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The Heart of Everything
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
20 days and 16:41:22
100 copies available
U.S. only
Even death can’t break the bond between father and son in an uncannily funny and poignant novel about love, loss, memory, and family by Marc Levy, the bestselling author of
P.S. from Paris.
There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years.
Thomas, a young virtuoso pianist living a quiet, carefully structured life in France, is stunned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears in his home. He’s not a ghost in the traditional sense—he’s real enough to ask for help. His request? That Thomas travel with him to San Francisco to find Camille, the long-lost love of his life.
For Thomas, it’s as surreal as it sounds. And yet…it might be his last-in-a-lifetime chance to know his father as a man and to square the regrets of the past. Together they embark on a five-thousand-mile journey that questions the very nature of existence, proves that love never fades, and rekindles the curious, heart-tugging bond between a parent and child that somehow endures beyond death.
There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years.
Thomas, a young virtuoso pianist living a quiet, carefully structured life in France, is stunned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears in his home. He’s not a ghost in the traditional sense—he’s real enough to ask for help. His request? That Thomas travel with him to San Francisco to find Camille, the long-lost love of his life.
For Thomas, it’s as surreal as it sounds. And yet…it might be his last-in-a-lifetime chance to know his father as a man and to square the regrets of the past. Together they embark on a five-thousand-mile journey that questions the very nature of existence, proves that love never fades, and rekindles the curious, heart-tugging bond between a parent and child that somehow endures beyond death.
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
2878 people are currently reading
3996 people want to read
About the author
Marc Levy
191 books4,414 followersMarc Levy was born in France. When he turned eighteen, he joined the Red Cross, where he spent the next six years. In 1983, he created a computer graphics company based in France and the United States. Six years later, he co-founded an interior design and planning company with two friends; the company soon became one of the leading architecture firms in France.
At thirty-seven, Marc Levy wrote a story for the man that his son would grow up to be. In early 1999, his sister, a screenwriter (now a film director), encouraged him to send the manuscript to a French publisher, who immediately decided to publish If Only It Were True. Before it was published, Steven Spielberg (Dreamworks) acquired film rights to the novel. The movie, Just like Heaven, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was a #1 box office hit in America in 2005.
After If Only It Were True, Marc Levy began writing full-time. Since then, he has written 18 novels. His work has been translated into 49 languages and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
In addition, Marc Levy has directed a short movie, written short stories and song lyrics for various artists, including Johnny Hallyday.
Le Figaro newspaper recently commissioned a nationwide poll asking the French to rank their favorite author: Marc Levy and Victor Hugo were #1.
Marc Levy currently lives in New York City. Readers can learn more about him and follow his work on www.marclevy.info
At thirty-seven, Marc Levy wrote a story for the man that his son would grow up to be. In early 1999, his sister, a screenwriter (now a film director), encouraged him to send the manuscript to a French publisher, who immediately decided to publish If Only It Were True. Before it was published, Steven Spielberg (Dreamworks) acquired film rights to the novel. The movie, Just like Heaven, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was a #1 box office hit in America in 2005.
After If Only It Were True, Marc Levy began writing full-time. Since then, he has written 18 novels. His work has been translated into 49 languages and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
In addition, Marc Levy has directed a short movie, written short stories and song lyrics for various artists, including Johnny Hallyday.
Le Figaro newspaper recently commissioned a nationwide poll asking the French to rank their favorite author: Marc Levy and Victor Hugo were #1.
Marc Levy currently lives in New York City. Readers can learn more about him and follow his work on www.marclevy.info
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 5, 2026
Thomas, a young pianist, lives a quiet and uneventful life. He likes it that way, visiting his mother from time to time to check on her and not to feel so…lonely. But when his late father, Raymond, shows up, Thomas is shocked, even more so when his father asks him for a favor: to go to San Francisco to find Camille, his long-lost love, and to reunite their ashes.
Even though the request sounds crazy, just as much as his father appearing to him from the afterlife, Thomas realizes that this may be his last chance to actually get to know his father and to mend their relationship that was falling apart at the seams before he died. So, Thomas buys a plane ticket, packs his bags, and together they set out on an adventure that changes his life forever.
Oh. My. Gosh. I freaking loved this! 💛 I am a HUGE fan of stories that involve…well, ghosts, spirits, or whatever you want to call them. 😅 I actually watched Just Like Heaven (a movie I've never seen before) with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo last night, and I was smiling at the fact that some of the scenes in the movie were similar to the ones in this book. And I thought to myself, how fortuitous. 😉
It makes me sad to think that I almost didn’t download this. I would have missed out on a hilarious and touching story about a son doing a favor for his father that he didn’t really understand. And when I say hilarious, I mean that I was actually laughing out loud. Thomas and Raymond’s jokes, insults, and sarcasm were everything that I needed. It has been a fat minute since a story has made me laugh as much as this one did. 😂 Did I get some confused and concerned looks from my family? Yes, but it was worth it.
What’s also great about this book is that it is quite short, imo. Twenty fairly short chapters with an even shorter epilogue, and I loved every minute of it. I honestly don’t think it was too short or lacked any details or plot points. The writing was simple, straightforward, yet moving. The story kept me engaged and interested all the way to the very end (which is a hard feat for me nowadays 😅). And I loved the characters! Thomas and Raymond were SOO funny! I loved them together, even though they got on each other’s nerves. 😂 It’s a pretty realistic portrayal of a relationship between a father and his son (or daughter, because my parents and I have pretty much the same humor and like to go at it 🤭).
