Under the Roses

An amazing family story with a classic setup—two brothers and a sister return to their family home for their father’s funeral. The reunion is incredibly tense, and heated conversations begin...

“Everything here feels like it’s on stage. It all starts with the words said here and now. When I was creating this novel, I was thinking about Chekhov.” — Olivier Adan

Successful manager Antoine, nurse Claire, and well-known film director Paul—who hasn’t spoken with the family in a long time—return to the family home for their father’s funeral. Three days at home are three acts of family drama. The meeting is accompanied by lively conversations. Each of them, in turn, shares their version of events, remembering the past in their own way, discussing quotes from their favorite films and songs, arguing, making up, and confessing their sins. Paul becomes the object of accusations: his films draw plots from the family history, hurting his loved ones. During the arguments, long-buried resentments come out, and each one reevaluates their life and love.

Olivier Adan is a well-known writer, screenwriter, and playwright, recipient of prestigious awards, including the Goncourt Prize for a novella. Many of his works have been adapted for film. “Under the Roses” is this famous French author’s first publication in Russian.