In "Little Paris Bookshop" by Nina George, Jean Perdu, owner of The Literary Apothecary bookstore housed on a barge, prescribes books to heal broken hearts and damaged psyches.
His own broken heart, however, remains frozen after the love of his life left him 20 years ago. He has walled off the room in his apartment where he and his love Manon spent countless hours.
Helping a new neighbor kicked out of her house stirs feelings in Perdu. He realizes that while he isn't emotionally available to have a relationship, he wants to be.
It serves as a catalyst, sending him off on a journey down the canals of France seeking to heal his heart and discover what really happened with Manon. Along the way he picks up a few other strays of the human variety.
This is a warm-hearted quirky novel about life, love and books. There were many wonderful little turns of phrase or vignettes that endeared this novel to me.
Perdu's two stray cats aboard his barge are named after famous authors: Kafka (The Metamorphosis) and Lindgren (Pippi Longstocking).
When Brits heckle Perdu for ineptly steering his barge, his comrade retorts with "Monarchists! Atheists! Crust-Cutters!" What delightful expletives!
Finally, Perdu and comrades spend time with a family whose daughter, Elaia, has been fighting cancer for years. When Elaia was 9 years old she named the thing that lives and sleeps in her body Lupo.
Despite having a mastectomy, the daughter is unashamed of her body. She is a great role model for body positivity!
If you are looking for a book full of wisdom and heart, look no further.
Kira Michaelieu coordinates the Ukulele Jam Club at the Missouri River Regional Library.