Ooh, and the fact that Thomas was a virtuoso pianist was the cherry on top! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE classical music! I played the violin in middle school, and although I wasn't very good at it (just ask anybody and they’ll tell you how horrible I was), my love for the greats like Debussy, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and so many other fantastic composers was born and has been going strong for many, many years. So when I saw the various concertos and pieces Thomas would play in the story, I literally freaked out and pulled them up on YouTube to listen to them again. 😍🤭 That made me so happy and doubled my overall enjoyment for this book.
Do I recommend this book? Heck yes! I loved everything about this and want to read it again as soon as possible. 🩵
Thank you to AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death and dying.
Swearing: A little.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning love making.
Even though the request sounds crazy, just as much as his father appearing to him from the afterlife, Thomas realizes that this may be his last chance to actually get to know his father and to mend their relationship that was falling apart at the seams before he died. So, Thomas buys a plane ticket, packs his bags, and together they set out on an adventure that changes his life forever.
Oh. My. Gosh. I freaking loved this! 💛 I am a HUGE fan of stories that involve…well, ghosts, spirits, or whatever you want to call them. 😅 I actually watched Just Like Heaven (a movie I've never seen before) with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo last night, and I was smiling at the fact that some of the scenes in the movie were similar to the ones in this book. And I thought to myself, how fortuitous. 😉
It makes me sad to think that I almost didn’t download this. I would have missed out on a hilarious and touching story about a son doing a favor for his father that he didn’t really understand. And when I say hilarious, I mean that I was actually laughing out loud. Thomas and Raymond’s jokes, insults, and sarcasm were everything that I needed. It has been a fat minute since a story has made me laugh as much as this one did. 😂 Did I get some confused and concerned looks from my family? Yes, but it was worth it.
What’s also great about this book is that it is quite short, imo. Twenty fairly short chapters with an even shorter epilogue, and I loved every minute of it. I honestly don’t think it was too short or lacked any details or plot points. The writing was simple, straightforward, yet moving. The story kept me engaged and interested all the way to the very end (which is a hard feat for me nowadays 😅). And I loved the characters! Thomas and Raymond were SOO funny! I loved them together, even though they got on each other’s nerves. 😂 It’s a pretty realistic portrayal of a relationship between a father and his son (or daughter, because my parents and I have pretty much the same humor and like to go at it 🤭).
Ooh, and the fact that Thomas was a virtuoso pianist was the cherry on top! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE classical music! I played the violin in middle school, and although I wasn't very good at it (just ask anybody and they’ll tell you how horrible I was), my love for the greats like Debussy, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and so many other fantastic composers was born and has been going strong for many, many years. So when I saw the various concertos and pieces Thomas would play in the story, I literally freaked out and pulled them up on YouTube to listen to them again. 😍🤭 That made me so happy and doubled my overall enjoyment for this book.
Do I recommend this book? Heck yes! I loved everything about this and want to read it again as soon as possible. 🩵
Thank you to AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death and dying.
Swearing: A little.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning love making.
December 4, 2025
Amazon First Reads December 2025
“Hey, Dad. What does it mean to be a father?”
Told from a decidedly male POV, THE HEART OF EVERYTHING, by award winning, French author, Marc Levy, is unique in this genre. Amazon lists it as Ghost fiction, Paranormal Romance or Marriage and Divorce Fiction. For me, it was more Coming of Age, Father and Son. It’s also worth noting that the translation is magnificent. Had it not been identified, I’d have never suspected.
Thomas, the son and Raymond, the father, are the primary characters. Raymond appears to Thomas after he has a few hits of weed he found at his mother’s apartment. He’s in a fragile place: feeling unprepared for a big concert, his love life is a mess and it’s the 5th anniversary of his father’s passing. Thomas tries to sleep it off but no luck - dad is still here.
Dad needs a favor. Could you fly to San Francisco and unite my ashes with those from the love of my life so we can spend eternity together? Oh, and by the way, you have just a few days. Her funeral is on Friday. The remainder of the book is Raymond convincing Thomas to do his bidding and the escapades making it happen. Think I Love Lucy, Laverne and Shirley being Touched by an Angel - DAD!
Levy includes a nice assortment of secondary characters that serve to move the story along and fill in historical information. None are developed but that’s not their job. Father and son are given an opportunity many would love to have, me included. I’d give almost anything to spend a week with my father, no matter how preposterous the ask!
For those who are wondering, this male driven story does follow the basic traditions for the genre and a 9th hour HEA does happen for the destiny bound couple. There might even be progress on the love front for Thomas but more importantly, he finally gets an answer to his opening question about what it means to be a father; no spoiler from me📚
“Hey, Dad. What does it mean to be a father?”
Told from a decidedly male POV, THE HEART OF EVERYTHING, by award winning, French author, Marc Levy, is unique in this genre. Amazon lists it as Ghost fiction, Paranormal Romance or Marriage and Divorce Fiction. For me, it was more Coming of Age, Father and Son. It’s also worth noting that the translation is magnificent. Had it not been identified, I’d have never suspected.
Thomas, the son and Raymond, the father, are the primary characters. Raymond appears to Thomas after he has a few hits of weed he found at his mother’s apartment. He’s in a fragile place: feeling unprepared for a big concert, his love life is a mess and it’s the 5th anniversary of his father’s passing. Thomas tries to sleep it off but no luck - dad is still here.
