A subtle portrait of friendship and a dialogue between two cultures, by the winner of the 2010 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize.
Traumatized by memories of his war-ravaged country, and with his son and daughter-in-law dead, Monsieur Linh travels to a foreign land to bring the child in his arms to safety. Monsieur Linh struggles beneath the weight of his sorrow, and becomes increasingly isolated in this unfamiliar, fast-moving town. And then he encounters Monsieur Bark. They do not speak each other's language, but Bark is sympathetic to the foreigner's need to care for the child. Recently widowed and equally alone, he is eager to talk.
'This is an extraordinary, powerful and moving novel of the refugee experience, not just from the viewpoint of those who become refugees but also exploring what is best, and worst, in the way in which refugees are welcomed and looked after in their destination countries ... Another outstanding novel by the winner of Independent Foreign Fiction Prize in 2010 for Brodeck's Report. Highly recommended' Sarah Bower, Historical Novels Society.
