A Novel Bookstore - by Laurence Cossé (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"A love letter to the novel . . . and a profound exploration of human nature."--Library Journal

Ivan and Francesca decide to open a bookstore devoted to their love of books. Tucked away in a corner of Paris, the store offers a selection of literary masterpieces chosen by a top-secret committee of literary connoisseurs. To their amazement the little dream store quickly proves a success. And that is precisely when their troubles begin. At first, both owners shrug off the anonymous threats that come their way and the venomous comments circulating on the Internet, but when three members of the supposedly secret committee are attacked, they decide to call the police. As the pieces of this puzzle fall ominously into place, it becomes increasingly evident that Ivan and Francesca's dreams will be answered with pettiness, envy and violence.

"Charming and compelling and very readable."--Words Without Borders

Review Quotes

"Marvelous and stimulating."--The San Francisco Chronicle

"A hymn to fine literature."--Le Figaro

"At once a wish-fulfillment fantasy for bibliophiles, a love story, a satire of the contemporary literary scene, and a mystery . . . many readers will find a reason to linger in A Novel Bookstore, which makes a good argument for literature as a sensual pleasure surpassing even sex and fine wine."-- Washington Post

"A love poem to literature."--The Book Habit

"Packed with sublime, enthusiastic descriptions of reading and literature."--Minneapolis Star Tribune

"An Agatha Christie-style mystery bolstered by a love story worthy of Madame de la Fayette . . . Laurence Cossé excels in deconstructing the world of books."--Madame Figaro

"A deeply satisfying manifesto of book love and a sharp indictment of those who would use such love for their own evil purposes."--The Huffington Post

"Cossé poignantly depicts characters who have turned to literature for solace against the pain in their lives."--Publishers Weekly

"A Novel Bookstore is . . . a declaration of love for the art of the novel and its effects on human history."--La Croix (France)

"A Novel Bookstore plays out just like an excellent French film--great entertainment on a surface level, yet some deep philosophical statements resonate in the background." --Mostly Fiction Book Reviews