be translated to every home. The themes, floral choices, festive table displays, recipes for cocktails and dishes, and much more show you how to wow guests with unexpected touches. Set the mood for an elegant New Year’s Eve party by covering ceilings with gold balloons. To dazzle friends on the Fourth of July, make a cake in patriotic red, white, and blue and light sparklers on top. Create a cowboy-themed cookout with haystack seating and wildflowers. This beautifully photographed go-to tome will be embraced by hosts and hostesses seeking fresh inspiration from the most admired chefs and entertainers in America. BOOK FEATURES BY SEASON: SPRING: The Inn at Dos Brisas, Washington, Texas: Wildflower Cookout; The Charlotte Inn, Martha's Vineyard (Edgartown), Massachusetts: Afternoon Tea in the Garden SUMMER: Ocean House Inn, Watch Hill, Rhode Island: Independence Day Dinner on the Beach; Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley (Rutherford): California Provençal Cocktail Party; Weekapaug Inn, Westerly, Rhode Island: New England Clam Bake; Langdon Hall, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada: Olmstead Longtable Garden Luncheon; Homestead Inn, Greenwich, Connecticut: Celebration of the Senses Dinner AUTUMN: Blackberrry Farm, Walland, Tennessee: Harvest Dinner in Stone Pavilion; Fearrington House, Pittsboro, North Carolina: Seasonal Beer Dinner Party; Glenmere, Chester, New York: Gatsby Dinner Party; Planters Inn, Charleston, South Carolina: Courtyard Terrace Autumn Dinner; Meadowood, Napa Valley St. Helena, California: Wine Harvest Dinner in the Vineyard; The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia: Halloween Party WINTER: Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Romantic Seafood Dinner; The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana: Snow Adventure Cookout in the Wild; Blantyre, Lenox, Massachusetts: New Year's Eve Dinner Party

Book Celebrations at the Chateau

Download or read book Celebrations at the Chateau written by Jo Thomas and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2021-12-21 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique!' Milly Johnson 'Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want?' Katie Fforde An enchanting French chateau and a handsome town mayor - the perfect recipe for romance... - - - - - When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby. They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B. But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think... A romantic and uplifting read about turning your dreams into a reality from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse. Readers are falling in love with Celebrations at the Chateau: ***** The perfect story for curling up under a blanket, with a mug of hot chocolate ***** A romantic and magical read . . . I couldn't put it down ***** A wonderful hug of a book. Feel-good fiction at its very best!

Book The Art of the Wedding

    Book Details:
  • Author : Relais & Châteaux North America
  • Publisher : Rizzoli Publications
  • Release : 2021-09-28
  • ISBN : 0847869458
  • Pages : 242 pages

Download or read book The Art of the Wedding written by Relais & Châteaux North America and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2021-09-28 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inspiring ideas for hosting a spectacular wedding from the experts of Relais & Châteaux, the world’s finest hotel and restaurant association. Whether intimate or grand in scale, every couple wants to create a memorable wedding that feels personal and completely unique to them. The enchanting weddings featured here showcase imaginative ideas for a wide range of celebrations, from a cozy affair on a rustic ranch to a vibrant seaside celebration to a sophisticated dinner in a city mansion. Proprietors, wedding planners, florists, and chefs offer their insights on everything from distinctive invitations and stunning floral designs to creative cakes and inviting table settings, culminating in the ultimate go-to resource for weddings.

Book Ch  teau de Harou

    Book Details:
  • Author : Victoria Botana de Beauvau-Craon
  • Publisher : Rizzoli Publications
  • Release : 2021-09-14
  • ISBN : 0847870928
  • Pages : 274 pages

