The novel revolves around the unlikely friendship between two men, each struggling with their own demons and past glories, in a small French seaside town. The older of the two is a hotel owner with a penchant for storytelling and a history as a one-time artist, while the younger is a recovering alcoholic and former gymnast. Over the course of a winter, their camaraderie and shared penchant for escapism lead them on a series of adventures, both real and imagined, as they confront their failures and seek solace in each other's company, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Their journey is a poignant exploration of human frailty, the power of friendship, and the enduring pursuit of dignity against the backdrop of a world that has moved on without them.

The 5250th greatest book of all time