Dad needs a favor. Could you fly to San Francisco and unite my ashes with those from the love of my life so we can spend eternity together? Oh, and by the way, you have just a few days. Her funeral is on Friday. The remainder of the book is Raymond convincing Thomas to do his bidding and the escapades making it happen. Think I Love Lucy, Laverne and Shirley being Touched by an Angel - DAD!
Levy includes a nice assortment of secondary characters that serve to move the story along and fill in historical information. None are developed but that’s not their job. Father and son are given an opportunity many would love to have, me included. I’d give almost anything to spend a week with my father, no matter how preposterous the ask!
For those who are wondering, this male driven story does follow the basic traditions for the genre and a 9th hour HEA does happen for the destiny bound couple. There might even be progress on the love front for Thomas but more importantly, he finally gets an answer to his opening question about what it means to be a father; no spoiler from me📚
December 8, 2025
Not my usual type of book but that’s what Amazon Firsts are all about; taking a risk because these books are like a free gift.
The parent and child relationship can be the most challenging, fulfilling, rewarding, hurtful, beautiful thing. You can luck out as a parent, make all the right decisions and have the most amazing relationships with your children. As a child, you can also luck out and you might have the loveliest relationship with your mum and dad. Relationships take respect and love on both sides.
This book made me miss my mum and dad. What I would give to spend more time with them or have one more conversation. I’d apologise to my mum for being a horrid teenager and I’d give my dad all of those hugs that I wish I’d given him.
Thomas didn’t have a close relationship with his dad, Raymond at the end of his life. He didn’t really understand him. Maybe Raymond didn’t tell Thomas how much he loved him and then it was too late. Raymond has one wish and that is to be reunited with the love of his life and only Thomas can help. Thomas does what a loving and caring son would do.
It’s a sweet and sentimental book.
“Heaven is the place where you say, I love you, son. That’s what it means to be a father, and I will always be yours. For all eternity.”
The parent and child relationship can be the most challenging, fulfilling, rewarding, hurtful, beautiful thing. You can luck out as a parent, make all the right decisions and have the most amazing relationships with your children. As a child, you can also luck out and you might have the loveliest relationship with your mum and dad. Relationships take respect and love on both sides.
This book made me miss my mum and dad. What I would give to spend more time with them or have one more conversation. I’d apologise to my mum for being a horrid teenager and I’d give my dad all of those hugs that I wish I’d given him.
Thomas didn’t have a close relationship with his dad, Raymond at the end of his life. He didn’t really understand him. Maybe Raymond didn’t tell Thomas how much he loved him and then it was too late. Raymond has one wish and that is to be reunited with the love of his life and only Thomas can help. Thomas does what a loving and caring son would do.
It’s a sweet and sentimental book.
“Heaven is the place where you say, I love you, son. That’s what it means to be a father, and I will always be yours. For all eternity.”
December 10, 2025
This book is the English translation and American release of a 2019 book, originally written in French, called "Ghost in Love". I haven't yet read the French version, but I suspect there was a lot lost in the translation. The dialog in the English version is stilted in many places, and overly direct and plain at times where nuance seems to be called for. The tone of the narration and most of the dialog (usually serious and heavy) doesn't match the tone of the story events (hijinks with funerary urns, conversations with ghosts in public). And all of the characters sounded the same to me.
Since it's billed as a book about the relationship between father and son, I expected a lot more talk about fatherly advice and how the young can teach the old new things. Maybe some time given to the (often toxic) need for masculinity in father-son relationships that inhibits their ability to really share what matters. There *was* some of that in the book, but it was hampered by the fact that Raymond (the father) is a pretty insufferable character. He spends most of the book appearing to care about himself and his own agenda, without much caring about the impact it has on his son's life. He is flippant with his son up until the deeper conversations toward the end of the book, in his last chapter, and his son Thomas seems ill-equipped to do much pushing back. The resulting dialog is pretty frustrating to read and doesn't have much in the way of meaning.
Raymond is also a womanizer, and his views on women in general, even those he loves and claims to respect, are rather misogynistic and sexist in today's world (and... again keep in mind the book was written in 2019... so still in today's world). In addition to giving a lot of "ick" while reading it, it rather weakened Raymond's role as the provider of wisdom.
The ending is predictable and sappy, but I suppose as "happy" an ending as a story about leaving the living and the afterlife can be. Overall I got the feeling that this story was written to become a Hallmark made-for-TV movie - and I don't know how much of that is really an artifact of translation vs innate to the story itself.
Since it's billed as a book about the relationship between father and son, I expected a lot more talk about fatherly advice and how the young can teach the old new things. Maybe some time given to the (often toxic) need for masculinity in father-son relationships that inhibits their ability to really share what matters. There *was* some of that in the book, but it was hampered by the fact that Raymond (the father) is a pretty insufferable character. He spends most of the book appearing to care about himself and his own agenda, without much caring about the impact it has on his son's life. He is flippant with his son up until the deeper conversations toward the end of the book, in his last chapter, and his son Thomas seems ill-equipped to do much pushing back. The resulting dialog is pretty frustrating to read and doesn't have much in the way of meaning.
Raymond is also a womanizer, and his views on women in general, even those he loves and claims to respect, are rather misogynistic and sexist in today's world (and... again keep in mind the book was written in 2019... so still in today's world). In addition to giving a lot of "ick" while reading it, it rather weakened Raymond's role as the provider of wisdom.
