Claire Messud’s historical novel is an American classic - a sweeping portrait of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
This Strange Eventful History charts the Cassars' unfolding story, in a work of breathtaking historical sweep and vivid psychological intimacy
June 1940. As Paris falls to the Germans, Gaston Cassar – honourable servant of France, devoted husband and father, currently posted as naval attache in Salonica – bids farewell to his beloved wife, aunt, and children, placing his faith in God that they will be reunited after the war. But escaping the violence of that cataclysm is not the same as emerging unscathed. The family will never again be whole.
As the Cassars move between Salonica and Algeria, the US, Cuba, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and France – their itinerary is shaped as much by a search for an elusive wholeness, as by the imperatives of politics, faith, family, industry, and desire.
This Strange Eventful History was longlisted for the Booker Prize 2024.
Claire Messud
About the Author
Claire Messud is an award-winning author. She lives in Cambridge, MassachusettsEpic in its scale, yet intimate in its detail, this compelling, timeless novel follows three generations of a Franco-Algerian family in their migrations around the world
— The 2024 judges on This Strange Eventful History
Other nominated books by Claire Messud