A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery (Gallic Books, 2021)
A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery. Like her quirky romance The Elegance of the Hedgehog, A Single Rose explores the progression of love and loss. However, in this story, the journey takes place in Japan and is mapped out through the gardens of Kyoto, against a backdrop of flower lore and Japanese fables. With complex and intriguing characters, the story both pulls the reader forward and – as with any good garden – also gives cause to linger. Truly delightful.