NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop, an extraordinary novel about self-discovery and new beginnings. Marianne is stuck in a loveless, unhappy marriage. After forty-one years, she has reached her limit, and one evening in Paris she decides to take action. Following a dramatic moment on the banks of the Seine, Marianne … the banks of the Seine, Marianne leaves her life behind and sets out for the coast of Brittany, also known as “the end of the world.”
Here she meets a cast of colorful and unforgettable locals who surprise her with their warm welcome, and the natural ease they all seem to have, taking pleasure in life’s small moments. And, as the parts of herself she had long forgotten return to her in this new world, Marianne learns it’s never too late to begin the search for what life should have been all along.
With all the buoyant charm that made The Little Paris Bookshop a beloved bestseller, The Little French Bistro is a tale of second chances and a delightful embrace of the joys of life in France.
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A friend pressed Nina George’s The Little French Bistro into my hands, knowing how much I love France and novels set there. I am so glad she did!
Marianne is a German woman, on a bus tour of France with her oppressive husband, who decides to throw herself into the Seine from the Pont Neuf. (Not a spoiler; that’s on the first page.) A homeless man rescues her, and she ends up in a small coastal village in Brittany, on the NW corner of France, where she peels away the layers of oppression life has piled upon her and, at 60, emerges as a vibrant, beautiful woman with a touch of magic and a deep connection to the little town. And it terrifies her. The result is an utterly delightful story, perfect for a summer weekend on the porch with a glass of French wine. Or Cavalos, the drink of the old sailors of Brittany.
Beautiful, breathtaking prose, romantic, succulent foods, vivid scenery, dreamy settings, realistic lovable characters that are easily connected with and so many life awakening quotable moments. The main characters are mature, well lived, full of experiences and yet full of wonder. Oh it’s fantastic. I adore this author’s style. This is the second book I’ve read from her, the first being The Little Paris Bookshop. I loved that one but this one held on to my heart a bit more and never let go, so far it’s my favorite. Good luck topping this one Ms. George.
LOVED this book! Although parts of this book were a bit too predictable, Nina George’s magnificent descriptions of Brittany captured me. Who knew? I have recommended this to my two best reading buddies.
“Little French Bistro” is the first book I’ve read by Nina George but it won’t be the last. I really enjoy her writing style and the way she brings her characters to life. She has a way with words that paints a picture in the reader’s mind and makes them want to be there in the book experiencing the characters life and relationships. If you love books with a touch of whimsy and interesting characters who face and conquer the struggles live throws their way then you’ll love this book.
This was a delightful book!
This book turns out to be a keeper. The characters linger in your mind long after you’ve finished.
I can’t decide which is more beautiful, the writing or the story. This was the first of Nina George’s novels for me and I adored it! Set along the rugged coastline of Brittany, with a band of richly drawn characters, this is the story of one woman’s rediscovery of herself and what it means to fall in love with life. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. George! Recommend!
SO disappointing. Could not finish it which is very rare for me.
Light beach read. Enjoyable but not great literature.
This was a beautifully written book. It was sad but ultimately hopeful and inspiring. The descriptions of the food were so mouth watering that I had to search to find the recipes and I have to say I did use Google Earth quite a bit to see exactly how stunning this area at “the end of the world” truly is.
A lot of other reviews call this book out for being unrealistic or too predictable and of course everyone has they own opinions and react to things differently so I can’t and won’t say they are wrong. I will say this; who doesn’t want someone at the end of their rope in regards to life to find hope again? Who doesn’t want someone to figure out that it’s really never to late to make the changes necessary to get the life you always wanted? Sure the happy ending is a bit “too.” Too happy, too neatly wrapped up, perhaps ultimately too unrealistic… but… it’s still a fantastic story that is superbly written. And isn’t that why we read books? For me the answer is yes. I look forward to reading The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George sometime in the future.
A remarkable story of life-changing action to grab onto the fullness of life. A Parisian woman, 60 years old, bereft of fulfillment and numb from long years with a tyrant husband, attempts to free herself into truly living life. With no preconceived ideas, she begins her journey. Wonderful characters and beautiful scenery descriptions. So much to learn! Read carefully and be willing to journey with her. … Surprise! She can cook, too! Recipes included in book! Enjoy!
I loved this book! Really well written, the story line and the characters quickly became real to me. And, being a fan of Paris and other French areas I loved the descriptions of the landscape and the food.
The story was different. It was slow at times. I enjoyed some of the characters more than the main character.
It’s never too late to go after your dreams. Wonderful story of a 60 year old woman who make the hard choice to leave a bad marriage and seek happiness. Very charming.
I loved this book. Wonderfully written with great characters. I would highly recommend it!
Not my favorite but am sure most readers will like it-
Not as well written as her other book or as interesting to me. Hard to get through.
loved this book
Enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the movie Shirley Valentine.
great read