Sandra C. (sandybees) reviewed on 10/12/2010 + 109 more book reviews

This book is a wonderful novel full of heart and passion. As a lover of all things French I admire the way the author draws you into the lush world of Paris and the French countryside. The story centers around forty-three year old architect Tonio Rey, who surprises his sister Melanie for her 40th birthday by taking her on a trip to a charming French town that his family used to summer at. While Tonio and Melanie have a nice holiday, Melanie surprises Tonio on the drive back home by announcing that she's remembered something from their past. Before she can tell him, Melanie drives off the road and is seriously injured in the ensuing car accident. This is the catalyst for Tonio to explore the past and the sudden and mysterious death of their mother Clarisse some thirty years earlier. Tonio, who has been left by his beautiful wife Astrid for another, younger man, is struggling in mid life with major issues such as divorce, alienation from his children, a distant father and unresolved issues regarding his mother's death. Although the story was interesting, the final resolution wasn't as captivating as the premise. I enjoyed the book but was left wanting a little more substance. Ultimately, I think this is a novel about discovery...about the past, about one's family and about one self.

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