The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

My  husband once commented that most of my book reviews get a ⅘.  That’s because I carefully choose what I am going to read.  I almost always know that I am going to like a book, so anything that deviates from a ⅘ is something that is disappointing or something extra good.

The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel is one of those that is extra good.  Some books I can tell immediately that they are going to be special to me.  The opening chapter pulls me in and promises good things to come.  I love this book from beginning to end.

It should be no surprise that any book about books is going to be a favorite, but this took the concept to such a fun level.    Monsieur Perdu is a bookseller.  But not just any bookseller, he has a book barge.  People don’t go to the barge to get the latest and greatest book, they go to find the books that will help them.  Monsieur Perdu (Jean) calls his barge a “Literary Apothecary” - books to soothe what ails you.

While Jean is providing his customers with books to enliven their lives, his life is sorely lacking.  He is still heartbroken over the loss of the love his life, Manon, some twenty years ago.  When he finds an old letter that she had written him, but that he didn’t open, it sets in motion a change in his sedate lifestyle.

Such a charming book.  The characters are all interesting.  The story line meanders around.

I received a copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.