The Boy with the Cuckoo-Clock Heart

“A fantastic voyage . . . A whimsical fairy-tale of a book—for adults . . . It’s like a dark version of Alice in Wonderland or Pinocchio . . . A quick and entertaining read that people who like fantasy-fiction and folk tales will appreciate.” —Houston Chronicle

“The brilliance of this gothic-punk novella, sparkling with imagery filtered through the prism of French film-makers Jeunet and Caro, is in the telling: Malzieu’s prose is distinctly original, spitting and fizzing with unique similes and striking metaphors, wonderfully translated by Sarah Ardizzone.” —The Guardian

“A little literary miracle.” —Glamour (Paris)

“[A] fantastical European journey of love and discovery.” —Billy Heller, New York Post “Required Reading”

“Malzieu has a gift for unexpected and strong images.” —Elle (Paris)

“Malzieu sketches European landscapes and crafts figurative language with irresistible relish . . . Calling to mind a host of cultural touchstones, from Pinocchio to The Wizard of Oz, this kaleidoscopic picaresque will enchant many adults and young people alike.” —Publishers Weekly

“A dreamlike and spellbinding novel.” —Le Figaro Littéraire (Paris)

“Malzieu uses vivid metaphors and fantastical inventions to craft a beautifully written tale of love, both maternal and romantic . . . The prose style is simple and fluid, and the setting is not unlike a Tim Burton film—dreamy, dark, and magical—so it’s no surprise that this novel is being adapted into an animated film. For fans of magical realism and fairy tales.” —Library Journal

“A fairy tale jeu d’esprit, but charming all the same.” —Metro (UK)