The Little Paris Bookshop

Although I’m fairly cynical regarding the realms of love and relationships, I’m still a total [closet] sap (don’t ask me how that works, because I don’t really know).

That being said, after I first read the synopsis for this novel, I was already pretty convinced that I would like it a lot.

The Little Paris Bookshop

thelittleparisbookshopBy Nina George

Genre: Fiction
Pages: 392

bforbooksdisclaimerThe Little Paris Bookshop centers around Monsieur Perdu, a man who lost the love of his life when she left him a little over two decades ago. He calls himself a “literary apothecary,” and has set up a floating bookstore on the Seine, prescribing novels to different people for the hardships of life.

But then he finally reads a letter that she left him. One that he left un-opened for 21 years. The contents of that letter spur him to journey to the south of France in hopes to find answers to unanswered questions.

This novel actually kinda reminded me of the movie, Chocolat! <3 (Except that her prescription of choice was in the form of chocolate!) It also made me wonder what book he would’ve prescribed to me.

Since I don’t want to give too much of the book away, I’ll just give you my impressions on the writing–I loved the vivid descriptions (it made me want to go to France!) and the way the story flowed. I definitely believe in the healing power of words, whether by writing or reading. Writing has always been one of my outlets (especially in the days of Livejournal and my offline [paper] journals), and I love how stories can transport you into a different world altogether.

This novel takes you on a journey of sorts, and will likely make you sad to say goodbye to the characters at the end of it. (This is precisely the reason as to why I never finished the game, Tales of Phantasia. don’tjudgeme.)

I have a feeling that this is the one of those novels (much like The Mapmaker’s Children) that will stick around in my mind for a long, long time. It’s beautifully written, and there are a lot of quotes in there that I really liked.

All of us preserve time. We preserve the old versions of the people who have left us. And under our skin, under the layer of wrinkles and experience and laughter, we, too, are old versions of ourselves. Directly below the surface, we are our former selves: the former child, the former lover, the former daughter.”

I liked how it managed to be whimsical and heartwarming, while also seriously tugging at them heartstrings.Ā  <3

You know what makes The Little Paris Bookshop even more awesome? There are recipes at the end! They are dishes typical of the Provence region, and look pretty darn delicious. (Lavender Ice Cream, I’m specifically lookin’ at you!)

Still not convinced? There’s also an “Emergency Literary Pharmacy” at the back that I thought was a really nice touch. :P There are suggestions on what to take (what book to read) for “when your ideals clash with reality,” “men who are too scared to love,” and “those susceptible to boring dreams” (just to name a few)! :] I’m looking forward to checking out the “prescriptions” too!

(Linking up with Mary, Ashley, and Tami over at Literary Musing Mondays!)


  • Have you ever heard of The Little Paris Bookshop?
  • What “ailment” do you feel you’d need a literary prescription for?
  • What book would you prescribe to me? (Why yes, I’m shamelessly looking for more to add to my never-ending to-read list on GoodReads!

Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/review-the-little-paris-bookshop/

12 comments

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  1. Not even kidding you Farrah, I almost got this book. I think it may be a sign that blogging for books, needs to update their selections lol
    Channing recently posted…Friday Favorites XVIIIMy Profile

    1. hahaha, yes indeed! It was a really cute book though, and I’m kinda glad I had to “branch out,” so to speak! :P

  2. I have NOT heard of the book, BUT it sounds really interesting! How cool to “prescribe” books to people!! Love the term “Literary apothecary”

    My current ailment: Finding balance and not being so hard on myself, so SOME sort of book taht would help me address that! ORrrrrrrrrrrrr a pleasure read, since I need some pleasure in my life!

    My prescription for you: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (Just because I loved it so much and if you are unfamiliar with the Asperger mind, this is a great feel of what it really feels like)
    Diana recently posted…Ups and DownsMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I want him to prescribe me something, haha. :]

      I looked through the “literary pharmacy” and there’s one in there that’s supposed to help you to tackle overwork, to prioritize and to see your purpose in life! (Jose Saramago’s Blindness [translated by Giovanni Pontiero])!

      Thanks so much for the book prescription! I’m definitely adding that to my to-read list! <3

  3. I’ve never heard of this book, but a book with recipes at the end sounds like it’d be a good one to read ;)
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Dairy free coconut milk custardMy Profile

    1. haha, yes indeed! Recipes make my world go round! <3

  4. I wanted to get this book but i already had another book to review and i didn’t. But i will read this book for sure. I know i will love it. Fyi, on Mondays i participate in a link up for book reviews. You might want to link it up there. I’m sure people will be interested in reading your review. I can not link it on this phone, but you can find it in my tweets. I just posted a tweet about it
    Eva recently posted…Best Shark Books for Little Shark EnthusiastsMy Profile

    1. I think you’d really like it too! It was such a unique concept! <3

      Thanks so much for letting me know about that linkup! :D! I really appreciate it (+ stalked it down this morning, hehehe)!

  5. I love the thought of literacy and books as prescriptions. I have always believed that a book holds a lot of power. Thanks for sharing this interesting read at Literacy Musing Mondays. Looking forward to reading more of your reviews and thoughts on reading and literacy.
    Mary Hill recently posted…Literacy Musing Mondays, Week 24My Profile

    1. I definitely agree! :] Thanks so much for hosting the linkup! I’m so glad Eva told me about it! Looking forward to participating in future ones as well! :]

  6. I’m convinced! This is definitely one I want to read. I love the idea of a literary apothecary.
    Ally R. recently posted…Chapter One of an Untitled StoryMy Profile

    1. I hope you like it! I really liked that idea too! I wanna know what my prescription would be!

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