I Have Something to Tell You

Elsa, an aspiring writer from Lyon, is enthralled by the work of Beatrice Blanди, a famous novelist who has only recently passed away. Their meeting—Beatrice’s widower, film producer Tomá—becomes the beginning of their romantic relationship. The provincial Elsa moves into a luxurious Paris apartment, where the walls are still covered with photographs of Beatrice, the tables are cluttered with her trinkets, and access to her study is strictly forbidden.

The deeper Elsa immerses herself in Beatrice’s world, the more torturous her jealousy of the deceased rival becomes; the suspense thickens and the atmosphere turns into a thriller. And then Elsa learns that Beatrice’s final manuscript was left unfinished—only, how can she find it…

Carole Fives, the French writer’s novel about art, literary doubles, and the impostor syndrome, made the 2022 short list for the Goncourt Prize.