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Fiction. Literature. Romance. HTML:??There are books that are suitable for a million people, others for only a hundred. There are even remedies??I mean books??that were written for one person only?A book is both medic and medicine at once. It makes a diagnosis as well as offering therapy. Putting the right novels to the appropriate ailments: that??s how I sell books.? Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can't seem to heal through literature is himself; he's still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never opened. After Perdu is finally tempted to read the letter, he hauls anchor and departs on a mission to the south of France, hoping to make peace with his loss and discover the end of the story. Joined by a bestselling but blocked author and a lovelorn Italian chef, Perdu travels along the country??s rivers, dispensing his wisdom and his books, showing that the literary world can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself. Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people's lives. Includes a PDF of Recipes and Jean Perdu??s Emergency Liter… (more)
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"I've got about thirty thousand stories
Perdu pointed to his solar plexus.
"And I listen to this too." He rubbed the back of his head.
"And to this." Now he pointed to the soft spot above his upper lip. "If it tingles here..."
The aptly named Monsieur Perdu (and if you think the reader will not be bludgeoned over the head, repeatedly, with the aptness of this name, you've got another thing coming) owns a longboat docked near the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It's called "The Literary Apothecary" and he, with his ability to see instantly which book a customer should read, is the bookseller. He lives in a charming building based on the one in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, with it's eccentric inhabitants and irascible concierge. As he walks between his apartment and his longboat, neighbors lean from their windows and request books, and he passes along perfect advice to the grocer as he walks by. Surprisingly, no one bursts into song, but maybe this is being saved for the movie version. But despite his Hollywood sound stage surroundings, Monsieur Perdu is harboring a deep and terrible grief. His lover left him, leaving nothing but a letter behind. He can't bear to be touched. Everyday is an effort. He is bereft. When she first left, he walled up her favorite room in his apartment (luckily, she was not fond of the bathroom or kitchen), and the unopened letter he put in a drawer, along with the corkscrew she had stolen for him (so poignant!) and painted the drawer shut. Then he smashed up most of his possessions, as one does. She left twenty years ago, and his pain is just as deep and, well, painful as it was the day after she left. Because Monsieur is a man of Very Deep Feels.
When a beautiful woman, with a tragic history (but of course) moves into the building, he gives her the table, along with a stack of the books he could tell she needed to read, although they only spoke briefly through a closed door. Such are the powers of Monsieur Perdu, they were exactly the right books! She finds the letter, and invites him to dinner, and he reads the letter at long last, only to find that it wasn't of the Dear John variety. Overcome with many new feels, Monsieur Perdu undertakes an impetuous journey, joined along the way by colorful characters as well as a pair of extra adorable cats. The Little Paris Bookshop is the story of that charming and poignant journey, and of the emotional journey Monsieur Perdu must take to find himself and heal his heart. Also, there are some recipes.
I cannot fully express how much I disliked this book. Not without employing offensive language and smashing up a room of my own.
This was the blurb on the back of the book and it absolutely grabbed me. I really wanted to love this book. The title, the premise, what could be bad? Problem is, I felt it was sappy and it never lived up to its potential. Most of the characters seemed one-dimensional and I felt no real connection to any of them (and there were too many of them). The plot line, such as it was, was too meandering and thin. I actually put it down about halfway through but came back to it, hoping that maybe it was just me, needing a break. I didn't abandon it altogether but I skimmed through to the end and felt I missed nothing. There were some good book quotes but not enough to save it. I really hate feeling let down by a book I had high hopes for but c'est la vie...
The Little Paris Bookshop has been mistitled and mis-promoted as "a love letter to reading". It's not really about a bookshop and reading doesn't figure as heavily into the story as much as one might suppose. Instead, it is about an emotionally damaged man whose protracted mourning for someone who wouldn't commit to him seems overdone. In fact, that's a good way to describe this novel--pretentious and overdone. Not recommended.
I also loved the way people created the community and family they needed.
The story follows Jean Perdu, a man who has been alive for half a century but has not truly lived. He is the owner of The Literary Apothecary, a barge on the river Seine that sells books. He is also a self-described “Healer” insofar as he can diagnose any malady or problem and prescribe the reader with a book that will cure all.
Sadly, Perdu is unable to treat his own broken heart and deal with his own issues. He had had an intense, five year relationship with a mysterious creature named Manon. One day this woman left without saying goodbye- except through a note but Perdu was too proud to read it.
Things change when Perdu gains a new neighbour named Catherine who is a divorcee. She challenges the bookseller to confront his past and offers comfort as she is dealing with some of the same issues as him. Perdu reads the letter and goes on a journey in his barge and an adventure through Provence along with some eccentric supporting characters in order to face his demons and discover what might have been.
