From the Booker International Prize-nominated author of "The Order of the Day" and "The War of the Poor" comes a fierce narration of a conflict that dealt a serious blow to the French colonial yoke. On October 19, 1950, the war is not progressing as planned. In Paris, politicians gather to discuss what should be done about Indochina. The conflict is unpopular in France: too costly and too far away for the public to care. Withdrawal is not an option – a global power cannot surrender to an army of peasants – but victory is impossible without more soldiers and more money. Soldiers can come from the colonies, but money is ruled out. A solution needs to be found.

In this gripping and shocking novel, Éric Vuillard reveals the intricate web of politicians, bankers, and industrial giants who all had a stake in the continuous presence of France in lands far from Paris. Vuillard, with expertise, reveals how the key players in conflicts throughout history have often had motivations even deeper and darker than nationalism and political ideology – greed. Besides depicting scenes from the battlefields, Vuillard examines the cold calculating processes of the boardroom elites who have the power to turn a military victory or defeat into financial gain.

Short, concise, and violent, Éric Vuillard's "An Honorable Exit" is a journey behind closed doors to witness how history is truly written.

Pages: 192, Year of Publication: 0910, Dimensions: 13x13cm