The president's hat, paperback/antoine laurain

This prize-winning French bestseller is a charming fable about the power of a hat that takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through French life during the Mitterrand years.

Dining alone in an elegant Parisian brasserie, accountant Daniel Mercier can hardly believe his eyes when President Francois Mitterrand sits down to eat at the table next to him.

After the presidential party has gone, Daniel discovers that Mitterrands black felt hat has been left behind.

After a few moments soul-searching, Daniel decides to keep the hat as a souvenir of an extraordinary evening.

Its a perfect fit, and as he leaves the restaurant Daniel begins to feel somehow .

different.

Has Daniel unwittingly discovered the secret of supreme power? For two years the iconic item of headgear plays with the lives of the men and women who wear it, bringing them success that had previously eluded them.

Antoine Laurains brilliantly orchestrated tour captures entertaining portraits of a rich gallery of characters.

Shot through with a delicious, wicked sense of humor, The Presidents Hat is a vivid re-creation of the everyday life of an era.

As entertaining as it is original, this is a story to enjoy like a chocolate with a surprise centre.

-- Marie France An enjoyable trip into the heart of the 1980s.

-- Le Figaro Impossible to resist-- LExpress Antoine Laurain was born in Paris.

He is a writer, collector, and director of several short films.