The Childhood of Jesus

Though like everyone else who arrives in this new country he seems to be washed clean of all traces of memory, he is convinced he will know her when he sees her. And indeed, while walking with the boy in the countryside Simón catches sight of a woman he is certain is the mother, and persuades her to assume the role.

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From the double Booker Prize-winning author of Disgrace, 'a moving story of lost childhood' (Sunday Telegraph).

After crossing oceans, a man and a boy - both strangers to each other - arrive in a new land. David, the boy, has lost his mother and Simón vows to look after him. In this strange country they are each assigned a new name, a new birthday, a new life.

Knowing nothing of their surroundings, nor the language or customs, they are determined to find David's mother. Though the boy has no memory of her, Simón is certain he will recognise her at first sight. 'But after we find her,' David asks, 'what are we here for?'

The Childhood of Jesus is a profound, beautiful and continually surprising novel from a very great writer.

'Powerful and poetic... This book will continue to act, silently and unexpectedly, on the reader's imagination' Financial Times