"This novella is comprised of many poetic vignettes that come together for a tantalizing whole that still somehow feels incomplete, as if the reader is searching, and failing, to find Emilie. The chapters are told in a series of intimate stream-of-consciousness first-person perspectives, as in this narration from Guy: 'I construct a play without words because I have said nothing to you, and you, in turn, have said nothing to me. Where in this universe are you that I should know your lost language?' All the characters feel like brief sketches except for Emilie herself...Indeed, the story circles her like a haunting dream, with imagery taking precedence over plot.
A brief but memorable tale with prose that sings." - Kirkus Reviews
"Restless is a thought-provoking story with themes of love, loss, unknowing, sorrow, grief, freedom, life choices, and of course, restlessness." - Kristi Elizabeth, Los Angeles Book Review
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In 1903, eighteen-year-old Emilie lives on the streets of Paris. She ran away from home at the age of eleven, leaving behind a wealthy life, but now she must sell discarded flowers to survive. When she meets Guy, a well-heeled gentleman, they form a restless bond, one of expectation and uncertainty. They share a love and a genuine desire to improve their lives. Will they be able to help one another, or will the grief each experienced in the past upend their love?
Written in poetic prose, Restless unfurls as various people who know Emilie share their version of her story. The narration circles into and around each of these characters, leading the reader to a more complete understanding of Emilie and her true self.
