The debut novel from French author Valérie Perrin, Forgotten On Sunday is a poignant and heartwarming story. Published in English for the first time and translated by Hildegarde Serle, it follows the success of Perrin’s bestselling English-language debut Fresh Water For Flowers.

Narrator Justine is 21 and working at a retirement home in a remote French village. Spending her days listening to residents’ stories of the past, she forms a bond with Hélène, whose war tale she begins to document. Alongside this, Justine who is living with her grandparents and cousin, Jules unearths the tragic events of the past that her family have been trying to conceal.

Having read the author’s previous novels, there’s a certain style to the writing and a common thread features within each story. Certain characters’ lives often appear under the radar are explored and given their own spotlight, offering a humane and humorous effect.

Despite Forgotten On Sunday’s difficult themes, it is an extremely uplifting novel that strives to discover the positives beneath the sadness on the surface. Memories and human connections are a powerful combination in yet another superb story from the French author – I can’t wait to read the next.