I can sleep for the rest of my life by Alex Wilde

I CAN SLEEP FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE

THE LETTERS OF MICHAEL AND MARIANNE
A NOVEL BY ALEX WILDE, UK 2001

Inspired by the Leonard Cohen song So Long Marianne this is a thirty year story of an emotional journey across continents and time where through their letters of happiness, pain and longing Michael and Marianne discover that their pasts will shape their future.

"We all know someone we might have married but lost. What would happen if you ever met again?

Michael a dynamic 21 year old advertising executive, and Marianne a 16 year old South African student, met in 1969 when she was visiting the UK. A pen friendship developed which ended in 1976 without them realising they had grown to love each other.

Meeting again in 1995 in Australia, where Marianne now lived, they suddenly discover this love. Separated by oceans and married to other people they have to resort to letters again as their means of sharing their passionate feelings for each other.

In their early letters we see the sixties turn into the seventies through the eyes of two young people from very different backgrounds, and live it with them. From their letters after 1995 we reach into their innermost thoughts and watch their souls touch."

The book comes with an 11 track CD Love songs of Michael and Marianne featuring covers by various artists, including classic Cohen songs So long Marianne and You know who I am performed by Kenny Lynch.

Published by HHO Publishing Ltd, UK. ISBN No: 0 9539935 0 7. Hardback Ł14.99.
Order on-line at www.loveletters.co.uk. Some early letters of Michael and Marianne and the CD track listing have also been posted on the site.

Thanks to Alex Wilde for information