Download or read book Ch teau de Harou written by Victoria Botana de Beauvau-Craon and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2021-09-14 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A dazzling tour of Château de Haroué, the epitome of opulent French style and one of today’s must-see examples of vibrant eighteenth-century architecture and design. Located in a remote village in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, the estate of Château de Haroué is an unrivaled treasure of Gallic culture and heritage. Built between 1720 and 1729 for Marc de Beauvau, Prince de Beauvau-Craon, constable of Lorraine and viceroy of Tuscany, his descendents have inhabited the castle and kept it going in high style ever since. Throughout the pages of this volume, readers are invited to discover the château’s impressive architecture and fashionably chic interior design. Newly commissioned photographs by leading interiors photographer Miguel Flores-Vianna alongside archival documents offer unprecedented access to 82 sumptuous rooms, which are enlivened by dynamic tapestries and family portraits, a breathtaking artwork collection, and stately antique furniture. Informative texts by Victoria Botana de Beauvau, one of France’s preeminent modern-day aristocrats and an It girl in Parisian society, paint a picture of the castle’s architectural splendors, lifestyle, notable events, and her family’s unique approach to keeping history alive—all published in an exquisitely crafted book, with creative direction by Peter Copping, worthy of this stunning property.

Book A Day at Ch  teau de Vaux le Vicomte

Download or read book A Day at Ch teau de Vaux le Vicomte written by Alexandre de Vogüé and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2015-09-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An insider’s tour of the magnificent seventeenth-century castle and gardens, conceived by Le Vau, Le Brun, and Le Nôtre, that inspired the great châteaux of Europe. Vaux le Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641, when infamous finance minister Nicolas Fouquet bought the estate and enlisted architect Louis Le Vau, decorator Charles Le Brun, and garden designer André Le Nôtre to transform it into a lavish residence. His extravagance piqued Louis XIV’s jealousy, and he was thrown into prison for mishandling funds. The château inspired the design of Versailles and was later home to the great chef Vatel, who famously died for his art. This volume traces the château’s history from the seventeenth century through the Belle Époque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the château, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.

Book Escape to the French Farmhouse

Download or read book Escape to the French Farmhouse written by Jo Thomas and published by Random House. This book was released on 2020-05-07 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'You smell the lavender, you feel the sun on your face, this book is pure joy!' Katie Fforde 'Uplifting and full of warmth, this novel is the next best thing to jetting off to France on a relaxing break away.' My Weekly Can Del find her recipe for happiness? Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier...a new life in France – without Ollie. Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? After discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness? A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill. -------------------------------------------------- Readers are falling in love with Escape to the French Farmhouse ‘It’s simply amazing . . . has you hooked and makes you feel are in the sunshine in France.’ ‘A refreshing, feel-good story, just perfect for sitting and reading in the sun.’ ‘A love story at its best. You can smell the lavender.’

Book The Vintage Tea Party Book

Download or read book The Vintage Tea Party Book written by Angel Adoree and published by Acc Art Books. This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Vintage Tea Party Book embraces the style and class of the trendy London Vintage scene and illustrates how to beautifully recreate the tasty treats and classic styles at home - A unique mixture of recipes and feature spreads with accessible tips on hairstyling, makeup methods and tips on where to collect vintage china Angel Adoree cordially invites you to accompany her on a journey to create your perfect vintage tea party. Expect glamour, roses, rabbits, headscarves, foxes, teapots, crows, parlour games, cake stands, hair and make-up tips and, not forgetting, humongous amounts of magical tea party food that is fit for the Queen of England, and easy enough for you to make.

Book Retreat to the Spanish Sun

Download or read book Retreat to the Spanish Sun written by Jo Thomas and published by Random House. This book was released on 2022-06-01 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sometimes you just need to get away... 'Warm and life-enhancing, I wanted to move to Spain with these wonderful characters' Katie Fforde 'A fabulous read celebrating the good things in life - fun, friends, family and food' Jill Mansell From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good new story... Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs. So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies ... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way. ------------------------------------- Readers have fallen in love with Retreat to the Spanish Sun 'Perfect for a summer holiday read' 'You'll be craving tapas, Flamenco and the southern Spanish sun after reading this 5-star book' 'A lovely read from Jo Thomas, her books never fail to make me happy' 'A lovely, warm and sunny read' 'Fabulous location, delicious descriptions of food & drink & wonderful characters, an all round feel-good book' If you love Jo's books, her newest summer novel, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe, is available now!

