One for Sorrow

A new novel from the much-loved, Miles Franklin shortlisted Favel Parrett. In the tradition of Claire Keegan and Sarah Winman comes an unforgettable story of love and betrayal through the eyes of a child.

The rhythm drew me in, so even though I did not understand all of the words, I felt like I understood the feeling of the story. And that shook and excited me at the same time. For it was not only words that told a story. There was a kind of magic happening and I wanted to find out how it worked and how I could do it. I wanted to find out everything about it.

Norway, 1939. When young Einar Halvorsen first meets his new teacher, he does not yet know that this man will introduce him to a profound love of words. He cannot guess how he will teach him that stories can open up your world and bring joy in the darkest of times.

Or how the new teacher will change his family forever.

As war comes to Einar's town, this man ignites a pride in Einar that the Nazis cannot steal. Seventy years on, he will also teach Einar that some sorrows are never left behind.

Poetic and brutally tender, One for Sorrow is a timely novel of family and love in a world deeply divided. Like Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, there is truth and power in its telling and its characters. It is masterful, exquisite and unforgettable.

Praise for the award-winning work of Favel Parrett

'Beautifully crafted . . . sings with humanity' SARAH WINMAN

'So real, so true . . . sweeps you away in its tide' ROBERT DREWE

'Moving and masterful' MAXINE BENEBA CLARKE

'There is a deceptive simplicity to Favel Parrett's writing . . . Beguiling' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN

'The richness of Parrett's characters and her descriptive powers will capture your heart' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY

'That rare thing, a finely crafted literary novel that is genuinely moving and full of heart' THE AGE

'Tender, absorbing' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'Wintonesque' HERALD SUN

'Rich and atmospheric' AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW

'Parrett's writing is exquisite in its simplicity and eloquence' KIRKUS REVIEWS

'Stark, but unforgettable' MARIE CLAIRE UK

About the Author

Favel Parrett is a writer based in Victoria, Australia. In 2011, Favel's career was launched with her critically acclaimed debut, PAST THE SHALLOWS. It was sold internationally and was shortlisted in the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award and won the Dobbie Literary Award. Favel won the ABIA Newcomer of the Year Award in 2012.

Her next novel, WHEN THE NIGHT COMES, was also critically acclaimed and further consolidated Favel's reputation with booksellers and readers. THERE WAS STILL LOVE was Favel's eagerly awaited third novel, and it was shortlisted for the Stella Prize and won Book of the Year at the 2020 Indie Book Awards. WANDI was her first novel for children and was published in October 2021. KIMMI was her second novel for children and was published in November 2023.

ONE FOR SORROW is Favel's latest adult novel.