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The Missing
This beautiful, dream-like novel is about loss, the unreliability of memory and the stories we invent about ourselves.
In the spring of 1958, journalist Frances Daye is persuaded to follow the trail of yet another woman thought to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. While she searches for Ania through the avenues and boulevards of Paris, she is haunted by memories of her past and begins a poignant tale of her own. The labyrinth of the beautiful city mirrors the twists and turns of the narrative as Frances wanders the streets searching for Ania and trying to make sense of the maze of her own memories.
Juliet Bates’ strong visual sense enables her to paint with intensity the colours and textures of the characters’ experiences. We feel the slipperiness of the silk that the seamstress is stitching and we hear the click of the shutter as Frances’ father captures the perfect combination of light and shadow in his photographs.
In the spring of 1958, journalist Frances Daye is persuaded to follow the trail of yet another woman thought to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. While she searches for Ania through the avenues and boulevards of Paris, she is haunted by memories of her past and begins a poignant tale of her own. The labyrinth of the beautiful city mirrors the twists and turns of the narrative as Frances wanders the streets searching for Ania and trying to make sense of the maze of her own memories.
Juliet Bates’ strong visual sense enables her to paint with intensity the colours and textures of the characters’ experiences. We feel the slipperiness of the silk that the seamstress is stitching and we hear the click of the shutter as Frances’ father captures the perfect combination of light and shadow in his photographs.
210 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
2 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Bates
25 books3 followersJuliet Bates was born in the north-east of England. After studying art and art history, she has worked as a lecturer in art schools in the UK and now in France. The Colours is Juliet's second novel; her debut, The Missing, was published by Linen Press in 2009, and her short stories have appeared in British and Canadian journals and magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 11, 2021
Beautiful writing. I was enchanted immediately. At times it felt despondent, and a little frustrating, but still a beautiful story.
October 11, 2015
A carefully crafted multiple narrative about the pretend-Anastasia Nikolaevnas (Romanov) and the emotional journey of Frances Daye. Although others characters are portrayed with depth and empathy, it is difficult to connect emotionally with Frances despite similar workings. The temporal shifts are also hard to follow at times, and some subplots are introduced that then fizzle out quietly. For those, however, interested in human compassion, mystery, and personal growth, The Missing has this and more.
September 28, 2013
Review to be added.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews