It’s probably strange for me to write a book review for a book I haven’t even finished, but I’m a moderate and unconventional rule-breaker.
That said – I’m currently reading The Little Paris Bookshop and have purposefully held back from devouring it. It’s lyrical, magical, and lovely. I mean, what could be better than a book about books…. on a floating barge…. in France?!?! *catches breath*
In 1997 we were fortunate enough to visit France and stay with friends who are famille to us. It was an incredible trip that lives in my heart and I still reminisce fondly. This story takes me back to places I’ve been and wish I’d been. In fact, I was quite spastic when I came to the part where the characters were in Loire. HELLO!!!
I love maps. Aside from reading where I can form pictures in my mind, I process information much more readily with pictures. I was thrilled to see a map of Monsieur Perdu and company’s travels by The Book Trail.
One of my favorite quotes that encapsulates my connection to the story and France:
\”Capitano Perduto, I am a firm believer that you have to taste a country’s soul to understand it and to grasp its people. And by soul I mean what grows there, what its people see and smell and touch every day, what travels through them and shapes them from the inside out.” – Salvatore Cuneo
We must go back because I looked up a place mentioned in the book – Cuisery. It’s known as “book town”. Imagine my extreme euphoria when I discovered it’s a REAL place!
I believe in the concept of a “Literary Apothecary” that the right book is quietly waiting for you to pick it up at just the right time to feed your mind and being. Like Monsieur Perdu I truly believe that not every book is meant for every reader.
\”There are books that are suitable for a million people, others only for a hundred. There are even medicines – sorry, books – that were written for one person only.” – Monsieur Perdu
Reading this made me feel better since I have tried picking up “best sellers” which have rave reviews, but they fail to capture my heart and interest. Now I understand why!
As I have been reading The Little Paris Bookshop my heart has filled with yearning particularly in the wake of the horrific recent attacks in Paris Friday, 20 November. In this book the joie de vivre of Paris and France itself wafts from the pages and envelops me with warmth and longing. I came across this passage last night and I felt the familiar pulling at my heart and my eyes began brimming.
\”Do you know that there’s a halfway world between each ending and each new beginning? It’s called the hurting time, Jean Perdu. It’s a bog; it’s where your dreams and worries and forgotten plans gather. Your steps are heavier during that time. Don’t underestimate the transition, Jeanno, between farewell and new departure. Give yourself the time you need. Some thresholds are too wide to be taken in one stride.” – Samy
My heart is with you France and I hope the hurting time is brief. May the loveliness of liberté, égalité, fraternité be the beacon to all for new departure.