Happy Saturday, My Lovelies! I have a bonus book review for today that's the perfect beach or lake read that will appeal to dreamers of all ages. The Little French Bistro by Nina George is a sweet romance (with several romantic couples at different stages and ages in their relationships) with just enough magical realism and feminism to keep things interesting. You might recall that George also wrote The Little Paris Bookshop.
According to Goodreads:
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:
I have a mild obsession with Brittany, I must admit. Brittany is counted as one of the six Celtic nations, and they have their own language, Breton, that's closely related to Cornish (although the native language is Standard French in Brittany). The Bretons celebrate many of the old Celtic or Druid festivals, and these customs are a part of the plot of The Little French Bistro. The climax of the novel is set during a fest-noz, or traditional Breton night festival.
Pardon in Brittany
Gaston la Touche
1898
The Art Institute of Chicago
While reading The Little French Bistro I was reminded of this beautiful narrative painting. The penitents are receiving absolution from the priest during a festival.
Marianne is a complex character. She's German, she attempts suicide by jumping off the Pont Neuf in Paris, and then runs away from the hospital to Brittany because she steals a nurse's souvenir tile from Kerdruc.
Le Pont Neuf, Paris
Finistère, Brittany
Kerdruc Harbor
For a woman who has been browbeaten her entire life and has done absolutely nothing, Marianne certainly comes out of her shell in France and begins to act. The obsession with suicide (notwithstanding) she becomes an integral part of a community for the first time in her life. There are many colorful characters in Brittany, and she seems to fit right in with them. Her French language skills improve, and she practices her music again. Marianne is an encouragement because she proves it's never too late to begin living one's life. This is the theme of the story; several characters live in stasis until they, too, take a big leap. The Little French Bistro is a delightful read that entertains as well as encourages the reader that it's never to late to live fully. I highly recommend this novel!
What have you been reading this summer? Please share in comments below!
Until next time...
Happy reading!
Ricki Jill
What a beautiful little bistro setting. I was just in Spain visiting my daughter who lives there and in Palma de Mayorca by the sea there was so many lovely scenes like that.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Summer pretty lady. So happy to see you around my house, lol..
FABBY
I think I would love that book too.
ReplyDeleteFabby
THIS is the one I am ordering. Somehow I left that comment on another post you did. lol Hey-I'm blond...what can I say?! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteLove the new look! Gorgeous photos and I'm sure this I would love.....Happy Saturday
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, and I want to read the other one, too. Your photos are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book to add to my list to read. You find such fascinating books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I plan to read this. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOn my Library Pineterst board, thanks Ricki Jill! Your blog looks great!
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