The Trio

In The Trio, Francesca Reece explores the complexities of love and the consequences of missed opportunities through the lives of three interconnected characters in Stockholm during two summer seasons. The novel is a bittersweet love story that explores the complexities of love and the consequences of missed opportunities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Shortlisted for the Bernard Shaw Prize 2023




Elegant, mature, and richly atmospheric, a bittersweet love story glimpsed through the veil of memory, The Trio is a literary masterpiece that captivates readers with its exquisite prose and profound insights. Set against the backdrop of two sky-blue summers in Stockholm, the novel weaves a tapestry of characters that are at once familiar and enigmatic.

Thora, August, and Hugo, three individuals from vastly different worlds, are drawn together by an invisible force, their paths crossing in a city that pulses with energy and possibility. Thora, an art school dreamer with a thirst for creativity, finds herself captivated by the magnetic allure of Hugo, a wealthy scion of the old-world elite. Meanwhile, August, an ordinary boy from out of town, finds himself drawn to the enigmatic and complex Thora, his heart stirred by her unique perspective and artistic spirit.

As the years pass, the trio's lives diverge, their paths taking them in different directions. But when their daughter, born from a fleeting encounter during those luminous summers, knocks on Hugo's door with questions about her parents, the memories of those magical days come flooding back. The Trio is a novel about the choices we make, the people we might have become, and the relationships that shape and haunt us long after they come to a close.

With its nuanced portrayal of characters, its exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, The Trio is a work of art that transcends time and borders. It is a testament to the power of literature to transport readers to new worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact.

Francesca Reece's writing is remarkable for its assuredness, sharpness, and vivid imagination. The Trio is a testament to her talent as a storyteller, as she weaves a complex narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested from beginning to end. The characters are fully realized, their motivations and emotions palpable, and their interactions with each other are rich and nuanced.

The novel's setting in Stockholm adds an extra layer of depth and charm to the story. The city's vibrant energy, its picturesque streets, and its cultural richness provide a backdrop for the characters' journeys and allow readers to immerse themselves in the world of The Trio. The descriptions of the city's sights and sounds are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of place that is both familiar and mysterious.

The Trio is a novel that appeals to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Its themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning are universal, and the characters' journeys are relatable and empathetic. The novel's bittersweet tone and elegiac quality evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, reminding readers of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments that matter.

In conclusion, The Trio is a masterpiece of literature that deserves to be celebrated and cherished. It is a novel that transports readers to new worlds, evokes emotions, and leaves a lasting impact. Francesca Reece's writing is remarkable for its assuredness, sharpness, and vivid imagination, and the setting in Stockholm adds an extra layer of depth and charm to the story. The Trio is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, challenge, and enrich our lives.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241994627