The English Understand Wool, by Helen Dewitt

DeWitt’s novella, like her previous fiction, is full of literary tricks and surprises. It focuses on a young woman raised in Marrakech, whose upper-class parents, to be sure she isn't corrupted by mauvais ton (bad taste), raise her in a bubble of servants, instructors, and tailors drawn from all over the world. Consequently, when a life-altering event throws her off balance, Dewitt's protagonist has only the tools her family gave her to try to navigate her difficulties.This short work is classic DeWitt, offering one more reason why she's one of the most exciting writers working today.