First published 2021
Olivier Bateau nervously prepares for the reopening of the Hotel Louis XVI, Paris's most prestigious boutique hotel. After four years of renovations following the death of its beloved manager, the luxurious property welcomes back its elite international clientele. Olivier lacks experience for such a demanding role, relying heavily on his capable assistant manager Yvonne Philippe to maintain the hotel's legendary standards. On a cool September evening, their carefully planned reopening transforms into chaos. An art consultant recovering from a bitter divorce discovers unexpected romance. A despairing guest abandons thoughts of suicide to rescue another person. A couple's dream vacation shatters when medical catastrophe strikes. Meanwhile, a prominent French politician conducts a secret meeting that threatens both his presidential ambitions and his life. As the night unfolds, what began as minor complications spiral into matters of survival. The staff struggles to manage escalating crises while guests confront decisions that will reshape their futures. Steel weaves together multiple storylines against the backdrop of Parisian luxury, exploring how a single evening can alter the trajectory of many lives.
Genres: fiction, drama, romance, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: ensemble-cast, interconnected-stories, multiple-perspectives
Setting: Hotel Louis XVI, Paris
Period: September
256 pages · Hardcover · Delacorte Press
Content warnings: anxiety, depression, suicide