Monsieur Ladoucette E Il Club Dei Cuori Solitari (2007) - Plot & Excerpts
The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart, wittily immerses you in French culture. If you enjoy reading Peter Mayle's books, I think you'd enjoy this one!Barber Guillaume Ladoucette is a master barber and has always enjoyed great success in his tiny village in southwestern France's Amour-sur-Belle. But as his clientele have grown older and balder, many have sought the services of a Parisian-trained barber in a neighboring village. Now the residents of Amour-sur-Belle are sporting bizarre styles with even more bizarre names, like "the pinecone." Guillaume's lack of customers cause him to change careers mid-life: Guillaume sets-up shop as a matchmaker because according to Guillaume, everyone needs love in his or her life. At first, Guillaume's matches' initial dates are a disaster. Plus, he neglects his own needs and a second chance at dating his first love. While reading this book, I was wondering how in the world Guillame could possibly set things to rights in Amour-sur-Belle, but the ending is very surprising and cute. One thing I adored about this book is the omniscient narrator's voice. His use of repetition while telling the story reminds me of storytellers from long ago. This is truly a charming book, and I highly recommend it. Looking at previous reviews this book seems to polarise opinions, I really enjoyed it, perhaps reading it on holiday in France helped? However I read it again and still enjoyed it, where other readers felt bludgeoned by the prose and detailed descriptions I really enjoyed that attention to detail. I felt a relaxed atmosphere of rural France was conjured up very well, yes I know it isn't actually real! This was an indulgent piece of literature and I found it gently comedic, the plot didn't really go anywhere but I didn't mind. I think the reviews give a reasonable flavour and it would be hard to write a spoiler filled one so take your choice, if you like this type of book then try this one.
What do You think about Monsieur Ladoucette E Il Club Dei Cuori Solitari (2007)?
slow, but in a good way. relaxed, not boring. whimsical. delicious writing style.
—dpandolfo
