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French for Girls
- Tales from Hapeney Fen, Book 2
- Narrated by: Amanda Berry
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
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French for Girls
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Summary
A chance discovery in the back of a drawer tugs Violet back to her 13th year, to tell a coming of age story that is irresistibly romantic, inevitably comic, and unavoidably tragic.
Even before her pen-pal Albert arrived outside the gates of The Abbess Etheldreda School for Girls, she had decided they must fall in love, but how is she to she make Albert understand, and be sure her new friend has understood her?
When Albert returns home, she is sure of their love, but she begins to have concerns over the doubt Albert reveals in the letters they exchange over months apart, so that by the time her class makes the journey to Paris, she is unsure of how she will be received. Reluctantly, she tells the story of the revelation at Albert's home in Les Fontaines sur Seine that tests her love to breaking point.
Warning: May contain traces of French.
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What listeners say about French for Girls
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sally R
- 30-08-21
A Period Romance Feel in a 21st Century Story
'V' (Violet) is a girl approaching her teens who tells the story from her point of view. She has a French penpal - Albert (pronounced Al-bear) and feelings develop between them with each letter they send.
I wouldn't usually be drawn to this kind of story but having recently listened to I Capture the Castle which is also a story told from the young girls POV, I was hoping this would have similarities. And it did.
The authors writing perfectly describes the thoughts of a young girl who is wrapped up in her feelings for her penpal as well as her ongoing endurance of her younger sister Kitty. This especially made me smile as V refers to her sister by many derogatory words as many a younger sister would be familiar, and I particularly enjoyed the interactions between them.
There are sections where French is spoken, however this is during the exchange of penpal letters and if you do not speak French, you don't have to worry as the replies from Albert are in English and you understand the context from his response. You can just enjoy the French language in the mean-time.
Although this is a modern day story, it felt very much like a period romance brought up to date. The language used is romantic and thoughtful, articulate and poetic and was voiced perfectly by the narrator Amanda Berry who was an excellent choice. The feelings provoked are reminiscent of childhood romance so prepare to be reminded of your school crush.
The developing romance between the two is questioned by V as she wonders if her feelings are recipricated and how the first meeting between them will go. I shan't spoil the ending but other reviewers have commented on a twist and I too did not foresee what would happen. Its not so much shocking, but more of an 'Oh' moment and tests the love V has for her penpal.
This story is one that anyone can enjoy, young or old. I listened within a few sittings and enjoyed every minute. The author and narrator are new to me but I hope to listen to more from both of them.
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