Book You Me Everything

    Book Details:
  • Author : Catherine Isaac
  • Publisher : Penguin
  • Release : 2018-05-01
  • ISBN : 0735224544
  • Pages : 384 pages

Download or read book You Me Everything written by Catherine Isaac and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2018-05-01 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Equal parts wry comedy and touching family drama, it’s ultimately a heartbreaker that’ll stay with you long after you’re done.” —Marie Claire “Glass of chilled rosé, check. Comfy chair, check. Box of tissues, check. You Me Everything is everything you need for a moving, funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately joyous read.” --Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Map of the Heart Set in the French countryside on an idyllic summer vacation, a delicious, tender novel about finding joy and love even in the most unexpected places. Jess and her ten-year-old son William set off to spend the summer at Château de Roussignol, deep in the rich, sunlit hills of the Dordogne. There, Jess’s ex-boyfriend—and William’s father—Adam, runs a beautiful hotel in a restored castle. Lush gardens, a gorgeous pool, delectable French food, and a seemingly never-ending wine list—what’s not to like? Jess is bowled over by what Adam has accomplished, but she’s in France for a much more urgent reason: to make Adam fall in love with his own son. But Adam has other ideas, and another girlfriend—and he doesn’t seem inclined to change the habits of a lifetime just because Jess and William have appeared on the scene. Jess isn’t surprised, but William—who has quickly come to idolize his father—wants nothing more than to spend time with him. But Jess can’t allow Adam to let their son down—because she is tormented by a secret of her own, one that nobody—especially William—must discover. By turns heartwrenching and hopeful, You Me Everything is a novel about one woman's fierce determination to grab hold of the family she has and never let go, and a romantic story as heady as a crisp Sancerre on a summer day.

Book Vino Business

    Book Details:
  • Author : Isabelle Saporta
  • Publisher : Open Road + Grove/Atlantic
  • Release : 2015-11-10
  • ISBN : 080219088X
  • Pages : 175 pages

Download or read book Vino Business written by Isabelle Saporta and published by Open Road + Grove/Atlantic. This book was released on 2015-11-10 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “This sharp critique of French winemakers, and Bordeaux’s Saint Emilion region in particular, caused quite a stir when it was published in France in 2014” (Publishers Weekly). Already provoking debate and garnering significant attention across France and within the wine world, Vino Business is a “truly eye-opening exposé” of the dark side of French wine by acclaimed investigative journalist Isabelle Saporta (Booklist). In recent decades, Bordeaux has come under the influence of large-scale international investors. Unafraid to name names, Saporta sheds a harsh light on how this influence has corrupted the region’s centuries-old traditions of winemaking excellence. She uncovers how the classification system was manipulated in 2012 to ensure that the wines of Saint-Émilion—Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellation—were certified premier grand cru classé A. Giving extra points to a chateaux for the size of its parking lot, the quality of the wine itself counts for only thirty percent of that coveted rank. In other chapters, Saporta investigates issues of wine labeling and pesticides, and draws comparisons to Champagne, Burgundy, and the rest of the wine world. “This fast-paced, provocative read” is a cri de coeur for the lost values of traditional winemaking (Dave DeSimone, Pittsburgh Tribune Review).

Book Small Spaces

    Book Details:
  • Author : Katherine Arden
  • Publisher : Penguin
  • Release : 2024-04-02
  • ISBN : 0593857089
  • Pages : 257 pages

Download or read book Small Spaces written by Katherine Arden and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2024-04-02 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New York Times bestselling adult author of The Bear and the Nightingale makes her middle grade debut with a creepy, spellbinding ghost story destined to become a classic. Now in paperback. After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie who only finds solace in books discovers a chilling ghost story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man"—a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price. Captivated by the tale, Ollie begins to wonder if the smiling man might be real when she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about on a school trip to a nearby farm. Then, later, when her school bus breaks down on the ride home, the strange bus driver tells Ollie and her classmates: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN. Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed these warnings. As the trio head out into the woods—bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them—the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small." And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.

