Monsieur Perdu can prescribe the perfect book for a broken heart. But can he fix his own? Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can’t seem to heal through literature … heal through literature is himself; he’s still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never opened.
After Perdu is finally tempted to read the letter, he hauls anchor and departs on a mission to the south of France, hoping to make peace with his loss and discover the end of the story. Joined by a bestselling but blocked author and a lovelorn Italian chef, Perdu travels along the country’s rivers, dispensing his wisdom and his books, showing that the literary world can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself.
Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people’s lives.
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I love books about books — about book shops — about owners of book shops who love books, etc. I thought this would make a great book to end the year on but instead it was a slower read than I anticipated and took me into the new year.
First off let me say that I loved Jean Perdu, the owner of a floating bookstore, a literal Literary Apothecary. He was so in tune with what a reader wanted or needed, much like “tell me what ails you and I’ll find your remedy in the pages between two covers.” He was masterful and loved his passion. But it seemed he had a remedy for everyone but himself. He was mourning the love of his life who up and left him one day without explanation, without a word spoken. She left only a note that Jean refused to open for 21 years because he didn’t want to see the dreaded words “it’s not you, it’s me.” He knew his “love” was married and in his heart he felt she had probably returned to her husband and her life before he (Jean) entered the picture.
But then the story took a different turn, an adventure if you will, that for whatever reason left me less enthused. It was a story of personal growth, of overcoming sorrow, of accepting your purpose in life and making dreams come true. It was a charming story full of comical people, inspirational lines and life lived on a whim. I suppose the more I let the story soak in, the more in speaks to me; perhaps not in the sense the author intended, but I do know the thought of living on the water, slowly drifting from shore to shore surrounded by a never ending supply of books sounds like the perfect dream
Loved this sweet book. The thought of an encyclopedia of emotions is wonderful. I used a line in the book to comfort a friend who was having a hard time watching her father die. Not often do you find a book that can touch hearts so profoundly – if you are open to it.
This was a good book for a book club pick
Every turn of the page elicited emotion. I sighed, laughed, and cried. Then I cried some more. With much to teach its readers about relationships—love, acceptance, forgiveness, inclusion, trust—this book is a satisfying read that will keep you full long after you’ve finished.
This is a lovely read, unlike the usual biographies and who-done-its that are my usual fare. The characters are engaging, and the plot has kept me surprised and sad and uplifted by turns. Just a lovely book.
There are times when I should stop reading after the description of a book. This was one of those. I love the cover, the idea of the Parisian setting, the floating bookshop, and a literary apothecary with the intuition to match a reader with the perfect book. “There are books that are suitable for a million people, others for only a hundred…A book is both medic and medicine at once. It makes a diagnosis as well as offering therapy. Putting the right novels to the appropriate ailments: that’s how I sell books.” Unfortunately for me this wasn’t the right fit; however, an acquaintance loved it!
Completely unique! Good story but better life lessons! Great read!!
It will make you want to go on a trip across France, eat good food, and enjoy big and small things in life.
The characters made this love story lovelier. And it is much more than a love story. Take your time as you work your way through it!
This has to be one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Ms. George is simply masterful in her story development while prompting the reader to do some introspective contemplation. This story sheds light on the inner workings of the human psyche with a glimpse into the fact that there is always a reason for why people do and believe what they do.
The backgrounds of the characters were all tragic in their own way. I found myself hoping that each one of them would address their issues and take the steps to move toward a more positive life!
I found this book to be a fun read. I love anything to do with books and Paris.
Vive la France!
I appreciated the character development and the intelligent style of writing. Kept me enthralled all the way through.
Had a hard time reading this one. It was a book club read. Did not enjoy. Book did not hold my interest very slow
This is a lovely, positive tale that is beautifully written
I well written tale was absolutely spell bound in parts of the story!
Loved everything about this book. The characters were well developed and fun. The storyline was original. Great book club book. Loved it!
Don’t you love it when you have read a book that makes you feel you are better for having read it? That is how I feel about this book. His journey from being lost ( get it? His last name means lost in French) to the many discoveries he encounters…people, places, activities, food and wine and books…
I highly recommend this book on so many different levels. Travel, food, sights and smells and wonderful characters along the way.
I am an avid reader and enjoy being in France so I was drawn to this book. The story unfolded showing interesting characters and turns. The haunting part pertains to the life story of the bookseller.
This was a lot of fun the read! Very vivid, about a guy who loses his wife and can’t get over it. Til he cuts his floating barge bookshop free from its ropes and putters down the Seine. The slight hint of mysticism is fun, he can read people extremely well, and sells them books that will help make them feel better, strengthen them, etc. Lots of France scenery!