The ending is predictable and sappy, but I suppose as "happy" an ending as a story about leaving the living and the afterlife can be. Overall I got the feeling that this story was written to become a Hallmark made-for-TV movie - and I don't know how much of that is really an artifact of translation vs innate to the story itself.
December 5, 2025
Beautiful premise
The Heart of Everything has a beautiful premise - a father who died 5 years ago reappears to his adult son requesting he accompany him on 1 final journey. As the synopsis indicates, this is a story about father-son love that was complicated when the father was alive, to which he's now trying to atone.
Some of the dialogue is corny and you have to suspend belief since the story is a bit fantastical (dead father reappearing), but it is entertaining & a quick read.
Not your typical RomCom.
The Heart of Everything has a beautiful premise - a father who died 5 years ago reappears to his adult son requesting he accompany him on 1 final journey. As the synopsis indicates, this is a story about father-son love that was complicated when the father was alive, to which he's now trying to atone.
Some of the dialogue is corny and you have to suspend belief since the story is a bit fantastical (dead father reappearing), but it is entertaining & a quick read.
Not your typical RomCom.
December 11, 2025
I feel bad rating a book so low but this was just not good. I’m not sure if it’s the translation but the writing was so clunky. I could barely tell who was talking until halfway through a paragraph at times. Nearly all the characters were unlikable. The story was… unbelievable? Which is a weird thing to say given the premise. I just couldn’t get into the idea of anything that was happening throughout.
January 4, 2026
4.25⭐️
Operation Urn. Seaweed so the driver has an unforgettable night. Ghost in Love. Those were just a few of the moments that made me LOL or pulled at my heartstrings. This book was filled with many of those moments. This was such a moving and funny story. Thomas and his father Raymond were so quirky and endearing. What I wouldn’t give to have one last adventure with my mom as would most people who have lost a beloved parent. I just loved this book. It had so much depth especially considering it was a short story. I didn’t realize until I’d finished it and looked into his other books but this is a story where characters overlap in his books and now I really want to read more by him!
Operation Urn. Seaweed so the driver has an unforgettable night. Ghost in Love. Those were just a few of the moments that made me LOL or pulled at my heartstrings. This book was filled with many of those moments. This was such a moving and funny story. Thomas and his father Raymond were so quirky and endearing. What I wouldn’t give to have one last adventure with my mom as would most people who have lost a beloved parent. I just loved this book. It had so much depth especially considering it was a short story. I didn’t realize until I’d finished it and looked into his other books but this is a story where characters overlap in his books and now I really want to read more by him!
December 15, 2025
This book was so sweet and touching. A son who helps his father fulfill a final wish and learns who he truly is in the process. The movie Just Like Heaven is from a book by the same author and I could absolutely see this being a movie as well. As a result the ending is mildly predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.
January 6, 2026
The Heart of Everything is a quirky, heartfelt story about a son reconnecting with his dad’s ghost and navigating a bizarre, emotional journey to his father’s past love. The time they spend together is surprisingly sweet, and the story balances humor, heart, and a touch of the surreal.
3.75⭐️
Thank you to Amazon Crossing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.75⭐️
Thank you to Amazon Crossing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 12, 2025
A very endearing and heartfelt story of a final adventure between father and son. Learning of a past untold, and more about his father than he knew in life. Really makes you think what love truly means. The love of a father. An unexpected love between 2 souls. The love you’re afraid to open yourself up to. A wonderful read.
December 15, 2025
Without giving any spoilers, this short story is a unique love story. At times I was not sure where the author was taking us other than an unusual adventure to the USA filled with humor and then it all came together beautifully.
December 28, 2025
So many memorable lines
Such a cute story but one that rugged on my heart strings. What I wouldn't give to have a few days of a week with my mom to have the unguarded, unfiltered conversations that we avoid in life.
Such a cute story but one that rugged on my heart strings. What I wouldn't give to have a few days of a week with my mom to have the unguarded, unfiltered conversations that we avoid in life.
January 1, 2026
Unique Premise
This book had a very unique premise. I feel like it would be very interesting for healing for someone who has lost a parent. Was not really my favorite and the style of writing was a bit different.
This book had a very unique premise. I feel like it would be very interesting for healing for someone who has lost a parent. Was not really my favorite and the style of writing was a bit different.
January 4, 2026
3⭐️
This book was okay, I liked the music element and it kept my attention partly, but I don’t think I was that connected to the characters. Everything was likable and I liked the writing style as well.
This book was okay, I liked the music element and it kept my attention partly, but I don’t think I was that connected to the characters. Everything was likable and I liked the writing style as well.
December 3, 2025
Wonderful Storyline!
I LOVED this book SO much that I didn’t want it to end, but I loved how the story ended. The characters sense of humor was very entertaining.
Having lost my husband 12 years ago & my mom 3 years ago, I enjoyed the writer’s portrayal of the deceased’s ability to visit his son after his death & that heaven is real.
I LOVED this book SO much that I didn’t want it to end, but I loved how the story ended. The characters sense of humor was very entertaining.
Having lost my husband 12 years ago & my mom 3 years ago, I enjoyed the writer’s portrayal of the deceased’s ability to visit his son after his death & that heaven is real.
December 15, 2025
Excellent!
Almost gave it 5 stars! Superb on so many levels and hysterical too! Clever writing and should be made into a movie!
Almost gave it 5 stars! Superb on so many levels and hysterical too! Clever writing and should be made into a movie!
December 11, 2025
So Funny! So Touching!
