The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel

THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP, BY NINA GEORGE PUBLISHER: BROADWAY BOOKS; MARCH 22, 2016 Are you a lover of books and reading? Do you love beautiful language and carefully chosen words? Do you enjoy romance mixed with humor, soul-searching and finding peace within? If any of those things appeal to you (and really, why wouldn’t they??), then The Little Paris Bookshop, by Nina George should be next on your reading list. I received this novel last week and had a long list of books already waiting to be read, however, a last-minute getaway to the beach prompted me to pull this one out and read first – and it was perfect. I sat on the deck about 15 yards from the waves breaking on the shore, absorbing every wonderfully written line, and this book was exactly what I needed. This story is centered around Monsieur Perdu, a bookseller that has transformed an old barge docked on the Seine into his literary apothecary. Monsieur Perdu has a gift of choosing the perfect novel for a customer based on what they are feeling and/or experiencing. He also will quickly tell a customer when a novel the are seeking is not the right novel for them to read. Monsieur Perdu goes about his life each day selling books from his barge, talking to people as needed, but lonely and heart-broken due to his great love, Manon, leaving him 21 years ago. When a newly divorced woman (Catherine) moves in nearby and Monsieur Perdu is pressured to donate furniture to the woman, he must face the room long closed off because of the memories of Manon still remaining. Catherine finds an a letter in the table, which Monsieur Perdu later confesses he received from Manon 21 years ago after her leaving, but never had the strength to open the letter. Once Monsieur Perdu finally opens and reads the letter, everything he has thought and felt for 21 years is shattered and turned upside down, prompting an amazing journey! Monsieur Perdu fires up the old barge and decides to leave his safe location on the Seine, with a young author, Max Jordan, who manages to jump aboard the barge, begging to come along to avoid the press and his writer’s block. Thus begins a fantastic adventure of encountering new people, building friendships, trading books for supplies, and mostly – facing one’s true feelings and being honest with themselves and others. I normally fly through novels, but not this one. Not that I wasn’t burning up the pages to find out what happens next, but there are so many lines in this novel that are so beautiful you will want to re-read them, and then reflect for a moment on what they mean to you. Moreover, I found myself going back to read something again pertaining to a character’s description, because they were all so unique and wonderful in their own ways. This book represents the regret and sadness that we all experience at some point, but most importantly, it represents the choice that we all have to overcome and find happiness. Each of us has the option to succumb to sorrow, and walk through this world each day without truly living. However, we also each have the choice to address and conquer what haunts us, and live each day to its fullest! This novel doesn’t have a typical fireworks happily ever after ending, but it will leave you feeling cheerful and delighted for the characters and each of their transformations from within. I recommend this fabulous novel to any reader, male or female, they wants to experience a beautifully written adventure and characters unlike they’ve encountered before! Nina George has written and incredible novel with The Little Paris Bookshop, and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future! Want to know more about the author? Visit: [...] P.S. Make sure to check out the link to the Literary Apothecary, it’s so cool! Dying to know more about this novel? Visit: [...] *I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Author Nina George is one of those people with an inner desire to solve the puzzle of love’s pain. She writes with earnest feeling but does it in a gentle manner that does not intimidate the reader. Her lessons on how love should feel and be expressed resonate deeply and the reader hardly notices it. Other writers also feel it but don’t have a clue on how to get it out. In “The Little Paris Bookshop,” George tells us about Jean Perdu, the proprietor of a book barge on the Seine, who has a unique presence about him. His enterprise has the title of “literary apothecary” because he can tell what ails a reader and prescribe a book that might provide a cure. Heartwarming is a term often overused but totally appropriate in this case. Perdu’s own broken heart bangs away and he hasn’t a clue how to stop its persistent thump. Twenty-one years prior his beloved, Manon, left him and, having never read her farewell letter, he doesn’t understand why. But he remains sensitive to the feelings of others. So he goes through life having many friends and acting as dispenser of healing thoughts for others. Manon dies, leaving even a greater void in his being. He meets Catherine, a discarded young woman, and is attracted to her, resulting in him opening Manon’s letter. He, is prompted, along with a young writer and Catherine, to set sail for the South of France to put his questions about Manon to rest. The story is particularly meaningful for the author, having suffered many of life’s disappointments herself, allowing her own deep feelings to be exposed. In her own exodus to South France she was also looking for warmth because “I was in sort of a living coma” and wanted to escape her own apathy. The themes are deeply personal to George and she relates with the reader in their authenticity. There are references to inspirational books, warming food, and the peace of beautiful surroundings. In fact, some good-looking recipes are included at the end of the book. It’s a book of strong emotions and healing adventures that bolster the readers’ own inner feelings. I highly recommend it as a tranquil respite from life’s disruptions. Schuyler T Wallace Author of TIN LIZARD TALES

Good read, you want to find out what will happen next, and there are interesting elements of surprise. There is the charm of places in France, but I hope next time the author will engage a reviewer who knows French language and culture very well (why use the word "pancake" when you mean "crêpe?"). I would have enjoyed some charming illustrations and maps, maybe an interactive one. The characters are original and likeable, and I learned from them, but some (especially female) could use more development. The story takes place in France, so my other suggestion is to include French authors in the recommendations of books to help the soul, maybe Dumas, Voltaire. I hope the author will write more books located abroad, which, I think, helps the soul, a worthy goal.

I loved the book. It was one of my favorites of her. I have 3 books of her, counting with this. I first knew her writing when i found a book at my work. Its very easy to read. I really recommend!!

読書サークルのみんなとがんばって読んでいます。

It's a beautiful book written by Nina George. It's a very poetic novel, touching upon many aspects of life of bookshop owner Jean Perdu. I loved this book, be it the journey, the way it's written, so mesmerising. As soon as I finished this, i felt an emotional lingering and sadness in a beautiful way. Tip: You should NOT read this to finish it, you should read this to savour it. It's about journey, as compared to destination. I was bit sceptical initially seeing reviews on good reads, but after finishing this, I could say i am deeply satisfied that I read this amazing book. The only downside is quality of book, it had some black marks when seen from top..I even ordered replacement, but it came with even worse marks. The page quality was decent, though.

Leitura agradável para um fim de semana preguiçoso. Ótimos cenários regionais franceses, personagens interessantes, muito romance, gostosas receitas provençais, boas indicações de livros ao longo da obra. Merece só três estrelas porque a autora às vezes força um pouco a barra ou "pesa" a mão em certos momentos -- impossível explicar melhor que isso sem dar spoiler... Quem ler vai perceber.

It may seem slightly odd to take issue with the title of a book, but I do so only in case anyone may be put off by what appears to be a rather twee subject matter. Yes there is a small Paris Bookshop in the book, but it provides only a backdrop to a far more substantial story. The main characters set off for differing reasons on a journey by narrow boat (the eponymous Bookshop) along the rivers and canals of France and the reader is invited to travel with them. There is a searching of a past and a searching for a future and the present intrudes too. I really enjoyed this book of love and friendship which is beautifully and thoughtfully written.