"We're all someone's Michelangelo; the trouble is, we have to meet them."

"I heard what one hears inside a seashell: what one wants to hear."

"I'd give my life to drown inside him."

"When an old person dies - a library burns to the ground."

"Why do things always happen when we no longer expect them to? Why does it all come down to a moment?"

A beautiful and remarkable love story. But so much more than just a love story. Exquisitely written by the wonderful Valérie Perrin, this French tale will enchant and leave you hungry for more. 

We follow Justine, a young woman working at a retirement home, living with her grandparents and cousin, Jules. She is mesmerized with Hélène, an older woman telling her story at her beach, with her seagull. We then learn about each of their stories, so intricate and touching. I cried, I was touched, I felt the pulse of the seagull, I was in shock, cried again...a truly special novel. It felt like I was whisked away to France, living this story. Unexpectedly adored this French tale. Showed me what REAL and TRUE love is.