Farewell to Eden

A Novel

Sebastian Faulks

A sweeping, profound novel about faith in all its forms, and a rich portrait of an embattled post-World War II Britain, by one of the finest literary stylists working today.

Philip Deval, a soldier recently returned from the beaches of Normandy, arrives in Palestine on a peace-keeping mission in the final days of the British Mandate. The Sea of Galilee glitters in the distance as war-weary troops marvel at the novelty of oranges and sun—a paradise that belies a fierce new conflict about to erupt.

Some years later, Philip begins work teaching at a school in the English countryside and meets the enigmatic music mistress, Frances Darwood. Over long evenings spent listening to records in her music room, they grow close. But Philip is a changed man, and must confront the secrets and scars of all he has lived through—which threaten, even now, to upend his future.

Farewell to Eden asks the question: How, after great suffering, do we retain our humanity, learn to love again, and believe in the promise of a better life?

Sebastian Faulks is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including Charlotte Gray, which was made into a film starring Cate Blanchett, and the #1 international bestseller and classic Birdsong, which has sold more than 3 million copies and has been adapted for the stage, for television (starring Eddie Redmayne), and as a feature film. Sebastian lives in London.

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Endorsements & Reviews

Praise for Sebastian Faulks’ Paris Echo:

“[Faulks] is as skillful as ever. With lyrical precision, he reveals Paris and its wartime past. And Paris Echo, for all its tragedy, is one of his most buoyant novels, flawlessly paced and deftly constructed.” The Wall Street Journal

“Exhilarating. Faulks immerses readers into a haunted Paris. Fans of Paula McClain and Ian McEwan will enjoy Faulks’s touching tale.” Publishers Weekly

“Enveloping. Faulks offers a subtle but affecting portrait of friendship while exploring the immense difficulty of making sense of the larger world." Booklist

“Exquisite. A deeply affecting, wholly unsolemn treatment of some of the 20th century’s darkest moments.” The Daily Mail

“Briskly told and engaging. [Paris Echo] is an entertaining novel with memorable characters. A fun romp through Paris and history.” Kirkus Reviews

“Paris Echo doesn’t disappoint. Faulks is doing what he does best, marrying careful historical research with a good ear for dialogue.” - The Times (London)

“Faulks excels at crafting well-rounded characters.” Good Housekeeping

"Here is Paris in all its beauty and squalor. Intelligent, moving. A love letter to Paris and indeed to France." - The Scotsman

“An intriguing guide to the many layers of Parisian life.” The Mail on Sunday

“Master storytelling. [An] intriguing and moving story that shows how the future is shaped by the past.” - Women & Home

“Superb.” The Observer