Last House Before the Mountain

In Last House Before the Mountain, Maria is left to provide for her family alone when Josef is drafted into the army during World War I. When a stranger with red hair arrives in the village, Maria feels happiness seep back into her life, and she faces a choice that will affect the lives of her family for generations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Beautiful and heartbreaking ... I absolutely loved it


Monica Ali, Sunday Times bestselling author of Love Marriage, has crafted a poignant, captivating, and beautifully woven family saga that will leave readers in awe. With the honesty and folkloric intensity of Elena Ferrante and the literary brilliance of Téa Obreht, Last House Before the Mountain is a testament to the power of storytelling.


Set in a valley in westernmost Austria, Maria and Josef live with their children, facing daily struggles against starvation, harsh alpine climate, and hostile neighboring villagers who view Maria as nothing more than a beautiful temptress. However, when a red-haired stranger arrives in the village, Maria's world is turned upside down. She experiences a renewed sense of happiness and faces a crucial choice that will have far-reaching consequences for her family and generations to come.


Last House Before the Mountain is based on the internationally bestselling and award-winning Austrian novelist Monika Helfer's own family history. It is a propulsive, haunting, and multi-layered saga that delves into the depths of love, family, and the hidden wages of war. Through the lives of Maria and Josef, Ali paints a vivid portrait of resilience, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.


This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction, family sagas, and stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. With its rich prose, vivid characters, and emotional depth, Last House Before the Mountain is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of history on our lives.


So, grab a copy of this extraordinary book and prepare to be transported to a world of beauty, heartbreak, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 142 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526657138
Edition number: Unabridged ed