Lovesong - Alex Miller

Lovesong
Alex Miller
A&U

Sabiha and John's love affair begins unexpectedly when John, seeking shelter from heavy rain takes refuge in Chez Dom, a small Tunisian cafe Sabiha runs with her aunt in Paris. Despite their deep love and affection towards one another, over the years a shadow begins to fall over the couple's lives. Whilst John longs to return to his native Australia, Sabiha refuses to leave until she has a child. Unable to conceive and desperate to have a daughter of her own, Sabiha makes a decision that changes the course of their lives.

Years later in Melbourne Ken, an aging writer is intrigued by the sadness in the eyes of the beautiful Tunisian woman who has opened a pastry shop in his neighbourhood. Befriending her husband, Ken slowly learns of John & Sabiha's story. Lured by their tale, Ken sees in the couple, the possibility of one last novel.

Lovesong marries the deepest, smallest emotions hidden in a person's heart with the clarity and subtlety of a well constructed novel. I love this book and would recommend it to all lovers of good story telling.