Romain Gary is the only French author to have been awarded the Prix Goncourt twice: first under the name Gary for his novel "The Roots of Heaven" (1956), and the second time under the pseudonym Émile Ajar for the book "The Life Before Us" (1975). Following the "Ajar" saga—one of the most sensational literary hoaxes of the 20th century, during which the public and critics failed to recognize the famous novelist’s hand in Ajar’s texts—Gary published his final novel, "Kites," and soon after took his own life.
This is a novel about the Second World War, the occupation, and the French Resistance, but above all, it is a story of love. Ludo, a boy from Normandy, has been in love since the age of ten with Lila, a girl his own age who belongs to the high Polish aristocracy. The difference in their social status causes him much pain and humiliation. Ludo is an orphan. He is raised by his uncle, a village postman who crafts kites. These colorful paper figures, ships, and flying fortresses soar into the sky, leading the boy to believe that any earthly obstacle can be overcome. The war begins, and a grown-up Ludo joins the fight for his love and for the liberation of France from the Nazis.
Author: Romain Gary
Translation: Evgeniya Shtoff
Pages: 384 (offset). Hardcover
Dimensions: 136x208 mm
