Charming French Fairytale

Spotted this in a train station as the book of the week, and glad I remembered to look it up on here. Deliciously narrated, Stephane Cornicard's voice is truly 'ear candy', and that makes this an audiobook worth purchasing over just reading the book.
This touching Paris-set vignette is highly reminiscent of the likes of Amelie: quirky, pleasant characters you cheer for because you recognise in them the basic human desire to be happy and fulfilled, and relate to their struggles along the way. It's the kind of story that finds humour, warmth and charm in the most basic, mundane everyday occurrences, and champions the dispossessed, where equally lonely and stubborn souls form habitual friendship groups that grudgingly, sometimes unknowingly, provide all the support they need to keep them afloat - gives us all hope, eh?
Like one of Aunt's sugar puffs, this is 'a little sweet, with no other pretension than quite simply to be eaten': enjoy! (Word to the wise, if you're at all queasy about bathroom functions, then maybe proceed with caution?!)

6 people found this helpful

Quirky story, beautifully narrated.

I loved this quirky, unusual story, with its medley of characters who have dull jobs and ordinary lives. It's their reflections about their lives which make this such an enjoyable book. Will the reader ever get to meet the writer?

it got interesting for me half way through

I enjoyed the story a lot more from around half way. There are some humorous parts and also some parts you won't want your children listening to towards the end. overall an enjoyable listen. The narrator was a joy to listen to with a slight French accent which probably made the book sound more interesting. it's not my usual read but was chosen for my book club and I'm glad I listened but wish the romance came a little earlier in the story.

Refreshingly different!

I wasn't sure about this book initially but intrigued as to exactly what the protagonist's work was and what the monster machine actually did. Reading aloud to a train carriage full of people seemed a strange thing for such a quiet man to do but I loved this character and his philosophy. The incongruity of this job for someone who loved books was painful. I loved the marvellous colleague who only spoke in Alexandrian quatrains and admire the writer's skill in creating these. A charming story with some very humorous touches and a pleasing resolution.

Spectacular read

Although slow to start ‘The Reader’ is a delightfully quirky, beautifully written and expertly performed audiobook. Really a delight to have listened to and so very clever.

Sublime - both writing and narration

A delightful short read. Beautiful narration - that enhanced the book. Almost a fairy tale but filled with rounded and delightful characters. Celebrating the depth and richness of every day life.

The followup book is read by someone else and I so enjoyed this one (consumed in one sitting this morning) that I feel I'll need to wait a little before listening to it. As having a different narrator just won't be the same.

This is a magical book and one I'll be sharing with lots of people.

The occasional misread

A fun, quirky story and I really like Cornicard’s accent. The subtle way he changed his voice for Julie and the old ladies was nice, too.

Due to reading difficulties, I read and listen at the same time and I did find a few small errors here and there: some misread words and unintoned questions. I found myself doing a double-take ever now and then but really no big deal!

Beautiful, touching and amusing

If you described the plot of this book to anyone, it would seem a little strange but the entire narrative wends its way to a beautiful, funny and touching narrative. The French narration only added to its beauty.

Favourite

My favourite ever book. Simple. Have to write 11 more words. 4 more words now:

DNFing at Chapter 7

If you LOVE trains, go for it. If not, yes its super heavy on the train topic so maybe give it a miss.