Book The Vintage Tea Party Year

Download or read book The Vintage Tea Party Year written by Angel Strawbridge and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2012-11-12 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ''Elegant images and illustrations adorn the pages of Angel Adoree's delightful book, which is brimming with style and recipe ideas'' -The Times "Party like its 1949" - Irish Independent Angel Adoree cordially invites you to accompany her on a journey to create your perfect vintage tea party year! Angel is the founder of The Vintage Patisserie, a popular vintage hosting company offering bespoke tea parties from a bygone era, delivering everything from music, makeovers and - of course - a customised menu of tea party treats that elevate any function into a swanky soiree. The Vintage Tea Party Year takes you on twelve months of parties,celebrations and tea-time treats as well as introducing more games and craft projects for your chosen theme. See the New Year in with vintage style, make Valentine's Day extra special, give every child their dream tea party, find inspiration for weddings and baby showers, be the talk of the town with your own summer street party and wrap up for winter with a vintage-inspired Christmas. Angel's inimitable style will take you on a seasonal journey and help you put on the perfect tea party whatever the occasion. Your vintage year includes... INTRODUCTION Hello! Can you tell already that the era of "vintage" is a considerable source of inspiration for me? On these pages, I explain how the past has influenced my present and future, and suggest how to use this book to plan your own vintage-style party. NEW YEAR'S EVE TEA PARTY To end your year on a high note and start the next as you mean to go on, look no further - that is, if you intend to go on in decadence, glamour, indulgence... This chapter showcases my most fabulous New Year's Eve party ideas, so that you can give the event the attention it deserves, then let your hair down in style (or go for an uber-elegant vintage up-do perhaps?). CHILDREN'S TEA PARTY Roll up, roll up! Who doesn't love the circus, what with its bright colours, crazy costumes and giddy, gleeful sense of fun? The spirit of the circus plus yummy treats dreamed up in kiddy heaven equals a spectacular party to live on in the memories of kids and grown-up kids alike! COMING OF AGE TEA PARTY When a girl comes of age, it's definitely something worth celebrating. And a young lady should begin womanhood in a sassy dress with a chic hair-do, wearing a lady-like pair of gloves in which to raise her mocktail glass as she shares a toast to her glorious life ahead. TEA FOR TWO Love is in the air (and in the hair...). Whether it's for Valentine's Day, or for any day on which your passions are running high, my suggestions for how to romance the man in your life are sure to make him swoon! HEN TEA PARTY When a treasured girlfriend leaves the single life behind, it's time to pull out all the stops. This party must be momentous, and the name of the game is sheer indulgence, naughtiness and uproarious fun. Bring a touch of the cabaret to your night of decadence and it's bound to be fabulous!

Book Vaux le Vicomte  A Private Invitation

Download or read book Vaux le Vicomte A Private Invitation written by Guillaume Picon and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2021-10-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive monograph is an exclusive look inside the château that inspired the design of Versailles and today continues to enchant visitors and film directors alike. Vaux-le-Vicomte’s rich history began in 1641 when infamous French finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the original owner, surrounded himself with the most skilled and talented artisans of the time: the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter Charles Le Brun, and the garden designer André Le Nôtre, to create a perfect harmony between architecture and landscape. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and its spectacular gardens fascinated Louis XIV and were the inspira­tion for Versailles. Classified as a historical monument since 1875 under the impetus of the owner at the time, the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte quickly became a model of the artistic genius of the seventeenth century. This volume traces the château’s history from the seventeenth century through the Belle Époque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclu­sive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the château, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.

