French Rhapsody

Before reading this book I had already read The President's Hate and The Red Notebook, both of which I adored, especially The Red Notebook. After reading a few reviews I was not expecting this book to be quite up to par with the other two but I was pleasantly surprised. It starts with a general practitioner, Dr. Alain Massoulier, 52, receives a letter 30 years too late. It had been sent by a famous record label informing him they were interested in his band, The Holograms. Unfortunately, the members of the group had all gone their own way in life long before.Alain decides to reconnect with the others and see if by any chance one of them might have a copy of the tracks they sent to the record label. Alain shares how the group started and follows how each member has evolved since they broke up. It's fun and interesting to follow each member of the band to their current life destination. This book is a nostalgic exploration into what could have happened. Characters search for the life they once had or could have had by looking up old acquaintances, friends, and lovers. It has some very heart-warming episodes which will leave you with a smile on your face.If you liked his other two books you are sure to like this one as well. There are some very memorable characters and scenes I'm sure I won't soon forget. Some bits are laugh-out-loud funny, while some are quite serious. The characters are delightful and although the book is somewhat whimsical, it is not too much whimsy. I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. I loved it.

The story got off to a slow start, but gradually improved, with a clever twist at the climax. Perhaps a bit of Pollyanna, but a fun little, optimistic, diversion.

This is the third book I've read by Antoine Laurain, and I've enjoyed all three. All of the books develop multiple characters and follow different storylines which merge nicely at the end. I especially like that the author goes for the happy resolution. I admit, since the author is French and the books are translated from French, I was initially a bit leery of reading his books -- I've watched too many French movies where everything is going along swell when suddenly the main character is beheaded or run over by a bus, then The End. So it's been a nice surprise to read Laurain's books where, when things look as though they could go terribly wrong, the author doesn't take the dramatic, dark path, but ends on a positive note instead.

I didn't feel any particular way about this one. I wanted to read it because I had loved The Red Notebook so much but this one didn't jive with me the same way. It was an enjoyable read, though the beginning was a bit slow. It was a nice way to cleanse the palate and prepare me to sink my teeth into a really deep series or dense non-fiction novel.I'd cautiously recommend it.

I adore Antoine Laurain. His writing is charming and whimsical without coming across as trying to hard. His stories are light, fun, but not trivial. If you are a fan of french culture and want a read that isn't too heavy but could never be considered trite, pick up this book. Also run out and get the red notebook, it's one of my absolute favorites.

This was an amusing read. I was about a third of the way into the book before I was hooked. The story is pretty far-fetched, but enjoyable.

This is the second book I read by this author. Each has been a delight. Just when you feel comfortable and think you can predict where the plot is going, a perfectly plausible twist leads to a result you never imagined.

Just marvelous, as all of this author's books are!

This is the fourth book written by Antoine Laurain that I have read and for me it is the best yet. I have enjoyed the others immensely, but this one had me reading into the early hours of the morning to see how it ended. All of The Red Notebook, The President's Hat and Vintage 1954 had the same endearing quirky qualities, dripping with Gallic charm and this was one was no different, but there was an added ingredient, as no obvious conclusion could be divined; I just had to read to the end to find out. There is nothing deep or unpleasant in Antoine Laurain's books, they are peopled with likeable characters and enjoyable plots and if you have a very few hours to spare, it is lovely to luxuriate in their warmth and agreeability. I happened to like this one the most - until perhaps the next one!

Beginnt sehr langsam,aber die Überraschungen folgen. Very French. And a lot of wishful thinking for reality. I suggest you read it to find out.

Another wonderful story. Shorter than the previous two I have read but he really does tell tales that dream you inside and make you smile.

I loved the unique quality of this author's previous novel "The Presidents Hat" so was looking forward to trying this one.The novel is 215 pages, split into many, titled, chapters.Again this story has a really interesting story at it's core. A middle aged doctor receives a letter from a recording company asking him to go to a meeting along with his band members to discuss a possible contract - the problem is that the letter has arrived 33 years too late. The band members have all moved on but Alain decides to try to track them down so he can listen to the original song again.There is plenty of dark comedy alongside much pathos. All the characters have regret and have changed in many ways.Using this seemingly superficial topic, the author dives into the modern France, exploring its political and artist scene with plenty of comments on them both.The book is set in France but this state of the nation novel could be set in many western countries with their extreme politics and people desperate for change.It is a small book but covers such a wide range of topics without ever going off course or preaching.

If, like me, you have read The President's Hat, and The Notebook, you may also, like me, find this disappointing.It begins well but becomes progressively more unreadable!