Pascal Ruter grew up in the southern suburbs of Paris. He loves stories above all, especially ones where the misfortune and severity of life are matched by the absurdity and humour of everyday situations. A Friend in the Dark (Le Coeur en Braille) is Pascal's first novel for Walker Books. He currently lives in a tiny village in the middle of the forest of Fontainebleau. A Friend in the Dark (Le Coeur en Braille) was translated into English by Emma Mandley. Emma has translated a wide range of French and Italian texts. She lives in London.