Title: Allt jag önskar mig
Author: Grégoire Delacourt
First published January 1, 2012
189 pages, Danskt band
ISBN: 9789186480592 (ISBN10: 9186480596)
Rating: 3.59
Overview
Life didn’t turn out quite the way she had planned. Jocelyne, also known as Jo, dreamed of becoming a fashion designer in Paris, but instead runs a sewing supplies shop in Arras.
She waited for her prince charming, but it was Jocelyn, also known as Jo, who came along. They have two grown children and live a peaceful life together.
For fun, she writes a blog about sewing, lace, and beads. One day, she is convinced by her friends to play the lottery and wins 18,547,301 euros! That day, she hits the jackpot.
Or does she?
About the Author
Meet Grégoire Delacourt, a French writer and advertising executive born on July 26, 1960 in Valenciennes. Despite his success in the advertising industry, he didn’t publish his first novel until the age of 50 in 2011: “L’Écrivain de la famille” (The Writer in the Family).
His second novel, “La Liste de mes envies” (My Wish List), became a bestseller in 2012 and was translated into 35 languages.
In April 2013, Delacourt released his third novel “La Première chose qu’on regarde” (The First Thing We Look At), which sold over 150,000 copies despite a lawsuit with Scarlett Johansson, who was denied all her requests but still awarded €2,500 in damages for invasion of privacy. David Baron, the producer of the Harry Potter films, acquired the film rights.
Delacourt went on to publish “On ne voyait que le bonheur” (We Only Saw Happiness) in 2014, “Les Quatre saisons de l’été” (The Four Seasons of Summer) in 2015, “Danser au bord de l’abîme” (Dancing at the Edge of the Abyss) in 2017, and “La Femme qui ne vieillissait pas” (The Woman Who Did Not Age) in 2018. His works have won several awards in France and Europe, with multiple books ranking in the top 10 of Germany’s Spiegel bestseller list.
“On ne voyait que le bonheur” was even nominated for the prestigious Prix Goncourt and was a finalist for the 2015 Prix des Libraires, ultimately coming in second in the Goncourt des lycéens.
Delacourt’s success has also led to adaptations of his works for both the theater and cinema.
Editoral Review
Allt jag nskar mig by Grgoire Delacourt is a heartwarming novel that will touch the hearts of readers. Delacourt is a critically acclaimed French author known for his skill in crafting stories that combine human emotions with social commentary.
The novel is set in a small town in France and follows the life of a woman named Jocelyne, who runs a sewing shop. Despite being happily married with two children, Jocelyne has unfulfilled dreams of owning a lingerie store and often spends her spare time entering contests in hopes of winning the lottery.
When she does win the jackpot, she is faced with a difficult choice. Will she pursue her dream or choose to stick with the life she knows?
Throughout the novel, Delacourt beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships. His writing is poetic and thought-provoking, with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery woven seamlessly throughout the story.
Delacourt also touches on larger societal issues, such as the importance of following one’s dreams and aspirations. One of the strengths of the novel is its character development.
Jocelyne is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the challenges of her newfound wealth. The supporting cast of characters, including Jocelyne’s friends and family, are equally well-drawn and add depth to the story.
While the pacing of the novel can seem slow at times, Delacourt’s vivid descriptions and compelling characters make up for any lulls. The novel also has historical significance as it shows the struggles of small-town life in modern-day France, making it a relevant and timely read.
Overall, Allt jag nskar mig is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished it. Fans of literary fiction and those interested in exploring the complexities of human emotions will enjoy it.
We give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
