This recently published literary thriller, the author’s first novel, became an instant international bestseller. Presented as a book within a book, it echoes Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium” series, which began with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” If you liked that series, you will most certainly enjoy “The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair.”
In the summer of 1975 in the small, seaside town of Somerset, N.H., 15-year-old Nola Kellergan vanishes without a trace. Her story doesn’t pick up again until 2008, the year in which the novel is set. Enter Marcus Goldman, a successful writer living in New York City who is desperately searching for his next big bestseller, a second novel that will supersede his outrageously popular first novel. Faced with the doom of writer’s block and his editor’s impending manuscript due date, Marcus flees to his mentor and former professor, Harry Quebert.
Soon after his arrival, Nola’s body is found on Harry’s property buried with a very compelling item, one that will throw a shadow of guilt on Harry. Has Harry had an affair with the girl? Did he murder Nola? It doesn’t look good for Harry, so believing he owes his career and happiness to his mentor, Marcus sets out on a search of his own in the hope of proving Harry’s innocence.
As the situation becomes more and more miserable for Harry, one in which his life and reputation hang in the balance, Marcus develops an agenda of his own. He begins to use his research and resulting story to spark a new novel, the great novel that will continue to enhance his fame and popularity as a modern author. He cares about Harry, but does he care more about his own career? Plagued by death threats from unknown sources, and pressure from his editor, Marcus races to discover “The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair.”
The writing is so seamless and flowing, you wouldn’t ever be able to tell it was translated from French. This book will sweep you under like the waves relentlessly hitting the shore in Somerset. When you finally come up for air, the amazing denouement will take your breath away again.
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