C'est la Vie

'Hilariously horrible' John Banville

'A jeu d'esprit of hard-boiled symbolism' Wall Street Journal

'Happiness for those unused to it is like food for the starving – a little too much can be fatal.'

Writer Jeff Colombier is not accustomed to success. Twice divorced with a grown-up son he barely sees, he drinks too much and his books don't sell.

Then he wins a big literary prize and his life changes for ever. Overwhelmed by his newfound wealth and happiness, he feels the need to escape and recapture his lost youth, taking his son, Damien, with him. And if shady lawyers and mysterious girls lead them down dangerous paths . . . well, c'est la vie.

A twisted, trippy feat of French noir from 'the true heir to Simenon'.