Book Chasing the Italian Dream

Download or read book Chasing the Italian Dream written by Jo Thomas and published by Random House. This book was released on 2021-04-08 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good story about making your dreams come true, set in sun-kissed southern Italy. 'A tale full of wonderful characters, sunshine, food and romance. A winning recipe!' Katie Fforde -------------------------- A summer escape she'll never forget . . . Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home. But she's shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can't bear the thought of the place changing hands - especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over! Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams? ----------------------------- Readers have fallen sure with Chasing the Italian Dream 'The perfect escape' 'This book is like summer on a page' 'I loved getting whisked away to Italy' If you love Jo's books, her newest summer novel, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe, is out now!

Book The Midsummer Garden

    Book Details:
  • Author : Kirsty Manning
  • Publisher : Allen & Unwin
  • Release : 2017-03-29
  • ISBN : 1925576523
  • Pages : 392 pages

Download or read book The Midsummer Garden written by Kirsty Manning and published by Allen & Unwin. This book was released on 2017-03-29 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Travelling between lush gardens in France, windswept coastlines of Tasmania, to Tuscan hillsides and beyond, The Midsummer Garden lures the reader on an unforgettable culinary and botanical journey. 1487 Artemisia is young to be in charge of the kitchens at Chateau de Boschaud but, having been taught the herbalists' lore, her knowledge of how food can delight the senses is unsurpassed. All of her concentration and flair is needed as she oversees the final preparations for the sumptuous wedding feast of Lord Boschaud and his bride while concealing her own secret dream. For after the celebrations are over, she dares to believe that her future lies outside the chateau. But who will she trust? 2014 Pip Arnet is an expert in predicting threats to healthy ecosystems. Trouble is, she doesn't seem to recognise these signs in her own life. What Pip holds dearest right now is her potential to make a real difference in the marine biology of her beloved Tasmanian coastline. She'd thought that her fiance Jack understood this, believed that he knew she couldn't make any plans until her studies were complete. But lately, since she's finally moved in with him, Jack appears to have forgotten everything they'd discussed. When a gift of several dusty, beautiful old copper pots arrives in Pip's kitchen, the two stories come together in a rich and sensuous celebration of family and love, passion and sacrifice.

Book Cloud Atlas

    Book Details:
  • Author : David Mitchell
  • Publisher : Vintage Canada
  • Release : 2010-07-16
  • ISBN : 0307373576
  • Pages : 596 pages

Download or read book Cloud Atlas written by David Mitchell and published by Vintage Canada. This book was released on 2010-07-16 with total page 596 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By the New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Clocks | Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize A postmodern visionary and one of the leading voices in twenty-first-century fiction, David Mitchell combines flat-out adventure, a Nabokovian love of puzzles, a keen eye for character, and a taste for mind-bending, philosophical and scientific speculation in the tradition of Umberto Eco, Haruki Murakami, and Philip K. Dick. The result is brilliantly original fiction as profound as it is playful. In this groundbreaking novel, an influential favorite among a new generation of writers, Mitchell explores with daring artistry fundamental questions of reality and identity. Cloud Atlas begins in 1850 with Adam Ewing, an American notary voyaging from the Chatham Isles to his home in California. Along the way, Ewing is befriended by a physician, Dr. Goose, who begins to treat him for a rare species of brain parasite. . . . Abruptly, the action jumps to Belgium in 1931, where Robert Frobisher, a disinherited bisexual composer, contrives his way into the household of an infirm maestro who has a beguiling wife and a nubile daughter. . . . From there we jump to the West Coast in the 1970s and a troubled reporter named Luisa Rey, who stumbles upon a web of corporate greed and murder that threatens to claim her life. . . . And onward, with dazzling virtuosity, to an inglorious present-day England; to a Korean superstate of the near future where neocapitalism has run amok; and, finally, to a postapocalyptic Iron Age Hawaii in the last days of history. But the story doesn’t end even there. The narrative then boomerangs back through centuries and space, returning by the same route, in reverse, to its starting point. Along the way, Mitchell reveals how his disparate characters connect, how their fates intertwine, and how their souls drift across time like clouds across the sky. As wild as a videogame, as mysterious as a Zen koan, Cloud Atlas is an unforgettable tour de force that, like its incomparable author, has transcended its cult classic status to become a worldwide phenomenon.