The young Frenchman David Fonkinos (b. 1974) is one of the most brilliant writers of his generation, and, according to countless fans, simply the best. He has more than ten novels to his credit, including “The Erotic Potential of My Wife” and “Idiocy Inside Out” published in Russian. “Tenderness” is a novel about love, deep, elegant and unusual, the story of the bizarre development of relationships between a man and a woman, about whom it is customary to say “they are not a couple.” Everyone, including her boss, is in love with the charming Natalie, but, having experienced a severe loss, she does not respond to any advances. Applicants and sympathizers resort to all sorts of tricks, trying to awaken her to life. However, to revive Natalie's feelings, real delicacy is needed. But this rare gift is not always given to supermen... “Tenderness” received several awards in France and sold 300,000 copies. The novel was adapted into a film starring Audrey Tautou.