Review: "The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel" by Nina George, Translated by Simon Pare

I requested this book to read because the premise sounded intriguing; a book store on a barge in Paris where the owner recommends books by looking at his customers and determining just what they needed to read to feel better. Not the most exciting foundation but I love books so I thought I would try it. I am so glad I did! What a wonderful, heartfelt, beautifully written story that encompasses so much more. It’s about facing emotions, love lost and found and finding the way back to living through new friends and old.

The plot of this novel slowly pulls you in. It begins on the book barge where you meet, Jean Perdu, the book seller. He appears very one dimensional. Ms. George quickly develops his character, pulling you in as you learn about his life and his acquaintances. The storyline and his life are full of quirks and unexpected turns. All the characters from Jean, to his many friends are well developed. You feel their hopes, fears and sorrows. The book is also filled with wonderful thoughts and quotes about life and love. You will most definitely want to have a pen and paper ready to write them down.

I couldn’t put this book down after I started to read. There were plot twists that were unforeseen and begged me to continue reading to discover how they came about. I felt emotionally bonded to the characters and was compelled to keep turning pages hoping that they found the love that they were searching for.