If I could give this book more stars I would. Well written, hilarious & plain old heart warming. OMGOSH I LOVED SO MUCH! This is how I want to write... and feel everyday with the books I read.
If I could give this book more stars I would. Well written, hilarious & plain old heart warming. OMGOSH I LOVED SO MUCH! This is how I want to write... and feel everyday with the books I read.
December 9, 2025
Having lost my own father a little over a year ago, and still mourning him, this book gave me hope that in the end, there is happiness and peace. It's a novel that is a bit silly in parts and certainly unbelievable, and at the same time intriguing. I had to know what happened in the end, and I was not disappointed.
Amazon First Reads choice.
Amazon First Reads choice.
December 20, 2025
I read this as an Amazon first read. Loved it.
January 2, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for an advance copy of this novel, translated with aplomb from the original French by Maren Baudet.
I read this short novel in a few hours on a cold dark day during that desolate time after the holidays have passed and the New Year has barely begun. Except for kids still thrilled by gifts and treats and late nights and a break from school, it’s a melancholy stretch. Most aren’t yet ready to face the reality that the new year will likely be much like the old one. Trying to while away a few more leisurely hours before time reset, I couldn’t even settle into a book from my lengthy TBR list. Knowing Marc Levy’s light touch with heavy issues, I picked up this one and read it through in one sitting.
This is one of those stories that grabs you and pulls you in and you scarcely feel the hours passing. And then you so regret how quickly they went when you come to the end, so much are you captivated by the characters, their relationships, their motives and actions and words.
The story is a magical one about a father, dead some years, who visits his son to ask a favour of him. The son, Thomas, a young concert pianist, needs some persuasion that the ghost-man who appears before him is y simply a hallucinatory reaction to a joint he had smoked in his mother’s Paris apartment. The father, Raymond, was a revered surgeon before his sudden death from a heart attack. Raymond wants Thomas to accompany him to San Francisco to steal an urn containing the ashes of his true love, Camille, who has just passed away. They had been forcibly separated by her jealous husband when Thomas, along with Camille’s daughter Manon, were children who provided cover for their parents’ meetings in Parisian parks and attractions.
If this sounds macabre, it is anything but. Readers are treated to what comes across as perfectly natural banter between a father who never felt truly appreciated and an adult son who always felt neglected. As they question, quarrel, discuss, accuse and come to understand ‘the heart of everything,’ with plenty of mishaps complicating their far-from-ordinary mission, you will recognize the ache of loss but also the peace that comes of acceptance. Nothing in this story is believable but everything is believable. What good fortune to have found such a beautiful, thoughtful, lighthearted yet profound book with which to begin the year.
I read this short novel in a few hours on a cold dark day during that desolate time after the holidays have passed and the New Year has barely begun. Except for kids still thrilled by gifts and treats and late nights and a break from school, it’s a melancholy stretch. Most aren’t yet ready to face the reality that the new year will likely be much like the old one. Trying to while away a few more leisurely hours before time reset, I couldn’t even settle into a book from my lengthy TBR list. Knowing Marc Levy’s light touch with heavy issues, I picked up this one and read it through in one sitting.
This is one of those stories that grabs you and pulls you in and you scarcely feel the hours passing. And then you so regret how quickly they went when you come to the end, so much are you captivated by the characters, their relationships, their motives and actions and words.
The story is a magical one about a father, dead some years, who visits his son to ask a favour of him. The son, Thomas, a young concert pianist, needs some persuasion that the ghost-man who appears before him is y simply a hallucinatory reaction to a joint he had smoked in his mother’s Paris apartment. The father, Raymond, was a revered surgeon before his sudden death from a heart attack. Raymond wants Thomas to accompany him to San Francisco to steal an urn containing the ashes of his true love, Camille, who has just passed away. They had been forcibly separated by her jealous husband when Thomas, along with Camille’s daughter Manon, were children who provided cover for their parents’ meetings in Parisian parks and attractions.
If this sounds macabre, it is anything but. Readers are treated to what comes across as perfectly natural banter between a father who never felt truly appreciated and an adult son who always felt neglected. As they question, quarrel, discuss, accuse and come to understand ‘the heart of everything,’ with plenty of mishaps complicating their far-from-ordinary mission, you will recognize the ache of loss but also the peace that comes of acceptance. Nothing in this story is believable but everything is believable. What good fortune to have found such a beautiful, thoughtful, lighthearted yet profound book with which to begin the year.
January 3, 2026
A few thoughts about this book:
Marc Levy is, apparently, the most read contemporary French author in the world, according to his bio, at the end of this book. I liked this book enough to want to explore some of his other titles, in French. (I'm American, and I speak French at home with my French husband, lived in France for more than two years, and taught French to American students for 44 years.)
So I'm curious about this particular book. The French title is Ghost in Love . Yep, in English. I checked it out on his website, and even watched part of a French interview about the book, with Levy and journalists. Yup, that's the book. I wonder why the title for the English-speaking market is The Heart of Everything.
As for the book, it's pretty entertaining. I enjoy a good ghost story from time to time. As far as I can tell, the plot is original. The characters are entertaining, especially Raymond, although he can be annoying at times...and secretive.
My biggest concern is personal; I'm pretty sure this wouldn't annoy other readers much. But here it is: The English translation is too good. The characters, who, for most of the book are French people staying in San Francisco, don't "sound" French at all. The plot and character development would have been so much more authentic if they had "sounded" French. As it stands, there's no difference between the two linguistic settings. They are just as accurate and at ease with the language in both contexts. It's disappointing for the narrator to have to say, "Thomas had trouble understanding everyone speaking at dinner," when that's never the case in any other part of the book. And it should be.
