The Wide World: An epic novel of family fortune, twisted secrets and love - the first volume in THE GLORIOUS YEARS series

The Pelletier family, a prominent French family living in Beirut, is dominated by Louis, who has built a successful business manufacturing artisanal soaps. Louis has three sons, Jean, Etienne, and François. Jean is lazy and weak, while Etienne travels to Saigon looking for love and uncovers financial corruption and violence linked to the highest officials. François becomes a journalist and reports a shocking and brutal murder, which he believes is the work of a dangerous serial killer. "The Wide World" is an absorbing, colorful, and rich novel of greed, blackmail, and shocking crime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

The Glorious Years, a sweeping epic novel series by the two-time Prix-Goncourt winner, is a captivating blend of historical fiction and contemporary storytelling. Set in Beirut, the story revolves around the prominent French Pelletier family, headed by Louis, a successful businessman known for his artisanal soaps. Louis has three sons, each with their own unique qualities and struggles.

Jean, the eldest, is a lazy and weak man who craves escape from his family's expectations. When his ambitious wife suggests moving to France, he seizes the opportunity, hiding a secret that could jeopardize their lives.

Etienne, the youngest son, embarks on a journey to Saigon in search of love, only to uncover a web of financial corruption and violence that puts his own life in danger. His discoveries expose the involvement of high-ranking officials, raising the stakes and intensifying the danger.

François, the middle Pelletier brother, leaves for Paris and becomes a journalist. When he reports a shocking and brutal murder, he realizes he has stumbled upon the work of a dangerous serial killer, one who may be closer to home than he thought.

The Wide World, a gripping and intricate novel, delves into themes of greed, blackmail, and shocking crime. With its vivid descriptions and compelling characters, it transports readers to a world of intrigue and suspense. This is literature with conviction, a furious talent that leaves a lasting impact.

The Pelletier family, with their complex dynamics and hidden secrets, serves as a captivating backdrop for this intricate tale. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into their lives, experiencing the joys, tragedies, and moral dilemmas they face. The novel's exploration of greed, power, and the consequences of one's actions is thought-provoking and deeply resonant.

The Wide World is not just a crime novel; it is a study of human nature and the complexities of relationships. The characters are well-developed, with their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations clearly portrayed. Their journeys, both personal and professional, are filled with challenges and conflicts, which add depth and complexity to the story.

The writing style of The Wide World is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the historical period and the cultural nuances of Beirut. The author's attention to detail is impeccable, and the reader is transported to the vibrant streets, bustling markets, and opulent homes of the 19th century.

In conclusion, The Wide World is a remarkable novel that combines historical fiction, contemporary storytelling, and compelling characters to create a rich and immersive experience. With its themes of greed, power, and the consequences of one's actions, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the complexities of relationships. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and crime novels alike, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472292124