A review by thebooktrail88
The Little Breton Bistro, by Nina George
4.0
Visit the locations in the novel - link: The Little Breton Bistro
What started as a very sad and quite depressing novel, after finishing it, I sat down and realised what I’d just read and the story I’d been on with her. It’s very very poignant and really makes you think about your own life and why Marianne did what she did and what brought her to that point. I can’t and don’t want to give anything away but it’s a journey of discovery in many ways and there are many delightful moments despite the sad cloud which hung over the start of the novel.
This was also a very gourmand tour of France – From Paris to Brittany this was a feast for the eyes and tastebuds as well as for the mind. Food becomes the symbol of hope and discovery, as Marianne literally tastes the landscape via all her senses and starts to appreciate the small things, the freedom from being away from her old life.
There were some very funny moments – those nuns! – and the scenes in the restaurant in Kerdruc were brilliant. The visit to Aven – ah this is just a wonderful journey and through the unique and emotions of the landscape – very French and very lyrically written.
There is a lovely mix of a message to look for the simple things in life, to love and appreciate the detail in the everyday and to use art and creativity to really open up your world. This book carries a strong message with an air of melancholy but the overall impression of it left me wondering about my own life and feeling glad I’d read it.
What started as a very sad and quite depressing novel, after finishing it, I sat down and realised what I’d just read and the story I’d been on with her. It’s very very poignant and really makes you think about your own life and why Marianne did what she did and what brought her to that point. I can’t and don’t want to give anything away but it’s a journey of discovery in many ways and there are many delightful moments despite the sad cloud which hung over the start of the novel.
This was also a very gourmand tour of France – From Paris to Brittany this was a feast for the eyes and tastebuds as well as for the mind. Food becomes the symbol of hope and discovery, as Marianne literally tastes the landscape via all her senses and starts to appreciate the small things, the freedom from being away from her old life.
There were some very funny moments – those nuns! – and the scenes in the restaurant in Kerdruc were brilliant. The visit to Aven – ah this is just a wonderful journey and through the unique and emotions of the landscape – very French and very lyrically written.
There is a lovely mix of a message to look for the simple things in life, to love and appreciate the detail in the everyday and to use art and creativity to really open up your world. This book carries a strong message with an air of melancholy but the overall impression of it left me wondering about my own life and feeling glad I’d read it.