Bookseller Laurent Letellier comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street and feels impelled to return it to its owner. The bag contains no money, phone or contact information. But a small red notebook with handwritten thoughts and jottings reveals a person that Laurent would very much like to meet. Without even a name to go on, and only a few of her possessions to help him, how is he … he to find one woman in a city of millions?
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You must read this delightful book! Part mystery, part romance, and thoroughly Gallic, The Red Notebook is the perfect summer or Holiday read for those of us who require even our “light” reading to be well written. Thanks to my good friend who gave this to me! Now I want to read it in French!
I found this translation of the French novel, The Red Notebook, by chance. It is quirky and literary, involving a bookseller in Paris who finds a stolen purse on the street and becomes obsessed with its owner (who writes in a little red notebook.) Lots of references to authors and books of course and what I’ve come to recognize as a French way of telling a story.
Charming book, exactly the kind of book I was in the mood to read. I look forward to reading more from this author!
The author creates a wonderful short read filled with romance and what if’s in beautiful language.
An absolute gem of a find, This story centres around, Laure, a single lady who has her handbag snatched late one evening as she is returning to her apartment block in P:aris. In desperation she runs to the hotel across road to beg for a room with the promise of paying once she can get the locks on her door changed and go to her bank to get some money. The next morning things don’t quite work out as planned.
Laurent, owner of a Paris bookshop called ‘Le Cahier Rouge’, finds the discarded handbag in a skip beside the road. The rest of the story revolves around Laurent and his efforts to reunite the bag and its owner, which make this one the most amusing little love stories I have read in years.
The pace of the story never flags but somehow also manages to be as serene as the majestic setting which is so beautifully described. The characters walk off the page and I found myself so utterly engaged by the story that I read it in one day.
This was a charming, totally engaging story. Authentic and thoroughly French.
WhatA great story from just a purse and a notebook.! Very unusual and interesting. The main character was an unusual person. The book from his perspective clearly showed his thoughts and feelings as the story develops. What would you have done? Highly recommend.
This is a sweet story with a happy ending. Nice characters
One of the most charming and whimsical books I’ve ever read. I was so taken with the perfect ending that I wrote to the author, and he answered me back almost immediately. He has other books, The President’s Hat and French Rhapsody are already on my bookshelf. His imagination is priceless.
I love this wonderful short read. I have read it many, many times.
What a fun premise.
This is one of the rare books you encounter in life. The kind you fall in love with. The kind that captures a piece of you. It was enchanting.
This short book is a quick read. A man finds a woman’s purse without ID. He uses the various items inside to attempt to discover her identity so he can her to return It. Very entertaining. What is in YOUR purse?!
One to read for those who love Paris and books.
Enjoyable, light read. Very pleasant and entertaining.
This was unusual and captivated my interest immediately. I loved the plot and kept reading to see what was going to happen. I knmow I will read it again. Very original story line .
Short and meaningful. I plan to read more from this author.
Way too many characters and flitting between two stories much too quickly. I rarely put books down and also rarely give such a poor rating but as much as I wanted to know what happened, I needed more depth.
A very sweet romance…love it. Didn’t want to put it down.
Loved this book. Original love story!