{"product_id":"the-first-line-9781803094977","title":"The First Line","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA sharp, witty send-up of the literary world, set in the world of book publishing--a must-read for anyone who's ever dreamt of (or dreaded) getting published. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Cyril Cordouan is the beleaguered editor at Fulmen, a distinguished publishing house known for its solid but not particularly popular literary titles. Every day, Cyril faces an avalanche of subpar manuscripts, struggling to find a glimmer of quality amid the piles of drivel. Rejections are a routine part of his job, but aspiring authors don't take kindly to their works being dismissed, and one distraught writer tragically ends his life after his manuscript is declined. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Devastated, Cyril decides to create an outlet for these rejected writers. Can group therapy for the hopelessly hopeful cure Cyril's woes? Not quite. Between vengeful widows, surprise bestsellers, and a crippling crisis of conscience, Cyril's life is a hilarious disaster. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e With sharp wit and keen insight, Laclavetine, himself an industry insider, offers a satirical look at the literary world along with thought-provoking commentary on the nature of literary ambition, rejection, and the often ridiculous realities of the publishing industry. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Seagull Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/08\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781803094977\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 232","brand":"Jean-Marie Laclavetine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45370017382581,"sku":"9781803094977","price":21.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_8c484648-9acb-4b38-b812-980d54dc4506.jpg?v=1747109218","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-first-line-9781803094977","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}