About the book
An existential detective story by one of France's most popular modern writers, set in a mid-nineteenth century mountain village, available in English for the first time
A King Alone is set in a remote Alpine village that is cut off from the world by rugged mountains and by long months when the ground is covered with snow and the heavens with cloud. One such winter, villagers begin mysteriously to disappear. Soon the village is paralyzed by terror, which gives way to relief and eager anticipation when the outsider Langlois arrives to investigate. What he discovers, however, will leave no one reassured, and his reappearance in the village a few years later, now assigned the task of guarding it from wolves, awakens those troubling memories. A man of few words, a regal manner, and military efficiency, Langlois baffles and fascinates the villagers, whose different responses to him shape Jean Giono’s increasingly charged narrative. This novel about a tiny community at the dangerous edge of things and a man of law who is a man alone could be described as a metaphysical Western. It unfolds with the uncanny inevitability and disturbing intensity of a dream.
Editions of A King Alone
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781681373096
- EBook
- ISBN 9781681373102
Read an Excerpt
An existential detective story by one of France's most popular modern writers, set in a mid-nineteenth century mountain village, available in English for the first time
A King Alone is set in a remote Alpine village that is cut off from the world by rugged mountains and by long months when the ground is covered with snow and the heavens with cloud. One such winter, villagers begin mysteriously to disappear. Soon the village is paralyzed by terror, which gives way to relief and eager anticipation when the outsider Langlois arrives to investigate. What he discovers, however, will leave no one reassured, and his reappearance in the village a few years later, now assigned the task of guarding it from wolves, awakens those troubling memories. A man of few words, a regal manner, and military efficiency, Langlois baffles and fascinates the villagers, whose different responses to him shape Jean Giono’s increasingly charged narrative. This novel about a tiny community at the dangerous edge of things and a man of law who is a man alone could be described as a metaphysical Western. It unfolds with the uncanny inevitability and disturbing intensity of a dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A King Alone about?
An existential detective story by one of France's most popular modern writers, set in a mid-nineteenth century mountain village, available in English for the first time
A King Alone is set in a remote Alpine village that is cut off from the world by rugged mountains and by long months when the ground is covered with snow and the heavens with cloud. One such winter, villagers begin mysteriously to disappear. Soon the village is paralyzed by terror, which gives way to relief and eager anticipation when the outsider Langlois arrives to investigate. What he discovers, however, will leave no one reassured, and his reappearance in the village a few years later, now assigned the task of guarding it from wolves, awakens those troubling memories. A man of few words, a regal manner, and military efficiency, Langlois baffles and fascinates the villagers, whose different responses to him shape Jean Giono’s increasingly charged narrative. This novel about a tiny community at the dangerous edge of things and a man of law who is a man alone could be described as a metaphysical Western. It unfolds with the uncanny inevitability and disturbing intensity of a dream.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A King Alone?
Fiction > Thriller / suspense fiction
Where can I read a sample of A King Alone?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781681373096
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A King Alone?
Jean Giono
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A King Alone is available as paperback(ISBN 9781681373096) and ebook(ISBN 9781681373102)
Where can I buy A King Alone online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A King Alone from below
Where can I buy A King Alone?