Owlish

A professor of literature named Q lives in the mountainous city of Nevers. He has a dull marriage and a lackluster career, but he also has a collection of antique dolls locked away in his cupboard. Q acquires a music box ballerina named Aliss, who springs to life and inspires him to embark on an all-consuming love affair. However, he is oblivious to the sinister forces encroaching on his city and the protests spreading across the university.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

In the picturesque city of Nevers, a professor of literature named Q resides. His marriage is mundane, and his career lacks excitement, but what captivates him is his exquisite collection of antique dolls, carefully stored in his cupboard. However, his most prized acquisition comes in the form of a music box ballerina named Aliss, who magically springs to life. With the guidance of his enigmatic friend Owlish and fueled by an inexplicable familiarity with a painting, Q embarks on an all-consuming love affair with Aliss. However, he remains oblivious to the sinister forces encroaching upon his city and the growing protests at the university, which have left his classrooms virtually empty.

Thrumming with secrets and featuring a captivating blend of geographies, Dorothy Tse's extraordinary debut novel delves into the lives of individuals living under repressive conditions. It is a bold and imaginative exploration that showcases the complexities and struggles of a society grappling with societal norms and expectations.

As Q's love for Aliss deepens, he finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and intrigue. The city of Nevers is a character in itself, with its winding streets and hidden corners holding secrets that only a few are privy to. Q's fascination with the painting that inspired his love for Aliss leads him on a journey of discovery, as he uncovers the dark history and hidden truths of the city.

Meanwhile, the protests at the university grow louder, demanding greater freedom and equality for the students. Q's colleagues, once supportive of his work, now turn against him, accusing him of being a traitor to the cause. Q must navigate the treacherous waters of political intrigue and personal sacrifice as he fights for the rights of his students and the city he loves.

Through the lens of Q's love affair and the tumultuous political landscape, Dorothy Tse explores the themes of repression, freedom, and the power of love to overcome adversity. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions, intricate characters, and a rich tapestry of emotions that will leave readers captivated from beginning to end.

In conclusion, "The Music Box Ballerina" is a remarkable debut novel that offers a fresh and captivating perspective on life under repressive conditions. With its bold imagination, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literary fiction that pushes the boundaries of storytelling.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804270349