This novel is a must-read for any book lover as it contains numerous literary references. It also boasts some evocative descriptions and vivid and poetic language. The author even adds two final sections at the end of the book where regional recipes from Provence are offered as well as Perdu’s “Literary Pharmacy” or “Book recommendations”. The overall pacing of the story is quite leisurely and laidback, although some people may find it is a little too slow and nuanced for their tastes.
The Little Paris Bookshop ultimately succeeds because it brings together an unlikely cast of eccentric but “real” characters that you can empathise with. It also takes them on a journey through their minds and hearts and it will make you think and feel in equal measure. In sum, it is a rather lyrical, wistful and bittersweet tale about a broken man and his long walk (or ride along the river) to the path of redemption.
Jean Perdu is a reserved middle aged man when we first meet him, very set in his ways, and very spare in his lifestyle. We soon learn it is because he was hurt 20
This is a story of reconnecting with the parts of oneself that get sacrificed when we try to avoid being hurt again. It is a story of coming to terms with death, and learning to live again. It was poignant and sometimes humorous, often sad, and even tragic, but leaves us with love and beauty through the pain of loss. It also brings Southern France to life in beautiful colors and descriptions.
I did love the idea of the Literary Apothecary, prescribing books for what ails you and enjoyed the list of recommendations for different symptoms, with possible side effects from having read them. A fun idea!
Received from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
It is not the poor book's fault that I read it while also reading [Les Miserables], and I'm sure the contrast did not help it. Many reviewers felt as I did, however, we are decidedly in the minority, so please don't take my word for it! Next I think I'll go for [Harry Potter and the Cursed Child], which I know going in is fantasy (a fantasy world I would really like to live in).
The Little Paris Bookshop takes readers on a journey to and through
Love and recovery take time, like reading, and this novel might heal many hurts with its quiet wisdom of books, waters, sky and sea. It’s a beautiful novel that leaves you beautifully satisfied. And it has cats!
Disclosure: I couldn’t resist the words “literary apothecary” on the back cover so I asked for this for Christmas.
The story is more about Jean Perdu who has withdrawn emotionally for over 20 years following an unexplained romantic breakup by his lover, Manon. Jean has an uncanny ability to find just the book
A new neighbor, Caroline, a victim of an adulterous marriage and divorce, moves into his apartment building. He reluctantly enters his inviolate "Manon space" to retrieve a table for her. Caroline finds an unopened letter in the table and returns it to him. The sight of that unsealed letter triggers deep memories. When he finally reads the 20 year-old letter, Perdu begins the travel to the bottom of his heart and then slowly begins to make his way up to a fulfilled life.
There is deep symbolism as Perdu takes refuge on his floating barge and releases the boat from its mooring. The journey begins as an escape to sea but as more and more eccentric characters take refuge with him on the barge, he begins to feel again. At first without understanding what he is doing and finally with purpose, Perdu seeks to find out what happened to Manon.
Before Perdu leaves Paris, he and Caroline had begun to sense a strong bond. He strives to keep the embers of this new relationship alive through letters as he seeks to put out the flames from his old life.
The storyline floats through the lens of fiction and non-fiction works shelved on the barge. As Jean and others bring these works to life through discussion, the remarkably crafted quotes tickle a reaction in the reader as well as the characters.
It has taken me a few weeks to mull over my overall feelings for the book. I only rated the book in the end as a three star because I just never really felt pulled into the book. I disliked Manon and finally decided that Jean needed a good slap in the head to have wiled away 20 years of precious life over a lost love. There were some great moments but in the end things just took sooooo long to resolve. Remember, this is just my opinion. I suggest that everyone read the book and come to your own conclusions.
Thank you, Netgalley and Blogging for Books, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
I was drawn, hoping for a celebration of readers, bookish pursuits and the power of words to heal and enliven. To some extent I was disappointed. The book certainly started that way. The ending becomes far more with a deep meditation on loss, grief and redemption. Far less satisfying is an endless, and seemingly pointless barge trip. I'm still befuddled by scenes of a Tango Hall and a dying doe. Ultimately, I was reminded of Voltaire's Candide, who after his travels and troubles, discovers that what he truly needed and sought was in his own garden all the time.
I did not read this book I absorbed it.
At first I almost tossed it aside but I prevailed and fell in love with the written word. Finishing this book makes it hard to begin another.
Unlike most books, I never checked how many pages until the end.
Jean Perdu is the reclusive
The book was originally published in German in 2013. It’s possible that the translation weakened the strength of the writing as some of the phrases feel pedestrian. But it’s still a thumbs up.
