The Little Paris Bookshop

No. Firstly, this story is about a man in his 50s but there are several aspects to this story that make it very, very clear that this book is written by a woman for female readers. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, I'm simply saying that there were certain elements, for instance the ways Perdu identifys women's desires, pains, relationships with other men, that seemed far-fetched and rendered his character unrealistic. It felt to me like the kind of things women can see clearly in other women, but the kind of things that men rarely notice or understand.

Secondly, I would agree with others who have accused this book of being highly self-indulgent. I stopped listening very near the end in the final parts of Manan's travel journals, a deeply emotional scene is portrayed in such a contrived way that I simply couldn't stomach so I stopped listening.

I did enjoy the description of Perdu's journey South to Provence and I would praise the writer for some lovely words decribing french food, landscapes and the local community.

No idea. Desperate for something with a good plot.

Well suited to the main character.

Nope.

As an editor and publisher I read, read, read and not often do I come across books I shout about from the rooftop. I absolutely loved this book and have already bought it for several friends as gifts. It is one of those rare gems that has you wanting to write lines down and keep them to reflect upon; the characters were marvellous and the story enchanting. I only wish I hadn't read it so I could enjoy it for the first time allover again. Thank you Nina George!

I enjoyed the book and its quirky nature and characters. Beautiful descriptions of scenery and France. Lovely charachters who you really got to know. Not contrived, but I did guess the ending and found the story did slow down somewhat towards the end. All in all, a great read.

If you've loved with passion and lost and experienced grief with the same depth of feeling, you will relate to this story. I loved the characters, the friendships and the sensitive way they are portrayed. The descriptions of the French landscapes and culture really sent me there.

Having lived on a narrow boat, I could identify with all the joys and challenges of life encountered on the waterways.

This tale managed to touch a chord in me and made me laugh and cry and think about life and the importance of not wasting a moment, especially with those we love.

If you are young, herein lies very good advice. If, like me, you are in the autumn of your life, you will identify with some of the themes and enjoy this heart warming tale of love, friendship, grief and the joy we can find when we feel all hope is lost.

Beautifully written, wonderful narrator. I'm recommending this to all my friends. Just lovely. *sigh*

The descriptions of the characters and the scenery being travelled on the barge

It's just a gentle, relaxing story that allows your imagination to wander through beautiful scenery.

I really loved Ray's performance and can't associate with the review who described it as monotonous - he created beautiful, sensitive characters and brought the scenery very much alive.

I enjoyed it very much and got involved with each of the characters - but unfortunately, Manon grated with me as my view is she was a selfish, self-centred person and so I struggled embracing the emotions the author wanted her readers to do.

I'm reviewing this to balance some of the other reviews I read before purchasing. Firstly, I found the narration to be excellent - bringing character to each of the individuals in the book, bringing to life all the beautiful scenery and not in any way monotonous. I also didn't find anything predictable about the story (in fact, the old cliche twist that I was dreading didn't happen and I was very glad about that). The comments about this being written by a woman with men appearing as a woman would idealise them to be, I also couldn't associate with - firstly, it should be remembered these are Frenchmen not Englishmen! :o) I think anyone who would enjoy hearing about a small Parisian community, a narrow boat book store moored on the Seine and a group of people who then travel through the French canals and river systems would enjoy this book. I wished I'd travelled more in France to be able to picture their journey - I could certainly picture exactly where I would moor the barge on the Seine in Paris! It also left m feeling I would love to travel France's canals. So why only four stars? Just because Manon - one of the main characters - grated with me. I have thought about was that due to poor characterisation and I don't feel it is - she is probably more human than other characters in other books where romance is involved. But it grated someone so selfish and manipulative in my opinion, became this venerated character. Maybe, therefore, why it should be five stars ...because the character is flawed and human, and therefore the story very well written ;o)

This was a charming story that made me feel like I had gone back 50 years until the word "text" appeared which made me realise it was present day.

This book was a recommendation from my book club and was very different from my normal style of fast adventure and murder mystery. So this was a real change, but a thoroughly enjoyable change.

The story had some twists and turns but was fairly predictable but again in this genre I felt that was the right thing to do. The descriptions took me to the various places and the characters were well formed.

The main thing it did for me was to make me want to escape, get a barge and float off down the Seine!

The story was dull and the reader didn't help . Too monotone and could have improved the story with some but might have been bored reading it.

really struggled to finish this one. very sentimental after a really good start. I found myself groaning a lot. and not in a good way.

I really loved this book- very thought provoking! Beautifully descriptive- I feel as if I have been to all the places in the book!

completely different story but the other book I loved this year was the illegal gardener by Sara alexi. Again beautifully written- made me question a lot and so descriptive I felt I was there!!

yes- most definitely!