Tot albastrul cerului

Émile is 26. He has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He wants to leave the hospital and escape his loved ones’ pity. He buys a caravan in secret and places a newspaper ad. He seeks someone to join him on one last trip. Three days later, Joanne arrives with a backpack. She wears a black hat with a wide brim. She gives no reason for choosing to come along. Their trip brings fear and joy, friendship and love. As Émile learns about himself, he starts to let others in.

This is the first novel by Mélissa Da Costa. It blends romance with a journey to learn about oneself. It suits readers drawn to tales of illness, bonds, and change. Da Costa links her work to taking time out and starting afresh. The novel won two prizes in 2020. These were the Prix Alain-Fournier and Prix du roman Cezam.

Da Costa was born on 7 August 1990. She studied economics and management. She then worked in communications for energy and the environment. She also trained in aromatherapy, naturopathy, and sophrology. Reading, writing, and sport form part of her daily life.

Liliana Urian translated this edition from French. Its original title is Tout le bleu du ciel. It is part of the Fiction Connection series.