The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman

The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman Synopsis

*Selected for Simon Mayo's BBC Radio 2 Book Club* Secretly steaming open envelopes and reading the letters inside, Bilodo has found an escape from his lonely and routine life as a postman. When one day he comes across a mysterious letter containing a single haiku, he finds himself avidly caught up in the relationship between a long-distance couple who write to each other using only beautiful poetry. He feasts on their words, vicariously living a life for which he longs. But it will only be a matter of time before his world comes crashing down around him.

The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman Reader Reviews

In addition, some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title.

• Cath Humphris - 'This quirky poetic story is a treat.  Bilodo the post-man's adventure in love and Japanese poetry is delightful.  Like the Haiku, it's a series of concise contrasts and surprises.' Read full review >
• Katy Noyes - 'A snake eats its own tale in this short novel with shades of both Amelie and Cyrano de Bergerac.' Read full review >
• Edel Waugh - '. If you ever had a moment where you wondered what if.... Then this philosophical story is for you.' Read full review >
• Sally Doel - 'This is a story with love and tragedy and revelations, with deception and lies thrown in..., I was quite taken with it and thought about it a lot...' Read full review >
• Megan Williams - 'A surprising tale that despite all initial sweet and harmless appearances, manages to pack a punch which is unexpectedly powerful for such a small novel.' Read full review >
• Clare Topping - 'At just over 100 pages this is an afternoon’s read, enjoyable, a bit different, but with room for improvement.' Read full review >
• Lisa Faulkner - '...a quirky and interesting novel.... An enjoyable and thought provoking read.' Read full review >
• Jayne Burton - 'A captivating and surprising book - and I loved it...I am sad I have finished it and can't recommend it highly enough.'  Read full review >
• Wendy Stubbs - 'Peculiar, as in the title of the book. But a compelling and thought-provoking story. Love through poetry, deceit and intrigue. Surprisingly engaging story...Highly recommended.' Read full review >
• Alison Layland - 'A fascinating novel that really drew me into its world...The writing style, excellently conveyed by translator Liedewy Hawke, is a lovely combination of humour and depth...' Read full review >
• Nancy Krois - 'This is an intriguing book, and a beautifully written one, where French- Canadian and Japanese culture meet.' Read full review >
• Mandy Carver - 'I found this little book easy to read and thought provoking....  I never expected the ending of the book, it makes you think.' Read full review >

The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman Press Reviews

'Enchanting, philosophically astute and deeply poignant'
John Burnside

'Quirky and charming with a well-executed denouement, this novella brings to mind nothing less than a giddily-lovesick Kafka'
Guardian

'A captivating philosophical tale'
Le Devoir, Canada

'A love story between two people who've never met, thanks to the magic of a deepening correspondence. In times of internet and social networking, Theriault succeeds in offering fine and spirited promotion for letters'
Le Figaro, France

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All versions of this book

ISBN: 9781786070531
Publication date: 02/02/2017
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781843915362
Publication date: 12/09/2014
Publisher: Hesperus Press Ltd
Format: Paperback

Book Information

About Denis Theriault

Denis Thériault was born on the north shore of the Gulf of St Lawrence, near Sept-Îles, Quebec, has a degree in psychology and is an award-winning screenwriter who lives with his family in Montreal.

More Books By Denis Theriault