Loving at a Distance

Petra Hardt's memoir Loving at a Distance explores the challenges of living on two different continents during a pandemic, and how different lifestyles and attitudes have affected her relationships. It also provides insights into the international book trade.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Loving at a Distance is a poignant memoir that delves into the experiences of a European bibliophile navigating the high-tech sectors of California. Written by an international rights veteran with extensive experience in the book publishing industry, the book takes readers on a journey from the Silicon Valley to the college towns of Berkeley and Stanford.

Living on two different continents is a challenge that becomes even more daunting during a pandemic. Petra Hardt, an aging German grandmother, finds that her regular trips across the Atlantic to visit her children and grandchildren in California fail to truly immerse her in the Californian way of life and work. With self-irony and laconism, she shares her observations and experiences, exploring how different lifestyles and attitudes have impacted her relationships.

What makes Loving at a Distance particularly relatable is the author's personal impressions and observations, complemented by flashbacks to her career in the international book trade. The book sheds light on the challenges of living in California, contrasting it with her experiences in Beijing, Beirut, and Kolkata, where business trips were relatively easier to manage. Through Hardt's grandmotherly eyes, the book offers a tender and lively perspective on the diverse ways of living and working in the age of globalism.

The memoir also touches on the complexities of intergenerational relationships, as Petra struggles to connect with her children and grandchildren in a new cultural context. She reflects on the differences in communication styles, values, and expectations between her generation and the younger ones, and how these differences have shaped their relationships.

Loving at a Distance is a beautifully written and heartfelt book that offers a unique perspective on cultural differences and the challenges of living in a globalized world. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from their loved ones or struggled to adapt to a new environment.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 243 x 161 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803090283