'A wonderfully offbeat romance' Mail on Sunday

On a beautifully restored barge on the Seine, Jean Perdu runs a bookshop; or rather a 'literary apothecary', for this bookseller possesses a rare gift for sensing which books will soothe the troubled souls of his customers.

The only person he is unable to cure, it seems, is himself.

But when an enigmatic new neighbour moves into his eccentric apartment building on Rue Montagnard, Jean is inspired to unlock his heart, unmoor the floating bookshop and set off for Provence in search of the past - and his beloved.

'Glowing . . . a classic voyage and return narrative, layered with wit, enchanting writing and a love of books . . . I prescribed it for a cynical friend who has "seen it all" (and read it all) and she swooned' Daily Mail

'A true gem for fiction lovers' Good Housekeeping

Translated by Simon Pare

James Reed is the Chairman of REED - Britain's biggest and best-known recruitment brand and the largest family-owned recruitment company in the world. James is a regular media commentator on work and labour market issues, with recent appearances including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio 2 and The Apprentice.
James is a best-selling author of two books, Why You? 101 Interview Questions You'll Never Fear Again and Put Your Mindset to Work, which he co-authored with Dr. Paul Stoltz.
James lives in London with his wife Nicola and their six children.