The photo we publish above this text is not that of the author of the novel! But that of Bernard Fixot, the boss of XO editions.
Why ? Because the author, Mark Miller, writes under a pseudonym and no one, not even Bernard Fixot, has met him, except by telephone.
Because before talking about this novel that we devoured, adored, we must mention the way it was published. Bernard Fixot who, in terms of publishing, is not a partridge of the year – he has been immersed in it happily for forty years –, even, unusually, sent us a letter to explain this « situation romanesque ».
“A few months ago, in the United States, writes Bernard Fixot, I am contacted by a mysterious individual telling me of his wish not to reveal his identity. He just tells me he’s French, that he lives a few hours by car from my house [à Los Angeles (1), ndlr], and asks me if I would agree to read his book. A first novel which he has the intuition that it could become a great success. »
“The next morning, I find on my doorstep a large envelope containing his manuscript. Amused and full of curiosity, I start reading it. From the first pages, the magic happens. Midnight ! New York features characters that look like us
in a crazy story.
“To the suspense and the action, is added an emotion rarely felt. Between Paris and New York, this book speaks to us of life, of love, of regrets. Like me, readers will not forget the last lines of the last chapter of this great novel. To this author who, for reasons
are personal, prefer dark to light, I said I would fully respect his choice. »
So Mark Miller is a man who lives in the United States but who is French-speaking, since the book was written in French. And in good French. In addition, there are plenty of references to our country…
Between Paris and New York
The story begins in Paris where Lorraine works in an advertising agency. Years earlier, she lost her father, a famous gallerist shot dead on a Manhattan street. She is harassed by a mysterious figure who claims to be the assassin.
On the other side of the Atlantic, in New York, an artist, Léo, is released from prison. He painted and sold fake paintings by masters. A wealthy collector he scammed gets in his way.
When they meet in Central Park, Lorraine and Leo are unaware that their destinies have been linked for a long time. And that their love is as inevitable as it is doomed.
A story like any other, you might say. But no. Because there is an alchemy, something happens as you read and we are taken to the end… which we would never want to see happen, we love it so much.
Because the two main characters are endearing, beautiful, in love. We would like to be the lover of one or the other. The secondary characters are also very attractive, colorful. And then the author has perfectly succeeded in mixing in his novel a beautiful love story and action worthy of a thriller.
As a bonus, Mark Miller has titled the different parts of his book with the name of a well-known painting – remember that Leo is an emeritus painter – because the book also revolves around a painting, a masterpiece called The Sentinel.
And each chapter is titled with the name of a song that summarizes the content of the chapter. What an original and welcome idea! Several artists are at the party: Bon Jovi, Norah Jones, Ed Sheeran, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees… for New York, Juliette Gréco, Charles Trenet, Taxi Girl, Léo Ferré, Jacques Higelin… for Paris.
Frankly, you have to read this Mark Miller. The only risk is that the novels you read afterwards will seem less interesting.
1. Bernard Fixot divides his life and work between Paris where the headquarters of Éditions XO are located
and Los Angeles where he created a subsidiary of his publications.
Midnight ! New York. Mark Miller. XO editions. 418 pages. €19.90.
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