Okay, I'm down off my high horse. Overall, I read the book very quickly. It was a fun, light read, apart from the above rant.
3.5 stars (I wish Goodreads would let us use fractions.)
Marc Levy is, apparently, the most read contemporary French author in the world, according to his bio, at the end of this book. I liked this book enough to want to explore some of his other titles, in French. (I'm American, and I speak French at home with my French husband, lived in France for more than two years, and taught French to American students for 44 years.)
So I'm curious about this particular book. The French title is Ghost in Love . Yep, in English. I checked it out on his website, and even watched part of a French interview about the book, with Levy and journalists. Yup, that's the book. I wonder why the title for the English-speaking market is The Heart of Everything.
As for the book, it's pretty entertaining. I enjoy a good ghost story from time to time. As far as I can tell, the plot is original. The characters are entertaining, especially Raymond, although he can be annoying at times...and secretive.
My biggest concern is personal; I'm pretty sure this wouldn't annoy other readers much. But here it is: The English translation is too good. The characters, who, for most of the book are French people staying in San Francisco, don't "sound" French at all. The plot and character development would have been so much more authentic if they had "sounded" French. As it stands, there's no difference between the two linguistic settings. They are just as accurate and at ease with the language in both contexts. It's disappointing for the narrator to have to say, "Thomas had trouble understanding everyone speaking at dinner," when that's never the case in any other part of the book. And it should be.
Okay, I'm down off my high horse. Overall, I read the book very quickly. It was a fun, light read, apart from the above rant.
3.5 stars (I wish Goodreads would let us use fractions.)
Review of advance copy
This was my Kindle First choice this month and it was an easy choice because I read his Last of the Stanfields 7 years ago now (!!) and I loved that. However, this one has managed to surpass even that !! It is a lovely, lovely story and has a bit of everything. Laughter, tears, mystery....it's just a joy. When I looked at my device and realised there were only 13 pages remaining I was absolutely gutted !! I didn't want it to be over......am I gushing ??
It's a really super story...OK, you have to suspend belief somewhat but so what ? We could all do with some of that these days, some proper escape from the world we live in !!
I was howling with laughter at the bagless vacuum comment by Thomas's mother, then later on in the story I was also howling....tears....
AND we learn how to tell if someone is just knocked out or actually in a coma !! I found that fascinating. And also that you're not supposed to travel overseas with ashes.....who knew ?? I also googled the Columbarium when I finished and it's a truly beautiful building inside and out. I had never heard of one before !! So I've also been educated !
He writes a very touching and thought-provoking conversation about fairies and demons I really liked as well.....makes you really think and I like this.
I am sitting here in tears even now as I re-read my highlights to compose this review. Just trust me, you'll enjoy this, I SO recommend you read it. The translator has clearly done a super job, too so kudos to her as well.
It's a really super story...OK, you have to suspend belief somewhat but so what ? We could all do with some of that these days, some proper escape from the world we live in !!
I was howling with laughter at the bagless vacuum comment by Thomas's mother, then later on in the story I was also howling....tears....
AND we learn how to tell if someone is just knocked out or actually in a coma !! I found that fascinating. And also that you're not supposed to travel overseas with ashes.....who knew ?? I also googled the Columbarium when I finished and it's a truly beautiful building inside and out. I had never heard of one before !! So I've also been educated !
He writes a very touching and thought-provoking conversation about fairies and demons I really liked as well.....makes you really think and I like this.
I am sitting here in tears even now as I re-read my highlights to compose this review. Just trust me, you'll enjoy this, I SO recommend you read it. The translator has clearly done a super job, too so kudos to her as well.
January 7, 2026
The Heart of Everything by Marc Levy follows Thomas, a concert pianist whose life is upended when he is visited by his father, Raymond, who died five years earlier. Raymond returns with an unusual request: he wants Thomas to reunite him with the true love of his life in the afterlife (Camille – not his ex-wife or Thomas’ mother). To make this happen, Thomas must travel to San Francisco from Paris and steal her ashes so they can be mixed with Raymond’s.
The premise is quirky and it quickly gives way to a lighthearted and often funny story that thoughtfully explores love and grief. Although classical music is woven into the narrative, it ultimately felt underdeveloped for a novel centered on a concert pianist. In tone, it brought to mind Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People or A Man Called Ove. However, unlike those novels, this one didn’t leave quite the same lasting impact for me. I think that may be because the relationship between Raymond and Thomas or Raymond and Camille wasn’t as fully developed as I’d hoped, which made it harder to feel deeply connected to them as characters.
Overall, this is a cozy, gentle read. It was pleasant and easy to enjoy, even if it didn’t fully resonate with me on an emotional level.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
The premise is quirky and it quickly gives way to a lighthearted and often funny story that thoughtfully explores love and grief. Although classical music is woven into the narrative, it ultimately felt underdeveloped for a novel centered on a concert pianist. In tone, it brought to mind Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People or A Man Called Ove. However, unlike those novels, this one didn’t leave quite the same lasting impact for me. I think that may be because the relationship between Raymond and Thomas or Raymond and Camille wasn’t as fully developed as I’d hoped, which made it harder to feel deeply connected to them as characters.
Overall, this is a cozy, gentle read. It was pleasant and easy to enjoy, even if it didn’t fully resonate with me on an emotional level.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
December 18, 2025
As Mamon declares toward the end of the book, “Fantasy is not my cup of tea.” Nor is it mine, but the many positive reviews encouraged me to give it a try.
