The Elegance of the Hedgehog, in French: L'Élégance du hérisson, is written by the French novelist and professor of philosophy Muriel Barbery. The book follows the life of a concierge, Renée Michel, whose hidden intelligence is discovered by no one save a precocious twelve year-old girl named Paloma Josse who lives in the same building.... Continue Reading →
My Wish List by Gregoire Delacourt
At the library recommendations on what to read come from both staff and patrons. Frequently they are variations on the theme of what is currently trendy, with only the occasional unexpected gem. “My Wish List” by Gregorie Delacourt, and translated into English by Anthea Bell, falls into the latter category. Reading the novel, which has... Continue Reading →
Fred Vargas French detective series
You can tell by the titles that this is no ordinary mystery series. Travel to France with these books and meet the most extraordinary characters to populate a contempory mystery. Vargas deserves her many awards (and more).
Englishmen in France or Is the Hundred Year’s War actually over?
Every since I can remember, the thought of running off to France, to immerse myself in the culture, the food, the history,and of course, the glorious weather has been a cherished dream. In the case of these two Englishmen; sometimes living a dream is not quite what you expect. Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence"... Continue Reading →