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First Blood

By Amelie Nothomb
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Check link for latest rating. ( 7,607 ratings, 906 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
First Blood by Amelie Nothomb is a profound exploration of family, identity, and history. The novel recounts the early life of the author's father, delving into his experiences and the way they shaped his character. Through a blend of fiction and autobiographical elements, Nothomb crafts a poignant narrative that examines the complexities of human relationships and the impact of personal history on one's destiny.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate introspective narratives that delve into complex family dynamics and emotional experiences. Set against the backdrop of historical turbulence, it offers a uniquely poetic perspective on the formative events in a character's life, conveyed through a lyrical and engaging prose style. Perfect for readers who value character development and nuanced storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A gentle homage to the man who gave her life.Winner of the Strega European Prize, the Renaudot Prize, and aBest Book of 2021 (Le Parisien).

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Republic of the Congo, 1964. A young man is facing a firing squad, preparing for his last moment on Earth. He reflects on his childhood with a distant mother, and the moments which have led to him finding himself staring death in the face.

Patrick Nothomb is a young diplomat, aged 28, when he is taken hostage with thousands of others in Stanleyville (now Kisangani) by rebels. Over the course of four months, Nothomb has negotiated with his captors each and every day, saving the lives of 1500 citizens.

Inspired by the life of her father, who died at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amelie Nothomb slips into his shoes to give voice to his story in First Blood.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

First Blood by Amelie Nothomb has been praised for its blend of cruelty, tenderness, and humour. It is described as a gem by Le Parisien, and Telerama highlights it as Nothomb at her best. Le Figaro notes its delightful humour and vitality.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781787704473

Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 May 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Contributors:

  • Translated by Alison Anderson
  • Translated by Alison Anderson
  • Translated by Alison Anderson
  • Translated by Alison Anderson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 112

Collections

Amelie Nothomb Fiction General Fiction

About the Author

Amélie Nothomb was born in Japan to Belgian parents in 1967. She lives in Paris. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages and counting, and been awarded numerous prizes including the French Academy’s Grand Prix for the Novel, the René-Fallet, Alain-Fournier, and Jean-Giono prizes. Alison Anderson spent many years in California; she now lives in a Swiss village and works as a literary translator. Her translations include The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and works by Nobel laureate JMG Le Clézio. She has also written two previous novels and is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Literary Translation Fellowship.

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