Sans Moi is the resonant story of two women: the narrator, a single mother struggling to bring up her young family, and Olivia, a recovering drug addict who loves children and desperately needs a job. When Olivia, on the face of it a highly unsuitable babysitter, moves in, their lives collide.

But life is not just a question of the past, and people are not simply products of their worst experiences. Confronted by the challenges of loneliness and change, the narrator realizes that Olivia has as much to give as she has needs of her own. In the year they live together, a friendship full of vitality and mutual respect develops.

A runaway bestseller in France, Sans Moi explores the curious nature of friendship, the complicated dynamics of learning how to love and be loved, and above all, the importance of learning never to judge by appearances.

About the Authors:Marie Desplechin is also the author of a short-story collection, Trop Sensible. She lives in France.

Will Hobson is a contributing editor toGranta. He lives in England.