Picture a Parisian storyteller who weaves magic from lost hats and forgotten notebooks—meet Antoine Laurain! Born in 1972, this French novelist and screenwriter has charmed readers worldwide with his whimsical tales of serendipity and human connection. His novels, like The President's Hat and The Red Notebook, blend nostalgia, romance, and a touch of mystery, making him a standout in contemporary French literature.
With a knack for turning everyday objects into talismans of transformation, Laurain’s stories invite readers to find wonder in the ordinary. His works have been translated into over 20 languages, earning accolades and adaptations for film and television. Ready to stroll the streets of Paris through his enchanting lens? Let’s dive into Laurain’s world!
The Making of Antoine Laurain
Born and raised in Paris, Antoine Laurain’s life is as eclectic as his stories. A true Parisian, he studied film at university, directing short films and writing screenplays before his passion for art led him to work as an antiques dealer’s assistant. This immersion in the world of collectors and auction houses sparked his imagination, inspiring his debut novel, The Portrait, which won the Prix Drouot in 2007. Laurain’s diverse background—part filmmaker, part journalist, part treasure hunter—shaped his ability to craft stories that feel both cinematic and deeply personal.
Antoine Laurain’s Unforgettable Stories
Laurain’s novels are like a warm café au lait on a crisp Parisian morning—comforting yet full of surprises. His breakout hit, The President’s Hat (2012), follows a lost hat that changes the lives of everyone who wears it, earning the Prix Landerneau Découvertes and Prix Relay des Voyageurs. Translated into 17 languages, it became a bestseller and was adapted for French television in 2015. Then came The Red Notebook (2014), a romantic mystery about a bookseller’s quest to return a lost handbag, which captivated readers in 22 languages and earned a nod from Queen Camilla, who called it “Parisian perfection.”
Other gems include French Rhapsody (2016), a nostalgic tale of a delayed letter reshaping lives, and Vintage 1954 (2019), a time-travel adventure sparked by a magical bottle of wine. Laurain’s style is fluid and elegant, blending humor, romance, and a touch of magical realism. His themes—chance encounters, the power of objects, and the beauty of second chances—resonate universally, making his stories both intimate and timeless.
Why Antoine Laurain Matters
Antoine Laurain’s impact lies in his ability to make the mundane magical. His novels remind us that life’s smallest moments—a lost hat, a scribbled note—can spark profound change. With over 180,000 copies sold in English alone, his work has bridged cultures, bringing Parisian charm to readers from Korea to the USA. His stories inspire us to look closer, laugh lighter, and embrace life’s serendipities, cementing his legacy as a master of feel-good fiction.
- Born: 1972, Paris, France
- Key Works: The President’s Hat, The Red Notebook, French Rhapsody, Vintage 1954
- Awards: Prix Drouot (2007), Prix Landerneau Découvertes (2012), Prix Relay des Voyageurs (2012)
- Fun Fact: Laurain collects antique keys, a nod to his love for unlocking stories.
Snag The Red Notebook or The President’s Hat and dive into Antoine Laurain’s whimsical world of romance and serendipity!