One Last Time

Annes diagnosis of terminal cancer shines a spotlight onto fractured relationships with her daughter and granddaughter, with surprising, heart-warming results. A moving, elegant and warmly funny novel by the Norwegian Anne Tyler. Helga Flatland writes with such astuteness Her portrayal of a fractured family trying to cope through emotional personal circumstances was perfect. I devoured this in two sittings and was overwhelmed with feelings for the characters Nina Pottell, Prima Sometimes you simply dont have words to express the beauty and experience of a book this is one of them Louise Beech _______________ Annes life is rushing to an unexpected and untimely end. But her diagnosis of terminal cancer isnt just a shock for her and for her daughter Sigrid and granddaughter Mia it shines a spotlight onto their fractured and uncomfortable relationships. On a spur-of-the moment trip to France the three generations of women reveal harboured secrets, long-held frustrations and suppressed desires, and learn humbling and heart-warming lessons about how life should be lived when death is so close. With all of Helga Flatlands trademark humour, razor-sharp wit and deep empathy, One Last Time examines the great dramas that can be found in ordinary lives, asks the questions that matter to us all and ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, in an exquisite, enchantingly beautiful novel that urges us to treasure and rethink everything. For fans of Elena Ferrante, Maggie OFarrell, Mike Gayle, Joanna Cannon, Sally Rooney and Carol Shields. _______________ The most beautiful, elegant writing Ive read in a long time. If you love Anne Tyler, you will ADORE this Joanna Cannon Flatland is hailed as the Norwegian Anne Tyler, but, for me, she writes like Flatland, which is more than good enough Saga A poignant and beautifully written story ... intimate, evocative and moving Kristin Gleeson Helga Flatland possesses a pen made from fluent wisdom, subtle humour and elegance Carol Lovekin Absolutely loved its quiet, insightful generosity Claire King 'So perceptive and clever' Rnn Hession A thoughtful and reflective novel about parents, siblings and the complex and often challenging ties that bind them Hannah Beckerman, Observer This is a super exploration of families that Id urge you to read for the subtle prose, with well defined characters and a strong storyline Sheila OReilly Love the sophistication, directness and tenderness of this book Claire Dyer The most clear-eyed, honest, yet sympathetic examination of relationships that I have ever read Sara Taylor The author has been dubbed the Norwegian Anne Tyler and for good reason If you love books about dysfunctional families, youll love this Good Housekeeping In quiet prose, Helga Flatland writes with elegance and subtle humour to produce a shrewd and insightful examination of the psychology of family and of loss Daily Express