Three O'Clock in the Morning: A Novel

“A tender, heady and heartwarming tale where the strained conversation of a father and son transforms into a lifetime bond.” —Seattle Times

“In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o’clock in the morning.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald

Antonio is eighteen years old and on the cusp of adulthood. His father, a brilliant mathematician, hasn’t played a large part in his life since divorcing Antonio’s mother but when Antonio is diagnosed with epilepsy, they travel to Marseille to visit a doctor who may hold the hope for an effective treatment.

Father and son stroll the streets sharing strained small talk. But as the hours pass and day gives way to night, the two find themselves caught in a series of caffeine-imbued adventures that connect father and son for the first time. As the two discuss poetry, family, sex, math, death, and dreams, both learn much about illusions and regret, about talent and redemption, and, most of all, about love.

Set against the vivid backdrop of 1980s Marseille, Three O’Clock in the Morning is a bewitching coming-of-age story imbued with nostalgia and a revelatory exploration of time and fate, youth and adulthood.

Translated from the Italian by Howard Curtis

“Carofiglio is a master of voice and atmosphere, which gives this elegiac novel its satisfying and emotional punch.” —Christopher Castellani, author of Leading Men

“Poignant and moving . . . an enchanting coming-of-age tale.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Crisp, lean, yet quietly mournful.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A compelling, compact story . . . profound in its simple delivery.” —New York Journal of Books

© 2024 HarperVia (Ebook): 9780063028456

Release date

Ebook: 19 March 2024