Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in this book. Perhaps I had set the standard too high for this author, expecting it to be of the same caliber as Sarah's Key. I kept on reading and reading hoping to get more into it, but that never happened. There was no climax. The book was mostly just descriptive. There was no real substance, just a lot of really good use of literary techniques. I was not satisfied upon finishing the book. The ending seemed to come out of nowhere and had no connection to the story. No loose ends were tied up. Just overall disappointing, and I was surprised to see that some people actually liked it. It's amazing how multiple people can read the same book and have such different opinions about it. Although not as memorable as this author's previous best seller, Sarah's Key, this book had some interesting twists and characters. Nicholas, a writer and the main character, relates the manner in which he discovers his father's hidden past while applying for a new passport. With the revelation that his heritage is actually Russian instead of the French he had always thought himself to have. The author weaves a tale of family secrets, relationships, and memories as Nicholas faces the wrath and affection of critics, lovers, and fans that follow his first novel. The story develops a bit slowly but will hold the reader in its web until the surprising conclusion.
What do You think about A L'encre Russe (2013)?
I tried. I loved 2 of her other books. I read 80 pages of this and disliked it all.
—Fai
Good quick read wherever your "beach" happens to be........
—mercedes
Not as exciting as Sarah's Key or The Girl You Left Behind.
—sanchy
