I want to foreword this post by saying that if you haven’t read the book yet, please do so before reading this. My intention for these posts is to be a virtual book club so that readers can discuss the books after reading them with people they may not run into in their normal day-to-day. That being said, let’s dive in, (and I’ll still do my best not to give away any major spoilers).
There is not a single book written by this woman that has not made me cry both sad and happy tears. This one is no different. She understands humanity. Emotion. Not just the pretty, she understands all of it. And she embraces all of it in the midst of turmoil. She’s caused frustration, elation, awe, and reverence for poetry and the artistic world, tying them both into every aspect of life. All while dealing with the death of her husband… Normally I wouldn’t read the author’s notes at the end of novels because it’s usually just a thank you to a list of people who helped with the book. But this one, this one made me cry. It’s so beautifully written and ties in the themes of the novel so nicely. Don’t ignore her notes at the end if you haven’t read them yet. You’ll be glad you chose to read it.
As is described in this novel through Clara’s latest and seemingly unfinished portraits, and the title itself, the truth is hidden in plain sight. That fact can be applied to other areas of the novel as well, such as the foreshadowing moment when during a group discussion it is asked if Gabri knows what he has in Anton. The question is meant to highlight his cooking skills, but in fact highlights something much darker. The only answer to this question comes from Armand, who simply states that ‘no, he’s sure he doesn’t’. Unbeknownst to the group, Gamache meant something else entirely.
The scene in which all of the truth comes to light and all of the action is taking place reads like a whirlwind. I think if there was a storm going on outside while I was reading this scene I was wholly unaware. I actually might need to go back and read it again, as I feel that I may not have given it proper attention… Most of the village is unaware of what is going on in their bistro when the gunfire starts. When Clara, Ruth, and Reine-Marie hear them, they immediately jump to help instead of running away. They have no idea how big of a mess they’re walking into, but they do so to protect their family. They seem to know exactly what is needed and when, and I again have to marvel at Penny’s relation to humanity.
Another aspect I love to marvel over is how Penny uses symmetry in a way that feels as though everyone experiences the same exact things uniquely. Another truth hidden in plain sight. However, she utilizes the exact same sentences from different character’s perspectives, and the reader gets a completely different meaning. I find her writing style to be wonderfully refreshing. Everything that is mentioned in the beginning of this novel comes to a head at the end. I feel as though there are no plot holes, and no loose ends. If you feel differently, or would like to discuss any aspect of this book or her writing, please don’t hesitate to ask!
As always, thank you for reading into my thoughts.
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