It turned out to be a delightful story about Thomas, a concert pianist, who’s father’s ghost, Raymond, visits him and asks that his ashes be scattered with the love of his life. By ghost we are not talking about the scary kind as in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” For those enough to remember, Thomas’s father’s ghost is more like Topper from the 1937 movie and 1950s television series, where the deceased Kerbys and their martini loving St. Bernard love to play pranks on the ultra-conservative Cosmo Topper.
Thomas is asked to fly to San Francisco where his father’s soulate, Camille, is about to be cremated. Although somewhat predictable, Thomas meets Camille’s daughter, Mamon, and remembers that they played together as children while Raymond and Camille carried on a chaste relationship.
The narrative is amusing and heartwarming as the author explores issues of fatherhood (and motherhood) and the perspective that death brings to family relationships. Kudos to the translator who used many American idioms that I am sure were not in the French original.
It turned out to be a delightful story about Thomas, a concert pianist, who’s father’s ghost, Raymond, visits him and asks that his ashes be scattered with the love of his life. By ghost we are not talking about the scary kind as in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” For those enough to remember, Thomas’s father’s ghost is more like Topper from the 1937 movie and 1950s television series, where the deceased Kerbys and their martini loving St. Bernard love to play pranks on the ultra-conservative Cosmo Topper.
Thomas is asked to fly to San Francisco where his father’s soulate, Camille, is about to be cremated. Although somewhat predictable, Thomas meets Camille’s daughter, Mamon, and remembers that they played together as children while Raymond and Camille carried on a chaste relationship.
The narrative is amusing and heartwarming as the author explores issues of fatherhood (and motherhood) and the perspective that death brings to family relationships. Kudos to the translator who used many American idioms that I am sure were not in the French original.
December 22, 2025
There was so much more potential for this book. I loved the premise of it and it was a light quick read. I did find the writing to be very clunky. Maybe there was some loss in translation. It just wasn't a smooth read. At times it was very awkward and a few exchanges between characters made little sense.
I was expecting so much more from a book written about a visitor from the afterlife. I wanted to learn more about the relationship between the dad and the mistress. I wanted to hear much more about their deep profound love but it seemed like nothing more than a deep friendship.
I did not like the father's character. I found him to be demanding and snobby. He was probably more like his archnemesis than he realized.
If the book was to focus on the relationship between the dad and the son, it didn't do a very good job of that either. It was a lot of dad barking commands at his son and his son dimwittedly going along with everything.
The ending was so awkward and abrupt as well.
I gave 3 because the premise was good, the creative was there.....it just really missed the mark for me. Maybe I should review my expectations instead of the book because everyone else seems to like this one.
I was expecting so much more from a book written about a visitor from the afterlife. I wanted to learn more about the relationship between the dad and the mistress. I wanted to hear much more about their deep profound love but it seemed like nothing more than a deep friendship.
I did not like the father's character. I found him to be demanding and snobby. He was probably more like his archnemesis than he realized.
If the book was to focus on the relationship between the dad and the son, it didn't do a very good job of that either. It was a lot of dad barking commands at his son and his son dimwittedly going along with everything.
The ending was so awkward and abrupt as well.
I gave 3 because the premise was good, the creative was there.....it just really missed the mark for me. Maybe I should review my expectations instead of the book because everyone else seems to like this one.
January 5, 2026
I wanted to read this because it came from the same author as one of my favs, Just Like Heaven. This is actually very similar to that, but instead focuses on a pianist, Thomas, and his deceased dad, Raymond. Raymond had passed away five years prior, but comes to his son to ask for a favor- to reunite him with the love of his life by way of mixing their ashes so they could be together for all of eternity. Problem is, that woman is not Thomas’ mother. Oh, and she happens to be in California, while Thomas lives in Paris.
The premise of this is wild. There’s a lot of suspension of belief that comes along with it, but I found myself quite enjoying the ride. Thomas and Raymond did not have the best of relationships, but the love between them is clear. Especially at first when Thomas can’t quite believe what he’s seeing, there’s a real levity in the writing that continues throughout, even after Thomas accepts what’s happening to him as real.
I found myself very invested in the story, and in the relationship between Thomas and Raymond, and that’s really all you can ask for in a book like this. It’s also a super quick read, and comes with a very satisfying (if somewhat rushed imo bc of how short the book is) ending.
The premise of this is wild. There’s a lot of suspension of belief that comes along with it, but I found myself quite enjoying the ride. Thomas and Raymond did not have the best of relationships, but the love between them is clear. Especially at first when Thomas can’t quite believe what he’s seeing, there’s a real levity in the writing that continues throughout, even after Thomas accepts what’s happening to him as real.
I found myself very invested in the story, and in the relationship between Thomas and Raymond, and that’s really all you can ask for in a book like this. It’s also a super quick read, and comes with a very satisfying (if somewhat rushed imo bc of how short the book is) ending.
January 7, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Marc Levy, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Simon Mattacks. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!
There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years. Thomas is a young, gifted pianist living a quiet life in France. He's stun ned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears to him. Not as a traditional ghost although no one else can see him. But Thomas is able to talk to him and listen while Raymond asks for his help.
This is a sweet story and the audiobook is easily listened to in a day. Full of magical realism and humor, it's also a poignant reminder of the important things in life, and that love endures even death. This was Thomas' chance to know his father in a new way after his parents divorce, to ask those questions, and hear of regrets. You'll laugh aloud at the hijinks that ensure when Thomas tries to fulfill his father's request.
