I was a little sceptical about The President’s Hat which seemed a tad whimsical for me, but it turned out to be an absolute delight.
It begins with an accountant treating himself to a solitary meal in a Parisian brasserie. Just as he’s about to tuck in, François Mitterrand takes the seat alongside him. After Mitterrand and his dining companion have left, Daniel discovers the President has left his hat behind. Rather taken with it, he decides to wear the hat and next day he finds the courage to stand up to his irritating boss. The hat passes from person to person working its charm on everyone who wears it until, satisfyingly, it comes full circle. There’s a nice little moral, as there is in all fables, which becomes clear at the end of the hat’s journey.
I was so cheered by Laurain’s novel I’ve bought it for several friends and family in need of some gentle escapism over the years. It’s not failed me yet.
What about you, any blasts from the past you’d like to share?
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Oh, I loved this too. Indeed I find all the Laurain books I’ve read to be a treat. Maybe whimsical, but with good messages for these grim times.
It’s the perfect antidote to all that, isn’t it.
I love Laurain’s novels – they do have Gallic whimsy, but he generally stays just the right side of it turning too sentimental. This one, and The Red Notebook which was next to be translated were both wonderful.
Always one I’d happily recommend. You’re right about just the right side of sentimental.
I really enjoyed this one too – as you say, just the right side of whimsy!
It’s delightful, isn’t it. Just the thing if you needed cheering up.
This was the first book that introduced me to his books and I’ve read many more since. They are indeed delightful.
I think they’re just the ticket when the gloom of the world becomes too much.
I have this from a second hand shop in one of my books not yet read piles so I’m pleased it gets a thumbs up. I really liked The Red Notebook by Laurain which was also sweetly sentimental but not sickly.
You’ve a treat in store! He’s very good at swerving the twee which is quite a skill.
I have enjoyed almost all of his novels.
I highlight books I have read 10 years ago. Here is my latest post on that:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2026/09/24/throwback-thursday-september-2016/
Thanks for the link, Emma. I think this might have been one of his first to be translated into English. It seemed to go down very well.
Actually, in my post today, I have another one by Laurain: https://wordsandpeace.com/2026/10/08/throwback-thursday-october-2016/
Ah, I’ve not read that one. Thanks for highlighting it, Emma.
Cool! I loved this book. It turned me on to Laurain and I’ve yet to be disappointed! By the way, I’ve added a link to this post to my #ThrowbackThursday link party because… it is a nostalgic post! Hope you don’t mind!
Not at all – thank you. It’s a little gem isn’t it. I particularly love this one.