Summary

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 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.- goodreads

My Thoughts

I was immediately drawn to this book when I picked it up in my favourite second hand bookshop. I love to read books about books or bookshops or bookclubs, and I was intrigued by the premise. I was expecting to read a book about an eccentric old man who handed out books to people who needed solace. The books would be exactly the type of book they needed at the time.

That theme was probably about one quarter of the story. It could have been really great if that particular story line had been developed. Instead it turned into some kind of weak, pathetic romance. I know weak and pathetic are harsh words but they are the first that come to mind.

I struggled to finish this book but continued on, in the hope that it would improve. After all, I had read many great reviews.

I dislike writing negative reviews and usually I don’t. This review is my first negative, and I only write it because there are so many positive reviews out there, that I feel I must share my opposite view.

Quotes

“There are books that are suitable for a million people, others for only a hundred. There are even remedies—I mean books—that were written for one person only…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.”:

”Books keep stupidity at bay. And vain hopes. And vain men. They undress you with love, strength and knowledge. It’s love from within.”

Recommendation

Star Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

About the Author

Nina George was born in 1973 in Bielefeld, Germany and is a prize-winning and bestselling author, and freelance journalist.  She has published 26 books (novels, mysteries and non-fiction) as well as over hundred short stories and more than 600 columns. George has worked as a police reporter, columnist and managing editor for a wide range of publications.

Published in June 2015 by Crown, 392 pages.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear what you thought of it. I promise to reply to all comments left.

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