13 rue Thérèse – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Sunday, 24 April , 2011 at 1:13 pm
Author: Elena Mauli Shapiro
Publisher: Headline
ISBN: 978-0755374229
American professor & translator Trevor Stratton has just moved into his office at a Paris university and there he discovers a box filled with letters, photographs and personal objects. Who do these belong to? Whose life is this? The box and its contents tell the story of Louise Brunet, who lived through both world wars. Trevor finds himself captivated by the story and we join him in this mystery.
Having read a great review of this book on another blog (sorry, I can’t remember which) and then it appearing in my Amazon Vine list, I decided to snap it up and give it a go. I loved the premise of Louise’s life in a box. The pictures, the postcards and letters, the personal possessions… Somebody coming across these so many years later and imagining the life of their former owner.
The pictures, postcards, letters and personal possessions are actually pictured in the book throughout the story. I loved seeing these and the only thing better would to have had the box itself! I love family history and so to me rooting through a box like that and imagining that person’s life would be wonderful.
The author actually lived in the apartment below the real-life Louise Brunet’s apartment and she ended up with a box of Louise’s possessions when her neighbour died and no relatives came to collect them. The items captured her imagination and gave way to this intriguing story.
13 rue Thérèse is a story of history, love and mystery and a little bit of magic, all set in the city of love itself – Paris. There are a couple of sex scenes in the book (though with some added humour), but nothing too explicit.
There isn’t a clear, straight timeline throughout the book, with chapters bouncing back and forth between times every now and then, but I found it easy enough to follow.
One thing I did notice about the book was that a few of the pages had a little fleur-de-ys in the bottom corner. The page numbers don’t all match between my uncorrected proof copy and the website, but a visit to the book’s website will give you more detail and in some cases, an audio track or video too.
The story did take on a slightly different slant towards the end and it’s one on which I can’t quite make up my mind, but it didn’t take away too much from that fact that I quite enjoyed this imaginative book. It’s different and one that will possibly divide the opinion of its readers.
Have you read it? What did you think?
Buy 13 rue Thérèse by Elena Mauli Shapiro from Amazon UK
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Please note: I received this book free through the Amazon
Comments (5)
Category: Books,Historical Fiction,Mystery,Reviews,Romance
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Comment by bermudaonion (Kathy)
Made Sunday, 24 of April , 2011 at 1:52 pm
I liked this book a lot and really enjoyed the creative way the story was put together.
Comment by OldOldLady Of The Hills
Made Sunday, 24 of April , 2011 at 3:30 pm
This book sounds very very interesting! I love something that unfolds from so called “found” materials—and that some of these are reproduced in the book makes it even more interesting…..
Thanks for this review, my dear.
And…..A VERY HAPPY EASTER to you and yours!
Comment by Beth(bookholicmom)
Made Sunday, 24 of April , 2011 at 11:01 pm
I have this in my to be read pile but haven’t read it yet. Finding someone’s special treasures could be very interesting. I love books that are written around letters so I am thinking this will be a book I will like. Thanks for the great review! Happy Easter!
Comment by Annie
Made Monday, 25 of April , 2011 at 9:02 am
This is the second review I’ve read about this book and it is one I shall have to look out for as it sounds as though the narrative is built in a very original manner and that always appeals to me. Is it actually generally available as yet?
Comment by Julie @ Knitting and Sundries
Made Friday, 13 of May , 2011 at 2:28 pm
I’ve read some wonderful reviews that have put this one near the top of my to-buy list, and your review just adds to that! Thanks so much!
