Single Rose

Muriel Barbery is a former lecturer in philosophy and the bestselling author of four previous novels, including the IMPAC-shortlisted The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Published in France in 2006 and in the UK in 2008, the novel was translated in 44 countries and has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, and was described by Le Figaro as 'the publishing phenomenon of the decade'. Barbery has lived in Kyoto, Amsterdam and Paris, and now lives in the French countryside. Alison Anderson is an author and the translator of around 100books from French, including Muriel Barbery's previous novelsand works by Amelie Nothomb and J. M. G. Le Clezio.

'An ode to Japan ... a magnificent, resonant, finely crafted novel' Le Monde'Muriel Barbery sows beauty on every page' Elle'A small miracle' Lire'A moving, accomplished novel ... thoughtful, ethereal and inspired' L'ObsPraise for The Elegance of the Hedgehog'Resistance is futile ... you might as well buy it before someone recommends it for your book group. Its charm will make you say yes' The Guardian'Clever, informative and moving ... an admirable novel' The Observer'Breathtakingly singular ... totally French yet completely universal' Good Housekeeping'A fascinating maze of emotional release' Foreword Reviews'A lyrical and opaque story' Publishers Weekly'Rich with atmosphere and character and drawing on themes of grief and second chances, this is a delicate delight' Living Magazine