Notable pluses:
4 segments of Manon’s diary provide her viewpoint for a sufficient balance and perspective vs. Jean’s
Recipes for the dishes made
A sampling for books to heal for what ailment
Jean shares my passion for ‘rescuing’ books, thus my purchase of primarily used books :)
Favorite Characters x 2: Samy – the unconventional book guru who lives by no one’s rules except hers. Max – the energetic and as it turns out, empathetic, bestselling young author at the beginning of his life journey
The most patient character award goes to Luc and Catherine– for reasons I won’t explain due to spoilers.
Quotes!
On books vs. men – unsolicited advice given to a customer:
“Surrender to the treasures of books instead of entering into pointless relationships with men, who neglect you anyway, or going on crazy diets because you’re not thin enough for one man and not stupid enough for the next… Books keep stupidity at bay. And vain hopes. And vain men. They undress you with love, strength and knowledge. It’s love from within. Make your choice: book or …”
On books vs. men – about a 7 year old reader:
“’I think she’s brave, clever and right.’
‘As long as she doesn’t turn out too smart for men.’
‘For the stupid ones, she will, Madame. But who wants them anyway? A stupid man is every woman’s downfall.’
The mother looked up from her agitated, reddened hands in surprise.
‘Why didn’t anyone ever tell me that?’ she asked with the flicker of a smile.”
On books for emotional therapy:
“’Kästner was one reason I called my book barge the Literary Apothecary,’ said Perdu. ‘I wanted to treat feelings that are not recognized as afflictions and are never diagnosed by doctors. All those little feelings and emotions no therapist is interested in, because they are apparently too minor and intangible. The feeling that washes over you when another summer nears its end. Or when you recognize that you haven’t got your whole life left to find out where you belong. Or the slight sense of grief when a friendship doesn’t develop as you thought, and you have to continue your search for a lifelong companion. Or those birthday morning blues. Nostalgia for the air of your childhood. Things like that.’”
On Jean’s lament of his heart:
“Is there really no book that could teach me to play the song of life?”
On the power of books:
“…He wanted her to sense the boundless possibilities offered by books. They would always be enough. They would never stop loving their readers. They were a fixed point in an otherwise unpredictable world. In life. In love. After death.”
On love and death:
“I’d like you to die before me…
I don’t want you to have to walk from the car park to my grave on your own. I don’t want you to have to mourn. I’d rather miss you for the rest of my life.”
On women and love:
“’Jeanno, women can love so much more intelligently than us men! They never love a man for his body, even if they can enjoy that too – and how.’ Joaquin sighed with pleasure. ‘But women love you for your character, your strength, your intelligence. Or because you can protect a child. Because you’re a good person, you’re honorable and dignified. They never love you as stupidly as men love women. Not because you’ve got especially beautiful calves or look so good in a suit that their business partners look on jealously when they introduce you. Such women do exist, but only as a cautionary example to others.’”
On awakening:
“A bird awoke inside his chest, and it cautiously spread its wings, amazed to find that it was still alive. It wanted out. It wanted to burst from his chest, taking his heart with it, and soar up into the sky.”
On the scent of a woman:
“When he approached the black fuzz between her thighs, Jean was met by the hypnotic aroma of femininity and life. Manon smelled of the mare she was riding so tightly and masterfully – it was the aroma of freedom. She bore the scent of a mixture of Oriental spices and the sweetness of flowers and honey; she smelled of woman!”
On fear:
“Fear transforms your body like an inept sculptor does a perfect block of stone… It’s just that you’re chipped away at from within, and no one sees how many splinters and layers have been taken off you. You become ever thinner and more brittle inside, and until even the slightest emotion bowls you over. One hug, and you think you’re going to shatter and be lost… Never listen to fear! Fear makes you stupid.”
On habit – I might have a few of an impeding one or two…
“Habit is a vain and treacherous goddess. She lets nothing disrupt her rule. She smothers one desire after another: the desire to travel, the desire for a better job or a new love. She stops us from living as we would like, because habit prevents us from asking ourselves whether we continue to enjoy doing what we do.”
On the age of 50’s – a theme of this age group being a rebirth era proliferates in this book:
“…Now it’s time to head south to learn to breathe anew, to see the sea and to kiss a man again. Goodness, I’m approaching my late fifties. I’m entering the prime of my life.’”
On love:
“We are loved if we love, another truth we always seem to forget. Have you noticed that most people prefer to be loved, and will do anything it takes? Diet, rake in the money, wear scarlet underwear. If only they loved with the same energy; hallelujah, the world would be so wonderful and so free of tummy-tuck tights.”
