I almost didn't finish reading this book. I was put off by the tone of the first chapters. Now that I've read it, I understand why the first chapters were so stilted. The author did an excellent job of building this story.
The story begins with an introduction to Jean Perdu, a man who has a barge turned bookstore in Paris. His speciality is recommending books based on what he intuits a person needs, a sort of pharmacy for the emotionally ailing. Perdu has not, however, healed himself.
As with all things, what is tightly bound must eventually be loosed. Perdu is shocked to find that his emotions will no longer stay bound. And as they unravel he attempts to run away from, and to, the source of his pain.
What he realizes as he journeys is that he has missed a great deal of life and he begins to open himself to the realization that he's missed living. He proves to himself that one can live again.
This is a beautifully written story and I enjoyed it a great deal.
This book was provided to me by Blogging for Books, http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/
2 comments:
Hi Terri,
I am reading this book right now. My library ordered it for me cause I wanted to read it. I, too had a hard time with the first few chapters but now am really
enjoying it. Have a great week. Dale
I am about to pick this up from my library today. They have it on reserve for me. Can't wait to read it. Glad to hear you are liking it too, Dale!
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