The President’s Hat
The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain, published by Gallic in 2013, is a charming fable that explores the impact of a seemingly ordinary object on the lives of its wearers. This edition, written in English and spanning 208 pages, takes readers on a roller-coaster ride through French life during the Mitterrand years, beginning with accountant Daniel Mercier’s unexpected encounter with President François Mitterrand in a Parisian brasserie. After discovering the president’s left-behind black felt hat, Daniel’s decision to keep it leads to a transformation that raises questions about power and identity.
Readers will find a delightful narrative that intertwines humor with cultural commentary, as the hat influences the fortunes of various characters over two years. The story presents a vivid re-creation of everyday life during the 1980s, showcasing a rich gallery of personalities and their experiences. With elements of satire and a focus on cultural heritage, The President’s Hat invites exploration of themes related to ambition and the whimsical nature of fate.
Official synopsis Publisher
This prize-winning French bestseller is a charming fable about the power of a hat that takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through French life during the Mitterrand years.
Dining alone in an elegant Parisian brasserie, accountant Daniel Mercier can hardly believe his eyes when President François Mitterrand sits down to eat at the table next to him.
After the presidential party has gone, Daniel discovers that Mitterrand’s black felt hat has been left behind. After a few moments’ soul-searching, Daniel decides to keep the hat as a souvenir of an extraordinary evening. It’s a perfect fit, and as he leaves the restaurant Daniel begins to feel somehow . . . different.
Has Daniel unwittingly discovered the secret of supreme power?
For two years the iconic item of headgear plays with the lives of the men and women who wear it, bringing them success that had previously eluded them. Antoine Laurain’s brilliantly orchestrated tour captures entertaining portraits of a rich gallery of characters.
Shot through with a delicious, wicked sense of humor, The President’s Hat is a vivid re-creation of the everyday life of an era.
“As entertaining as it is original, this is a story to enjoy like a chocolate with a surprise centre.”–Marie France
“An enjoyable trip into the heart of the 1980s.”–Le Figaro
“Impossible to resist”–L’Express
Antoine Laurain was born in Paris. He is a writer, collector, and director of several short films.
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