What You Need From The Night

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What to expect

'One of the most exquisite debuts I've read for some time' Daily Telegraph

'Affecting and haunting' Observer

After the death of his wife, a father raises his two sons alone. His bond with Fus, the eldest, and Gillou, the youngest, is a close one. But their town is not one of opportunity, and it soon becomes clear that the boys are heading down different paths. Gillou sets his sights on university in Paris. Fus, despite his socialist upbringing, falls in with the local far-right group. Though he joins mostly for the camaraderie, their activities, which might on the surface appear harmless, lead to a violent confrontation.

How can a father and son find common ground when everything seems set to break them apart? A sudden tragedy will force them to find an answer.

Tense, sharp and ultimately heartbreaking, Laurent Petitmangin's first novel, What You Need From The Night, shines a spotlight on lives that are unfolding in forgotten corners of France and asks what acts can truly be forgiven.

'A tragedy of unconditional love' - L'Obs

'Heartbreaking . . . haunts you long after you've put it down'- Libération

'As sublime as it is painful' - Le Parisien

Critics Review

Heartbreaking . . . haunts you long after you've put it down
Libération
A tragedy of unconditional love
L'Obs
As sublime as it is painful
Le Parisien
A poignant, modest, moving book
Télérama
It's impossible not to devour this heartbreaking and beautiful short text in one gulp
Psychologie Mag
An unforgettable first novel, Laurent Petitmangin writes as one lives. And it's dazzling
L'Est Républicain
Petitmangin tells his story of generational shock with a painful quality, a deep voice charged with sadness and a touching efficiency. Memorable
El País
A block of raw emotion
Paris Match
He describes with inifinite accuracy the violence of a father not being able to recognise his son anymore
Femme Actuelle
It shines with the dazzling yet minimalist style that probes hearts and consciences
La Provence
Magnificent!
France Inter
Everytime, Laurent Petitmangin finds the right word
Le Figaro

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