Synopsis: "From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop, an extraordinary novel about self-discovery and new beginnings.
Marianne is stuck in a loveless, unhappy marriage. After forty-one years, she has reached her limit, and one evening in Paris she decides to take action. Following a dramatic moment on the banks of the Seine, Marianne leaves her life behind and sets out for the coast of Brittany, also known as the end of the world.
Here she meets a cast of colorful and unforgettable locals who surprise her with their warm welcome, and the natural ease they all seem to have, taking pleasure in life s small moments. And, as the parts of herself she had long forgotten return to her in this new world, Marianne learns it s never too late to begin the search for what life should have been all along.
With all the buoyant charm that made The Little Paris Bookshop a beloved bestseller, The Little French Bistro is a tale of second chances and a delightful embrace of the joys of life in France."
My Review: Adult contemporary in not my normal reading genre, but I find myself craving a book or two in late spring and early summer. I haven't read The Little Paris Bookshop but thought I would give this one a try anyway as it had me a little intrigued. It took quite a while to build some steam after grabbing you with an intense scene right away. Much of the first half of the book is observing Marianne's internal turmoil and lack luster marriage. Once it gets going though you are introduced to a barrage of unique and quirky characters that you can't help but adore and want the best for by the end. Those characters also introduce you to the local lore and superstitions which add such an interesting wrapping for the life lessons hinted at all through the story. It is quite the journey that makes you stop and think about your journey through life and your own value to yourself, about whether you are holding yourself back or reaching for everything you can be, about giving and receiving love. My favorite quote was "Happiness is loving what we need and needing what we love - and obtaining it".
Marianne is stuck in a loveless, unhappy marriage. After forty-one years, she has reached her limit, and one evening in Paris she decides to take action. Following a dramatic moment on the banks of the Seine, Marianne leaves her life behind and sets out for the coast of Brittany, also known as the end of the world.
Here she meets a cast of colorful and unforgettable locals who surprise her with their warm welcome, and the natural ease they all seem to have, taking pleasure in life s small moments. And, as the parts of herself she had long forgotten return to her in this new world, Marianne learns it s never too late to begin the search for what life should have been all along.
With all the buoyant charm that made The Little Paris Bookshop a beloved bestseller, The Little French Bistro is a tale of second chances and a delightful embrace of the joys of life in France."
My Review: Adult contemporary in not my normal reading genre, but I find myself craving a book or two in late spring and early summer. I haven't read The Little Paris Bookshop but thought I would give this one a try anyway as it had me a little intrigued. It took quite a while to build some steam after grabbing you with an intense scene right away. Much of the first half of the book is observing Marianne's internal turmoil and lack luster marriage. Once it gets going though you are introduced to a barrage of unique and quirky characters that you can't help but adore and want the best for by the end. Those characters also introduce you to the local lore and superstitions which add such an interesting wrapping for the life lessons hinted at all through the story. It is quite the journey that makes you stop and think about your journey through life and your own value to yourself, about whether you are holding yourself back or reaching for everything you can be, about giving and receiving love. My favorite quote was "Happiness is loving what we need and needing what we love - and obtaining it".
My Rating: While this wasn't my normal reading genre and it wasn't a book that I just couldn't put down, it was a very enjoyable and enlightening read. I adored the characters and their journey. I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.
I received this book through Penguin's First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
You can find out more about Nina George and her work on her Goodread Page or Website.
The Little French Bistro is schedule to be released on June 13th, 2017 but you can pre-order your copy in all formats from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Sounds cute. I've been reading a lot more adult contemporaries lately so I should try these.
ReplyDeleteI don't often read them but was lucky to have picked up a good one to keep me reaching for them on occasion.
DeleteThis novel may not be for everyone, but it is a delight to read. It definitely transport you to a different world, a more tranquil world perhaps and it's perfect for those lazy afternoons in the sunshine or in the rain. It's just a lovely novel.
ReplyDeleteCath Brookes
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I agree, it does transport you to a different place, one that you want to visit and revisit again each time you pick up the book. Definitely a great summer read.
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