A mysterious novel by the author of the international bestseller SOPHIE'S WORLD.

A chance meeting on the Fijian island of Taveuni is the trigger for a fascinating and mysterious novel that intertwines the stories of John Spooke, an English author who is grieving for his dead wife; Frank Andersen, a Norwegian evolutionary biologist estranged from his wife Vera; and an enigmatic Spanish couple, Ana and Jose, who are absorbed in their love for each other. Why does Ana bear such a close resemblance to the model for Goya's famous Maja paintings? What is the significance of the Joker as he steps out of his pack of cards? As the action moves from Fiji to Spain, from the present to the past, unfolding further stories within the stories, the novel reveals an astonishing richness and complexity. As bold and imaginative in its sweep as Sophie's World, it shows again that Jostein Gaarder's unique and special gift is to make us wonder at the awe-inspiring mystery of the universe.

A mysterious novel by the author of the international bestseller SOPHIE'S WORLD.

About the Author

JOSTEIN GAARDER was born in Oslo in 1952.
SOPHIE'S WORLD, the first of his books to be published in English, has been translated into 60 languages and has sold over 40 million copies.
He is the author of many other bestselling, beloved novels and children's books.
He lives in Oslo with his family.

Book Information
ISBN 9780753811467
Author Jostein Gaarder
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 280g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 26mm