The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George: Book Review

Jean Perdu is a broken man, not really living his life but only existing. His one great love left him twenty years ago and he’s never moved on. He puts together gigantic puzzles in his spartan apartment and sells books on his book barge, The Literary Apothecary. He knows exactly the right book to sell to the lovelorn when they enter his shop, but he doesn’t know how to fix his own life.

When Catherine, fresh out of a devastating marriage, moves in across the hall, they both sense that they could have a real, lasting relationship, a relationship that neither of them is ready for. In an act of desperation, Jean casts his barge off into the Seine, bestselling author Max in tow, and heads off into the sunset, or at least the south of France, to seek peace and healing.

I truly wanted to like this more than I did. I read a couple of reviews, thought it sounded like the perfect book for me, and went to request it on Netgalley. It was good, not great, and in the month or so since I finished it, I’ve largely forgotten it.

My biggest problem was the title. I estimate that 2/3 of the book takes place outside of Paris. So now it’s The Little France Bookshop. That’s misleading but still, no real complaints here. I haven’t been to France but it’s high on my wishlist. And while quite a bit of the story does take place in the bookshop or around books, it wasn’t quite as much as I expected. Instead of a love story to books, or a love story revolving around books, I felt like it was more of a love story with a few books thrown in. That’s not quite fair because there were a lot of titles and author’s names tossed about but they almost felt like afterthoughts. To me, anyway.

Still, the settings did come to life for me. I’m ready to take a cruise on the waterways of France in the summertime. Especially on a floating bookstore. I want to gaze at the stars, dance the tango, smell the flowers, eat the food and drink the wine.

I liked the three men who ultimately end up aboard The Literary Apothecary and the way their lives contrast to each other. Young author Max hasn’t experience all-consuming love yet and he’s frankly afraid of the idea. Jean had his and can’t let her go. Jack-of-all-trades Cuneo joins them later on—and I can’t finish this thought because that will get into spoilers.

I personally don’t read too many straight-up romantic-type books, so this turned out not to be a great fit for me. Those who enjoy romance more than I do will love this one. But even for me, it was worth the read, if only for the beautiful setting.

Simon Pare did an excellent job with the translation. If I hadn’t known it was translated, I don’t think I ever would have guessed. The language was gorgeous.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me access to a review copy through Netgalley.

Read an excerpt.

Find author Nina George on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Buy The Little Paris Bookshop at

Image courtesy of hywards at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have an affiliate relationship with Malaprop’s, my local independent bookstore located in beautiful downtown Asheville, NC; and Better World Books. I will receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase books through links on my site. My opinions are completely my own.

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