There’s nothing too unusual about a father asking his son for a favor—unless, of course, the father in question has been dead for five years. Thomas is a young, gifted pianist living a quiet life in France. He's stun ned when his late father, Raymond, suddenly appears to him. Not as a traditional ghost although no one else can see him. But Thomas is able to talk to him and listen while Raymond asks for his help.
This is a sweet story and the audiobook is easily listened to in a day. Full of magical realism and humor, it's also a poignant reminder of the important things in life, and that love endures even death. This was Thomas' chance to know his father in a new way after his parents divorce, to ask those questions, and hear of regrets. You'll laugh aloud at the hijinks that ensure when Thomas tries to fulfill his father's request.
January 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
• This was an interesting ride. Felt like a rollercoaster in slow motion sometimes.
• Thomas' dead dad (Raymond) shows up (still dead, but ghosty, nobody else can see him but Thomas). Raymond's mistress has finally also died, so he asks Thomas to basically go kidnap (ashnap?) Camille's ashes and mix some of her ashes with Raymond's ashes (maraca for ashes??)
• Such a weird book tbh. Like, really? Raymond is some sort of dude that's for sure.
• Camille's daughter learns Thomas is a pianist so when a mishap occurs with the original pianist for the funeral, Camille asks Thomas for help. But she doesn't (1) know who he is or (2) that he's there to try to steal some of her mom's ashes.
• As someone with a dead dad, I pondered the question - "if my dead dad came back asking me to mix his ashes with his mistress, would I do that?" and honestly? No, that's fucking weird & I'm for sure not booking an international trip to go do such a thing (but I don't think he'd even try that shit lol)
• This was an interesting ride. Felt like a rollercoaster in slow motion sometimes.
• Thomas' dead dad (Raymond) shows up (still dead, but ghosty, nobody else can see him but Thomas). Raymond's mistress has finally also died, so he asks Thomas to basically go kidnap (ashnap?) Camille's ashes and mix some of her ashes with Raymond's ashes (maraca for ashes??)
• Such a weird book tbh. Like, really? Raymond is some sort of dude that's for sure.
• Camille's daughter learns Thomas is a pianist so when a mishap occurs with the original pianist for the funeral, Camille asks Thomas for help. But she doesn't (1) know who he is or (2) that he's there to try to steal some of her mom's ashes.
• As someone with a dead dad, I pondered the question - "if my dead dad came back asking me to mix his ashes with his mistress, would I do that?" and honestly? No, that's fucking weird & I'm for sure not booking an international trip to go do such a thing (but I don't think he'd even try that shit lol)
Review of advance copy
I received this book from Amazon first reads, and I am so glad I read it. Needed something for a car drive today, and it was perfect. I have read one other book by this author, and I will definitely read more.
I don’t want to say that I accept someone having an affair with someone else, even if it is just an emotional affair. But if neither person ever loves their spouse, should they be together? This couple stage together for the sake of their families, but does that make it right? I don’t even think it’s about the affair in this story. It’s about a relationship with a father and his son, and having those moments together. For me, it makes me want to spend more quality time with my children and with my parents who are still living and not take those moments for granted. It makes me not want to work so hard all the time and more focus on the people in my life. Sweet sweet story and ending. And I am a pianist and loved reading about Thomas and his talents!
I don’t want to say that I accept someone having an affair with someone else, even if it is just an emotional affair. But if neither person ever loves their spouse, should they be together? This couple stage together for the sake of their families, but does that make it right? I don’t even think it’s about the affair in this story. It’s about a relationship with a father and his son, and having those moments together. For me, it makes me want to spend more quality time with my children and with my parents who are still living and not take those moments for granted. It makes me not want to work so hard all the time and more focus on the people in my life. Sweet sweet story and ending. And I am a pianist and loved reading about Thomas and his talents!
January 1, 2026
Quite a fantasy!
I did like the novel, quite a lot, as I’m a Romantic and definitely believe in the afterlife. It was an exciting adventure to read and there was much wisdom imparted. I loved the references to Paris neighborhoods as well as San Francisco neighborhoods because I’ve enjoyed both locations very much as a tourist and a visitor when our oldest and her husband lived in Paris.
However, speaking as a pianist and an occasional organist, you need to know that a person who can play Debussy well on the piano cannot play Debussy as written on the organ. There is no sustaining pedal on the organ and the same effect cannot be achieved. But, this is a minor point in the novel. It’s just that you should have checked with a pianist or an organist before writing that part of the novel. It would be difficult to play the rest of the repertoire, too, but probably not totally impossible.
Good luck on your next novel!
I did like the novel, quite a lot, as I’m a Romantic and definitely believe in the afterlife. It was an exciting adventure to read and there was much wisdom imparted. I loved the references to Paris neighborhoods as well as San Francisco neighborhoods because I’ve enjoyed both locations very much as a tourist and a visitor when our oldest and her husband lived in Paris.
However, speaking as a pianist and an occasional organist, you need to know that a person who can play Debussy well on the piano cannot play Debussy as written on the organ. There is no sustaining pedal on the organ and the same effect cannot be achieved. But, this is a minor point in the novel. It’s just that you should have checked with a pianist or an organist before writing that part of the novel. It would be difficult to play the rest of the repertoire, too, but probably not totally impossible.
Good luck on your next novel!
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