Book Review: The Little Paris Bookshop

My husband and I went to Paris to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. It was a trip I had always wanted to take and it was as magical and amazing as I imagined it would be. We ate amazing food. Sat by the Seine. Saw priceless art. Walked on streets that could tell a tale or two. Paris' rich history just bubbles up from it's cobblestones.

Since then, I never pass on a chance to read a book about Paris or one that is set in Paris. When The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George became one of the available titles for me to read and review as part of the Blogging for Books program, I knew I had to have it.

Monsieur Perdu owns and operates a floating bookstore, semi-permanently moored on the Seine. He fancies himself a literary apothecary, dispensing novels to heal people's souls. He, himself, leads a quiet life, possessively protecting a broken heart and lost love. Through a series of interesting events, Perdu finds himself captaining his floating bookstore to the South of France in search of a woman whose name he has not allowed himself to say for twenty years. Joined by a young author who has lost his muse, an exuberant Italian, and a lovely but not quite sane woman, Perdu lets go of the past and allows himself to heal.

Although drawn out in a few places, overall, I thought this was a well-written and enjoyable novel. George's descriptions of Paris are spot on - there were moments I could close my eyes and feel like I was again enjoying a fresh croissant. Perdu's foray into Southern France made me want to pack my bags that very instant and hop on a plane. 

The characters are lovable and endearing. I am fascinated by French apartments and their inhabitants. George does a wonderful job of painting a clear picture of Perdu's neighbors, so much so that I want to live with these people. I want to gossip with them on the stairs and endure their endless questions and misguided goodwill. Oh, to be harassed by a French concierge!

The implausibility of just up and driving a very large barge down the Seine, despite it not having moved in over twenty years, irked me at first. Taking a trip on a whim! With no money! Not telling anyone you're leaving! It's all very crazy and oh so very french. 

I'm passing this book along to a friend who has just read a series of stressful and anxiety provoking novels. This is just the book she needs to soothe her soul.  

Disclaimer: while I received this book for free in return for a review, all opinions and views expressed are solely mine. 

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