Reading books in French:
In Au Soleil Redoute we go to Hiva-Oa, the largest island in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, where French painter Paul Gaugain and singer-song writer Jacques Brel both lived and died.
In the story, five would-be writers, all female, are chosen to attend a writer's retreat in Hiva-Oa, a small, isolated, but beautiful island. Each of the five women have their own cabins at the island hotel chosen for the event. However, a la Agatha Christie, the writers begin to be methodically picked off, by an unknown murderer or murderers. First, the leader of the retreat, a well known but controversial author, mysteriously disappears, and then the writers' begin to be killed.
Young Maima, daughter of one of the writers, teams up with Yanna, a former policeman and husband of another of the writers, to investigate on their own, dangerous as that may be, and protect their family member.
The unique culture, geography, and atmosphere of Hiva-Oa form the background of the novel, and Marqeusian traditional beliefs and religion form contribute much to the mystery and intrigue of the book.
A well devised plot, original and diverse characters, and superb story telling made this one of the best in the author's series, in my opinion. It was published in 2020.
Newly arrived book:
"Venice Beach" is a moving tale of the resilience of youth and the importance of reflecting on our stories (publisher).
A 13-year-old boy without a name travels cross country to Los Angeles, and finds himself in Venice Beach, at a shelter for runaway and homeless youth. The story unfolds of his finding a life for himself. I'm on page 34 and eating it up so far.
What are you reading this week?
Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, Mailbox Monday, and Sunday Salon
I am curious about Venice Beach. Enjoy your week and your holidays!
ReplyDeleteIts interesting so far. A teen trying to make it on his own.
DeleteBussi has been on my list for a while, and you inspired me to buy one of his books. This one hasn’t been translated, though, and I’m too lazy to read it in French. Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
So good that many not his books are now in English. I'm pretty sure this one will be translated too later on.
DeleteI've been practicing my French because I would love to read in another language. I think I might try a children's book in the New Year. See what I've read at Girl Who Reads.
ReplyDeleteI had French as a minor in college, with very good teachers, so that has helped!
DeleteI'm studying French, and I hope to one day read something other than simple picture books in French. This French mystery has a great setting.
ReplyDeleteMost of his books have intriguing settings!
DeleteAu Soleil Redoute sounds so atmospheric! I'll have to see if there's a translation.
ReplyDeleteIf not now, maybe in the future. English translations of his previous books keep coming out.
DeleteAu Soleil Redoute is definitely a book I would enjoy, thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI recommend it!
DeleteYour books sound good. I hope you enjoy them. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky to find books I like and can finish!
DeleteGreat review! Bussi is a geography teacher, it definitely shows!
ReplyDeleteYes! He seems very interested in adolescents and child mental development too. I found out thru his books that young children under age 4 or so don't remember those years at all when they age.
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