Half-Blown Rose: A Novel

Vincent is in Paris to escape a painful betrayal from her husband, Cillian. She meets a young man named Loup and they begin an intense affair. The novel explores Paris, art, travel, liminal spaces, and the complexities of relationships and romance, with excerpts from Cillian's novel, playlists, and journal entries woven throughout. Vincent must decide what she wants and who she will be.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Vincent, born into a privileged artistic family, leads a charmed life in many ways. At the age of forty-four, she savors the leisurely strolls through the streets of Paris, engaging in teaching at the esteemed modern art museum, and enjoying the companionship of a vibrant group of friends. Moreover, she has caught the attention of a young, charismatic man named Loup. However, beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect existence, Vincent carries a heavy burden of pain stemming from a profound betrayal. Her husband, Cillian, has recently published a bestselling book that divulges secrets about their marriage and his own past, hinting at a possible connection with a young woman in Dublin during his teenage years before his relocation to California and his subsequent absence.

As a result of this estrangement, Vincent reluctantly agrees to meet Cillian again at their son's wedding the following summer. However, the arrival of Loup introduces a new layer of complexity to their lives. Their intense affair unfolds amidst dinners, cigarettes smoked under the moonlit sky, leisurely evenings in nightclubs, and long, romantic walks along the serene banks of the Seine. Vincent experiences a profound transformation as she delves deeper into this passionate relationship, feeling herself loosen and blossom.

Half-Blown Rose, a captivating novel, takes readers on a journey that seamlessly weaves together Paris, art, travel, liminal spaces, and the intricate tapestry of relationships and romance. Throughout the story, excerpts from Cillian's novel, curated playlists, and personal journal entries intermingle, adding depth and richness to the narrative. As Cillian endeavors to win Vincent back, Vincent faces a crucial decision: to discern her true desires and shape her own identity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538755167