About the book: 2006 / The new novel by the currently most popular writer in France begins on a sad note. Francois buries his wife, the cause of her death is unclear. What is this – a tragic medical error or a fatal coincidence? And why were the parents of the deceased Maude absent from the farewell ceremony? And why, contrary to custom, was the coffin closed? And who, finally, is so persistently looking for a meeting with Francois, who is now living alone??