'An incredible gem of a novel, based on a true story. I loved it'
LAURA BARNETT, bestselling author of THE VERSIONS OF US

'Powerful' Mail on Sunday


'Poignant, uplifting, tender, affectionate' Daily Express

'Tenderly uplifting' Good Housekeeping

'Tenderly humorous. Vital and enjoyable' The Australian


'Dramatic, compassionate and deeply moving.' Jennifer Clement, author of award-winning novel PRAYERS FOR THE STOLEN

'A magnificent novel, tonally flawless, its humour defiant in the face of vast tragedy.' Joan London, author of GILGAMESH, THE GOOD PARENTS and THE GOLDEN AGE

The No.1 European Bestseller

In an over-crowded hospital ward in the summer of July 1945, Miklos is propped up against a pillow. He is writing a letter of hope. It doesn't matter that Miklos is bruised and battered, that his skin shares the same colour as a greying pile of ash, or that the doctor told him "You have six months to live". Because, now, for the first time since the war, he feels truly alive.

Miklos is thinking of things far more important than his health.

He is thinking that he would like to find a wife...