The Little Paris Bookshop

Hello everyone, 

Have you ever started reading a book with a firm expectation of the storyline only to discover you are reading an entirely different book? Or have you ever been so saddened and yet uplifted by a book that you have cried for whole sections at a time? I have, when I read The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. 

The synopsis of this book paints the story as something light hearted and fun, a typical romantic comedy, which is why my Mam suggested I read it even though she hadn't yet read it herself. In actuality this book is warm and funny yet tinged with a very real sadness. 

The Little Paris Bookshop follows a rather eccentric bookwork with the memorable name of Jean Perdu. Jean Perdu has in fact lost himself, he lost his soul to a woman and his grief at her departure two decades ago. Since then he has been healing all he meets by prescribing books from his book barge The Literary Apothecary. Jean ardently believes all ailments of the heart and soul can be cured with the right book if only the mind is open to healing. His floating shop is found on the idyllic banks of the Seine in Paris, well loved and well known he seems to lead a charmed life. He isn't fooling anyone. His neighbours, friends and family can all see him struggling, but it takes the entry of the enigmatic Catherine for him to start to confront his past. Taking a young writer with him and picking up several strays along the way he sets sail across France, seeking the South and solace for his grief. 

George's writing style is incredibly powerful and compelling. I was spellbound by this book from page one and fell in love with Jean Perdu and all his flawed humanity. This book is about loves lost and found, the forging of friendships and fate foretold in the stars. Jean's grief is so real and relatable that entire sections of the book moved me to tears, he is such a real and human protagonist. I would recommend this book to any lovers of stories, to all the people who value books as old friends this story will stay with you for a long time. 

Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below :-) 

xoxo

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