Letters to Camondo

From the author of the bestselling phenomenon The Hare with Amber Eyes, Edmund de Waal brings us a poignant and meticulously crafted work, Letters to Camondo. This book delves into the rise and fall of an extraordinary family in twentieth-century Europe, interweaving history, art, and personal narrative.

Located a few doors down from de Waal's own family, the Camondos were notable figures within the belle époque high society of Paris. The protagonist, Count Moïse de Camondo, devoted his life to creating a sublime house for his son to inherit, filled with exquisite art and treasures. However, this narrative isn't just about the beauty and grandeur; it also touches on the darker shadows of history, such as the pervasive anti-Semitism that both families faced.

In a deeply personal and engaging format, de Waal explores the opulent rooms and extensive archives of the Camondo household. Told through a series of intimate and haunting letters addressed directly to Count Moïse de Camondo, de Waal paints a vivid picture of what transpired through the years, shedding light on personal and collective memories lost to time.

Letters to Camondo is not only a tribute to the Camondo family but also an exploration of the concept of memory and legacy. Within its pages, the book invites readers to reflect on the impact of history on both individual lives and family legacies, drawing connections between the personal and the historical.

The Guardian praises the book as "Illuminating... A wonderful tribute to a family and to an idea," while the Financial Times describes it as "Dazzling... Letters to Camondo immerses you in another age."

With his signature blend of historical detail and narrative flair, Edmund de Waal has crafted a work that is as illuminating as it is deeply moving. This book promises to be a compelling read for anyone interested in history, art, and the intricate tapestries of human lives.