The Weeping and the Laughter

This a panoramic novel of Europe during the glamorous and dangerous years between the wars. It tells of the loves and adventures of the family of Prince Dmitri Korolev - especially the twins Nicki and Rudi, and their cousin Natasha. The story begins in 1919 with the family's escape from the Russian Revolution and follows their progress through Switzerland to the bustle and excitement of Paris. Rudi becomes separated along the way and the brothers grow up apart; he is only re-united with his family as the threat of the Second World War looms and they come under further pressure from the Communist police. Noel Barber, author of TANAMERA, A FAREWELL TO FRANCE, A WOMAN OF CAIRO and THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE, draws upon his own experiences - he lived in Paris for many years as a foreign correspondent - in writing this book.