The People in the Photo
*Starred Review* This remarkable debut novel begins with a photo of Parisian archivist Hélène’s mother, Natasha, taken in 1971, a year before Natasha died. It includes two men Hélène has never seen before. She advertises for anyone knowing the identity of either of the men in the photo, and she connects with Stephane, whose father is one of the men. The story develops that Hélène was only four when her mother died, and her father and stepmother will tell her nothing about Natasha, not even how she died. Stephane’s father became seriously depressed, and his parents’ marriage became very bitter after 1971, so he has something at stake in this also. While the mystery surrounding Natasha unfolds, so does the deepening relationship between Hélène and Stephane. Told through notes and e-mails between the two, with descriptions of the photos the two uncover that are so vivid as to bring the pictures to life. Winner of more than 15 awards in France, this novel has been translated beautifully into English to thrill another continent. --Elizabeth Dickie