I guess it is my pick again. I decided to move to a more contemporary author and book (since Joy asked me to stay away from anything "Shirley"esque). I read this book soon after it first came out and I recall enjoying it. Hopefully my tastes haven't changed!
11 comments:
I just finished the first 8 chapters. It's lovely. So much better than the last couple of books!
Is it just me or are you in love with Luc too?
I adore the little immaginary rabbit, the poor man and his beloved Charly, the way Harris describes the scents of the shop, the sandlewood box, everything!
I also really like how the font used for the chapter title indicates who is speaking. Very clever.
Through the course of today I've made it through chapter 15 and envision getting much further before bedtime because I can't put it down! I'm loving it.
I started tabbing over pages with favorite quotes and finally gave up because every page was being tabbed. Her writing style is fantastic. I agree with you Angie, I love the way she describes the scents, the people, Anouk, everything! My only problem with the book thus far is that it makes me crave chocolate and thus I've gone through almost half a bag of Hershey nuggets today.
Also, I'm glad you mentioned the font change. I never would have figured that out and the fact that you mentioned it has made reading the book that much easier for me because now I know who is speaking! Back to reading!
I finished it last night (I know, no will power) before bed and absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the characters, especially Guilliame and Pantoufle, the plot, and the writing. (Angie, I also loved Luc and the way he handled his mother). I really liked how Vianne always referred to Anouk as her "little stranger". It's just too perfect.
While the ending was not as concrete as some might like, it fit the book very well. There is actually a second book based on Anouk's life- I think it is called The Girl Without A Shadow. I might stop by Bargain Books today and get it!
M - I also finished it last night; you're not alone in your weakness.
I fully intented to tab pages, take notes on an index card, etc, for this book, but it was just too good to interrupt for any reason. I'll go back through it tonight for some specfics, but just wanted to mention that it my post above I meant Roux, not Luc. Though I very much enjoyed Luc, I fell in love with Roux.
Also, I was thinking last night how all the characters had their own "black men" and thought it might be fun to list them out.
Vianne Rocher: Denial that her mother possibly kidnapped her, fear that her daughter will somehow be separated from her, strong need for social acceptance.
Anouk Rocher: I think too early to tell.
Josephine Muscat: Haunted by a drunken, abusive husband, I think she was tormented for most of the book by a fear of independence.
Paul-Marie Muscat: Drunken, abusvie father and common-held belief that his father was responsible for the first river gypsy fire.
Armande Voizin: Armande is a hard one for me. At beginning and end it seems she has battled her black men and triumphed years ago. However, through the middle of the book you can see how she longs for her grandson, and I really think she's bothered by her lack of family.
Francis Reynaud: Guilt from the deaths in the fire, shame and anger towards his mother and her priest-lover, lust, and I think a little more guilt for his own prejudices.
Caroline Clairmont: Vanity, pride, shame for her upbringing.
Luc Clairmont: Fear of disappointing his mother.
Guillaume: Loneliness.
Narcisse: I'm not sure if Narcisse's character was really developed enough to include on this list; indeed, he seemed the most well-adjusted character in the story, next to Anouk.
Roux: Another one that's hard for me to pinpoint, but I'd say his black man is persecution and rage.
The book reminded me a little of A Doll's House, in that it seemed that most characters in the book were paying for the sins of their parents. D'accord?
You had me wondering about the Luc thing, I mean, he was a great kid, but falling in love with a 12 year old? Roux makes much more sense, although a bit moody for my taste. I think Johnny Depp plays Roux in the movie (alas, no red hair).
I mostly agree with your "Black Men" summary (great idea, by the way!), but would add or change just a few things.
Vianne- fear of being the catalyst of change.
Anouk- loneliness (based on her imaginary friends and how keyed in to her mother she is)
Paul Muscat- fear of being seen as "less than a man"
Armande- fear of dying alone, not physically alone, but without anyone to care that she's gone (ties into your family point), also fear of spending her days uselessly (in nursing home)
Reynaud- false religion (he mentions not being humble, unable to pray, etc.)
Guillame- concern for his pet's souls. For him, I think it is as much the fear that his pets do not have souls as pure loneliness. Also, possibly the guilt associated with being a Christian and THINKING pets had souls.
Narcisse- afraid of being a push-over. It was mentioned that he is always gruff and refuses to give favors and yet, he actually goes out of his way to help people.
Roux- definitely resentment and rage.
This book made me think a lot about my own "Black Man" and those of the people around me. It really made me think. You?
Oui, d'accord en "Doll's House". Also, a little like "House of the Seven Gables" in that many are struggling to right past wrongs and sins of their parents.
I'm still waiting for my copy!
Joy, do you want to borrow mine til you get yours?
Yes, I think I'll take your copy. I need something to read over the weekend. Drop it off Friday!
I just rewatched the movie last night and it was a bit of a disappointment. It was quite a bit different from the book, and, as is usually the case, I liked the book a lot better.
In addition, while Johnny Depp is irresistible as usual, he does not play a very good Roux. He is too sweet and mild-mannered for the Roux that Harris has written. I thought the little girl who played Anouk did a very good job.
It is still a good movie, but much better if watched before reading the book or at a distant enough time to avoid unflattering comparisons.
Finished last night and just read your comments. I like your idea of listing the "Black Man" for each character Angie. Great IDEA! I agree with both of you on what you listed.
I really enjoyed Amande. I like how she was going to end life in style and do it her way rather than wallowing away in some nursing home. And she loves the color red and at the end buys a whole new outfit saying she's "moving up" and will buy a red dress. I love her ATTITUDE!
I too enjoyed the description of the sights and smells of the chocolate. I only wish I knew French so I understood more of the chocolate delights she was preparing or at least was some kind of a cook......
I had never heard of the Easter story with the bells bringing chocolate from Rome. That was cool. I liked too how "religion" was the evil "character" in the story and chocolate was the good.
Great choice Melissa!
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