Praise for
A Norther Light in Provence

Now in

Paperback

“Beautifully written, deeply immersive, touching, and intellectually challenging. The detailed descriptions of the history and contemporary culture of such different places would have been enough to enrich many tales, but the additional exploration of how language, original and translated, shapes people adds another fascinating dimension, with each savored page a gift. Readers who enjoy armchair travel, generational family connections, small-town familiarity, and transportive writing will find Birkelund's novel utterly compelling and completely satisfying.”

– Stacey Hayman, Booklist

“(An) enchanting tale of love and loss…Birkelund constructs a rich world replete with real emotional stakes and lovely insights on how translation relates to life…This sumptuous tale deserves a wide audience.”

– Publishers Weekly

“A charming and beautifully written novel about self-discovery, the power of language and yes, love! All of which left me yearning for my own Provençal adventure. Elizabeth Birkelund reminds us that sometimes we must step out of our comfort zones to pursue our dreams.”

– Sara Gruen, Author of
Water for Elephants & At the Water’s Edge

“A gorgeous ice and fire romance that will plunge you into both the infinite tundra of Greenland and the color-soaked mountains of Provence. An immersive, sensual read that demands a hammock, bare feet and a well-iced bottle of rosé.”

– Helen Simonson, author of
The Summer Before the War & Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

“Birkelund’s lyrical language transported me to sunny Provence, where I imagined myself sitting amidst a vineyard, wine glass in hand, and to the icy waters of Greenland, where I found myself reaching for a warm wool blanket. The developing bond between the troubadour poet and his French translator moved me deeply.”

– Alka Joshi, author of
The Jaipur Trilogy

“This sweeping, gorgeous novel is more than just a love story—it’s a life-affirming tale about finding who and where you’re meant to be. Birkelund has the uncanny ability to transport you with her prose to both the charming (and cold!) Greenlandic village and then the warm, idyllic French countryside, but her real gift lies in laying bare the truth of the human heart. I loved it.”

– Colleen Oakley, author of
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise and Before I Go

“Provence. Greenland. The names themselves are magical. The astonishing novel weaves together these two enchanted places through the eyes of one woman, Ilse Lund, a professional translator on a journey to find where she belongs. In Elizabeth Birkelund’s stunning portrayal, Ilse becomes a kind of alchemist, transforming meaning and emotion from one language and culture to another. She’s acutely attuned to the poetry of nature as well as the poetry of individual souls. With heart-stopping lyricism and immersive storytelling, Birkelund made me feel as ifI was walking in Ilse’s shoes. This intensely moving, vivid, and evocative novel stayed with me long after I finished it, the questions it poses about life, and love, continuing to haunt me.”

– Lauren Belfer, author of
City of Light & Ashton Hall

“I was deeply moved by this tender and wise novel about a translator discovering the poetry of daily life — and her own heart — in two of the most beautiful places on earth: a small, gentle village in Provence and a windswept community in Greenland. Birkelund has crafted an unforgettable story about love, literature, and the difficulties in separating our dreams from illusions. As surprising as it is delightful.”

– Will Schwalbe,
New York Times bestselling author of The End of Your Life Book Club

“Original, deftly crafted, a fun and fascinating read from cover to cover, "A Northern Light in Provence" by Elizabeth Birkelund will hold a very special appeal to readers with an interest in contemporary romance aptly set in a small French village.”

– Julie Summers' Bookshelf,
Midwest Book Review

Reviews from Readers

  • "Delightful Surprise"

  • "Made me laugh & cry"

  • "Absolutely loved this book"

  • "Beautifully written"

  • "I truly love every word"