The Birthday Party

The Birthday Party is a novel by Laurent Mauvignier that explores the stories we hide from others and ourselves, and the violent irruptions of the past into the present. It is set in a rural French hamlet and follows the lives of Patrice Bergogne, his wife Marion, their daughter Ida, and their neighbour Christine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2023
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Nestled amidst the tranquil countryside of rural France, the remnants of the secluded hamlet of the Three Lone Girls fade into obscurity, save for a handful of houses and an intriguingly cohesive quartet: Patrice Bergogne, the inheritor of his family's farm; his wife, Marion; their daughter, Ida; and their neighbor, Christine, an artist. While Patrice meticulously prepares a surprise celebration for his wife's fortieth birthday, an enigmatic series of events begins to disrupt the peaceful existence of the hamlet. Anonymous, menacing letters find their way into the homes, and an unfamiliar car prowls up the driveway, casting a shadow of unease. As the night descends, strangers lurk around the houses, unleashing a nightmarish chain of events that will forever alter the lives of those present.

Written in a rhythmic, propulsive prose that effortlessly transitions between different consciousnesses throughout the course of a single day, Laurent Mauvignier's The Birthday Party is a masterful exploration of the secrets we conceal from both others and ourselves. It is a gripping tale of the violent intrusions of the past into the present, crafted by a prominent contemporary French writer.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804270226