The international bestseller and winner of the Prix Goncourt 2023, with over 700,000 copies sold in France

In an Italian monastery, an infamous sculptor lays on his death bed.

During Mimo's final hours, he reveals his life story: his impoverished childhood, his unlikely rise to fame and most importantly, his meeting with Viola, the daughter of a powerful aristocratic family.

Mimo and Viola are instantly drawn to one another. Together, they traverse the unrest of the twentieth century. While Mimo becomes a celebrated artist, Viola fights to claim her education and independence.

Over the decades, they will lose and find each other, but never will they give up on the love they share.

Readers around the world love Watching Over Her:
'One of the most beautiful, best-written books I have ever read'
'Something truly special'
'Reading this book is pure joy'
'An authentic masterpiece'
'It is a long time since I have been so impressed by a novel'

Details

ISBN13: 9781805462736
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 544
Edition: Main
Publication Date: 02 Sep 2025
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 23.4(H)x15.6(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Jean-Baptiste Andrea is a writer, screenwriter and director. In 2023, Watching Over Her was published to great critical and commercial success, having been awarded the Prix Goncourt, the most prestigious French literary award, and selling over 700,000 copies. He is also the author of Ma Reine (2017), A Hundred Million Years and a Day (2019) and Devils and Saints (2021).

Reviews

'It's high-quality popular literature... and that is what the Goncourt is about' - Philippe Claudel, Prix Goncourt 2023 juror
'Extremely refreshing... like a hyacinth emerging in the undergrowth' - Dider Decoin, Prix Goncouty 2023 jury president