By Philippe Besson
From the author of the international bestseller Lie with Me comes the tale of an affair between an aristocratic teenager and a soldier, as they discover the possibilities and perils of first love.
Summer, 1916. With German Zeppelins on the skyline, the men of Paris are off at war. For Vincent, sixteen and still too young to fight, this moment of dread is also a moment of possibility. An electrifying encounter with Marcel, an enigmatic middle-aged writer, draws Vincent’s desires out into the light. As he’s taken under Marcel’s wing, Vincent begins a dangerous affair with Arthur, the son of his governess and a young soldier on leave. Together, they share a secret that everyone seems to know and yet everyone remains silent about.
In this stunning portrait of young love, Philippe Besson depicts a young man who plays by his own rules and is not afraid of who he is. In the afternoons, Vincent is mentored by Marcel, the great novelist, in the city’s opulent cafés as they draw the judgment of society. And at night, he hides Arthur in his bedroom as the two risk everything to be together. Their affair initiates them into a world of pleasure and shields them from the encroaching war. During this magical week away from the trenches, Vincent shelters Arthur with happiness, reassuring him, “Nothing will happen to you.”
Tender and harrowing, In the Absence of Men captures how exhilarating and heart-crushing it is to fall in love for the first time. Besson’s award-winning novel “beautifully captures the romance and amorality of gilded youth” (The Independent).
Paperback, 176 pages
Published by Scribner (Jun 2025)
ISBN-13: 9781668089828
Dimensions: 13.34 x 1.27 x 20.32 cm
Returns & Exchanges
Items are final sale unless defective.
We do not accept returns or exchanges on adult products or intimate wear for hygiene reasons.
If your item arrives damaged or stops working within 30 days, contact us to arrange a replacement. Select products may also be covered by extended manufacturer warranties.
For full return details or help, visit our
Returns & Exchanges Policy.
Shipping
Little Sister’s offers discreet shipping across Canada, with free shipping on orders over $150 or a $25 flat fee. All packages are sent in plain, unmarked boxes for privacy.
Orders are typically processed quickly, but delivery times vary depending on your location. You will be provided with tracking information once the item is ready to ship.
U.S. shipping is currently suspended, but Pickup for U.S. visitors is still available; simply change your address to our store address when checking out.
Within the Lower Mainland, same-day delivery is possible for orders made before 12:00PM, through Trexity. All other orders will typically arrive through Canada Post within 1 to 7 days.