And
“…first there is the love in which we think with our knickers. I know all about that. It’s fun for about fifteen minutes. Second, there’s logical love, the type we create in our heads; I’ve experienced that too. You look for men who objectively suit your setup or who won’t upset your life plans too much, but you don’t feel any magic. And third, there’s the love that comes from your chest or your solar plexus or somewhere in between. That’s the type I want. It’s got to have the magic that sets my life blood alight, right down to the tiniest little globule…”
When we meet Jean Perdu, we find a very unhappy, introverted bookseller who manages to solve the problems of others but fails to find solutions for
More than twenty years ago, Perdu’s sweetheart suddenly left him. Like his name which means lost, he has been lost ever since. One day, when tenants in his building ask him to help out a neighbor whose husband abandoned her and left her with nothing but her heartbreak, he reluctantly agrees. He gruffly suggests that he give her a book, but they insist on a more practical gift, a table instead. He agrees and enters a room hidden behind bookcases in his apartment, a room he has not entered in a long time, to retrieve a table for her. He leaves it outside her door. He places a vase on it, and pretty much speaking through the peephole in her door, he tells her to use it for red flowers. He hears her muffled sobs; he knows her heart is broken. He returns to the secret room, the room that represents a time when his own heart was broken and is still not mended, and he gets her a chair and then promises her a book, as well, to help her recover. The two neighbors, Jean and Katherine, begin to help each other survive their own particular grief as their friendship buds and flowers. When she tells him she found an unopened letter, addressed to him, in a drawer of the table, he becomes angry and refuses to take it. Finally, he does read the letter that has been trapped in the drawer for more than twenty years; he discovers that he had made a grave mistake, and his heart breaks anew.
The warmth they share somewhat frees Jean Perdu from himself and his burdensome thoughts; he decides to release the book barge and begins to travel down the river Seine to try and make amends for his past foolishness. As he prepares to leave, another neighbor, a 21 year old reluctantly successful author, Max Jordan, jumps aboard without invitation, losing his belongings in the process. Perdu is not happy he is there, at first, but soon they, too, begin to comfort each other and cure each other’s ills. Shortly thereafter, another man joins them. He too is searching for something. When they reveal their secrets to each other, they are greeted with surprise, anger, and then, forgiveness and compassion. The three continue their travels, and in the end, as their group grows larger, they all find ways to resolve their problems and begin to realize that everyone needs to love and be loved.
It is a tender story in which all the characters seem to be searching to find out who they really are, what they really want, how to stop their sadness and their pain and how to find the joy of living. They all, in a somewhat contrived fashion, do seem to find their own solutions to their problems by the book’s end. Even Jean’s father and mother, separated from each other, seem to reconcile some of their differences and find their way back to each other, even if only occasionally
The narrators did a superb job with accents and characterization. I really found that I could picture the characters in my mind as each one spoke. The mood was set by the tone and expression of the readers’ voices which were alternately sad or happy, dreamy or alert, soft or loud as the scene required. Not one ever over emoted.
This book is translated beautifully, with the exception of some words pertaining to sexual content that seemed entirely out of place and low brow for a book of this quality. The prose is poetic and poignant, moving the reader with real emotion and encouraging empathic feelings toward the fully developed characters. Highly emotional scenes are interspersed with charming humor that relieves the tension perfectly.
Jean Perdu, like his name was lost, but later found; in the same way that he encouraged his readers to find themselves, he discovered the person he should be, or rather, the person he had the power to be, the person hiding inside him all along. The reader knows that words have power and this book proves it. Jean Perdu was the bookseller of every reader’s dreams. He not only knew his books, but he understood his readers. As Katherine, his neighbor, eventually coaxed the inner meaning of the stone into her sculptures, as Jordan created children’s books that encouraged children to grow into all they could be, and as Jean discovered the inner needs of his customers, coupled with his developing friendship with Katherine, he began to realize that his lost love, Manon, had also helped him to make the journey into his own happy future with someone else.
The premise of the book is stretched and slightly overblown: who knows whether Jean would have rushed to her side if he
The cast of characters is interesting and frankly kept me reading to the end. I would stopped midway had it not been for the people Jean encountered on his travels (and left behind in Paris).
The end is emotional, as he finally says goodbye to Manon: the survivors all live happily ever after.
I had read that this novel is a charming one but I found it to be much more than charming. I thought it had some very profound insights into love and loss and grief. Monsieur Perdu has spent far too many years mourning a lost love and closing his heart to the world. Now we can journey with him in this book as he learns how to once again embrace life. It’s a heartwarming, soul stirring journey.
This book reminded me so much of “Chocolat” by Joanne Harris. Much as Vianne Rocher knows exactly which chocolate each customer needs, so too does Monsieur Perdu know exactly which book will heal his customers. There’s that same magic involved, along with the delightful characters, good food, smells and beauty of France, humorous touches, suspense and of course, the touching love story. They both even have the boat and those mystical mistral winds.
This is a sensuous, luxurious tale that will touch your heart.
I was given a copy of this book by Blogging for Books in return for an honest review.