In the Absence of Men

Step into the evocative world of In the Absence of Men by Philippe Besson, a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of youth and desire set against the backdrop of World War I. It is the summer of 1916, and the men of Paris have been called to the front lines, leaving behind a city steeped in an uneasy calm amidst the looming threat of German Zeppelins.

At the heart of the story is Vincent, a sixteen-year-old from an affluent family, who navigates the paradoxical serenity of Paris during wartime. Despite the external calm, Vincent finds himself amidst the opulent yet hollow salons and soirées of Parisian society. His life takes a transformative turn when he encounters the enigmatic and charismatic writer, Marcel Proust. This electrifying meeting illuminates Vincent’s innermost desires, pushing him into ever-riskier liaisons with Arthur, a young soldier.

As Vincent delves deeper into these relationships, he begins to unearth the many facets of love, longing, and identity. His journey is a delicate dance between innocence and experience, shadowed by the brutal realities of a world at war. Frank Wynne's masterful translation brings Besson’s lyrical prose and the tender intimacies of youth to an English-speaking audience with remarkable finesse.

In the Absence of Men is more than a mere coming-of-age story; it is a bold exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the unbidden paths that desire can lead us down. With Besson’s crisp and evocative writing, the novel captures the romance, amoral intrigue, and wistful yearning of gilded youth with a strikingly original voice.

This elegant, pocket-sized edition by VINTAGE celebrates the audacity and ambition of the written word, ensuring that readers are transported to wherever literary innovation may be found. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of love and the unstoppable force of youthful curiosity, set against a vividly depicted historical context.

Praise for In the Absence of Men includes admiration from the Independent, which hails it as, "A short, bold and original novel which beautifully captures the romance and amorality of gilded youth."