‘She knew the importance of this moment, the kind of turning point that lodges deep in the memory, never to depart, and she wanted to engage fully with it, with no distractions’
– All That Remains
[ About All That Remains ]
At 33, Iris carries her life around in a suitcase. Théo, 18, has big dreams and aspirations. At 74, Jeanne finds herself contemplating her life in a rearview mirror.
When chance brings Iris, an enigmatic young woman; Théo, a brazen young boy, and Jeanne, a discreet lady together under the same roof, these three damaged people will have to learn to live together and face surprising situations.
This is a moving story of solitude colliding with companionship, of unexpected encounters, and of how the past bleeds into the present and our hopes for the future. Virginie Grimaldi has an unrivalled talent for taking her readers from laughter to tears, and for writing about life with accuracy and sensitivity.
[ My Review ]
All That Remains by Virginie Grimaldi publishes today June 5th with Europa Editions UK and is beautifully translated from the French by Hildegarde Serle. Described as ‘a funny and moving story of unlikely friendship’ it is another strikingly understated novel from the internationally bestselling author of A Good Life.
Three strangers become unlikely roommates in this Parisian based tale that is both uplifting and affecting. Jeanne is 74 years old and her life has taken an unexpected turn. Now having to charter a new path, she is terrified of the road ahead and lonely at the prospect of a future that she had never dreamt would be hers. Iris, at 33 years of age, has been struggling with a curveball that has thrown her completely off kilter and now, living out of her suitcase, she has to come to terms with her unforeseen prospects and how she will move forward. Théo is young and at 18 years of age he has an ambition to be someone. But the world sees Théo differently constantly laying obstacles at his feet. His determination is challenged at every turn and any remaining confidence is slowly ebbing away.
In a series of coincidences, all three lives cross and they settle into a new life together sharing an apartment, with each questioning their own decisions and choices.
At 74, Jeanne has plenty of experience under her belt but she is slow to dispense advice. This alternative accommodation situation was never on the cards for her and she is struggling to adapt to her new circumstances. In the past she had a busy fulfilled life but now she has little energy left to do much except contemplate the days ahead. With the arrival of Théo and Iris into her world, Jeanne is forced to re-evaluate her life through a series of emotional moments that really stir the soul.
Théo’s temperament is brash, quick to blow off steam but, as time passes, he settles into this house-share, discovering a small ray of light in a world that to-date has been quite dark. Théo’s history is slowly revealed, providing insights into his past. With little love in his life, he is emotionally detached, unable to develop meaningful and true relationships. Théo is lost but this new housing arrangement might just be the stepping stone he needs to finally move forward.
Iris is totally out of sync with her regular life. Now living in a new city, in a new job, and with new housemates, she is confused about her decisions to date. Her ability to choose is overshadowed by her past and her morale and faith in herself is at an all time low. Iris had a good life. Iris had a job she loved. Iris had friends she adored. But what happened to Iris? Can she find peace in Paris? Can she find herself?
With very relatable and beautifully depicted characters, Virginie Grimaldi has written a truly compassionate novel filled with kindness and empathy. Three generations seek solace and peace, all searching for friendship and a desire to be loved. Exposing their vulnerabilities with each progressive chapter, Iris, Jeanne and Théo come into our lives, quickly establishing a place in our hearts.
All That Remains is a tenderly crafted, gentle story of an unexpected friendship, reminding us all of the importance of belonging and being loved. A wonderfully affecting and emotive tale, All That Remains is another stunning piece of writing from the hand of this exquisite writer. Bravo Virginie Grimaldi!
[ Thank you to Europa Editions UK for a copy of All That Remains in exchange for my honest review ]
[ Bio ]
Virginie Grimaldi was born in 1977 in Bordeaux where she still lives. Translated into more than twenty languages, her novels are carried by endearing characters and a poetic and sensitive pen. Her stories, funny and moving, echo everyone’s life.
She is the most read French novelist in 2019, 2020 and 2021 (Le Figaro littéraire/GFK awards) and winner of the Favorite Book of the French in 2022 (France Télévisions).
X ~ @GinieGrimaldi
