The Lost Carousel of Provence

Told in parallel stories, this book moves between World War II-era Provence and today. The action revolves around the once majestic, now crumbling Château Clement, which serves as a metaphor for the damaged characters. In today's world, photographer Cady Drake, reeling with grief after losing the only person who ever cared for her, takes an assignment to shoot antique carousels across France. She's drawn to this opportunity because she has an antique carousel animal that is something of a mystery. Inside her rabbit she found a love letter and an early photo of a woman, with a Château Clement imprint on it. Curious, Cady travels to the Château, initially just to interview the elderly, cantankerous owner. Cady realizes her rabbit came from the Clement carousel and ends up staying and working to restore it to its former grandeur. She also begins to unravel the Château's difficult and tragic history. The dreamlike quality of this story of love, betrayal, devotion, and passion is captured beautifully by Xe Sands's intimate narration.