Briefly, A Delicious Life

In 1838, Frédéric Chopin, George Sand, and her children travel to a monastery in Mallorca to create and convalesce. Witness to this tumultuous arrival is Blanca, the ghost of a teenage girl who has been at the monastery for over three hundred years. Blanca is in love with George Sand, but the rest of the village is suspicious of the newcomers. Briefly, A Delicious Life is a story about convention and breaking convention, about love, and about men and women and the cruelty they mete out to one another.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A captivating novel that captivates with its intelligence, humor, and sheer joy, Briefly, A Delicious Life by Sarah Waters is a literary masterpiece that has been longlisted for the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize. Set in 1838, the story follows the lives of Frédéric Chopin, George Sand, and her children as they embark on a journey to a monastery in Mallorca. Their intention is to create, heal, and lead a simple life away from the chaos of their Parisian days. However, their arrival is witnessed by Blanca, the ghost of a teenage girl who has been trapped in the monastery for over three hundred years. Blanca, whose life was tragically cut short, is filled with anger and frustration. She had always believed that the world was full of "beautiful men," but in death, it is the women she falls for, their beauty she cannot resist, and the women and girls she has tirelessly tried to protect from the unwanted attention of men.

Enter George Sand, a beautiful woman who arrives at the monastery disguised as a man. Blanca is immediately captivated by her, and their love story unfolds against the backdrop of the suspicious villagers and the impending winter. As George struggles to keep her family together and confronts her own demons, their stay at the monastery becomes increasingly uncertain. Chopin, in his despair, writes prelude after prelude on his tuneless piano, reflecting the emotional turmoil that permeates the village.

Briefly, A Delicious Life is a profound exploration of convention and the breaking of conventions. It delves into the complexities of love, encompassing yearning, secret, forbidden, and unrequited emotions. The novel sheds light on the intricate dynamics between men and women, exposing the cruelty they can inflict upon one another. With its exquisite prose, rich imagery, and compelling characters, Waters has created a masterpiece that is both sensual and original, intelligent and brimming with love.

The New York Times aptly describes the novel as "exquisite," while the Telegraph praises it as "deeply enjoyable." Imogen Hermes Gowar, in her review for the Guardian, calls it "electrifyingly beautiful, exhilaratingly clever." The novel has received widespread acclaim, with readers praising its wit, depth, and emotional resonance.

In conclusion, Briefly, A Delicious Life by Sarah Waters is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted novel that combines intelligence, humor, and heartwarming love stories. With its captivating characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, this novel has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Whether you are drawn to the historical setting, the exploration of love, or the examination of societal conventions, Briefly, A Delicious Life promises to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 146 x 225 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529083422