“Michael passed away. So hard to know how to put one foot in front of the other. But finding solace in Three Pines. Others tell me they find comfort there, and now, so do I.”
AN EXCERPT FROM GLASS HOUSES
The look of pain she saw now wasn’t new, and wasn’t physical. It had always been there,
in Gamache’s eyes, like an astigmatism that meant he saw things slightly differently from the rest of them.
He saw the worst of humanity. But he also saw the best. And she was relieved to see that the decency remained. Stronger, even, than the pain. Stronger than ever.
22 replies on “Postcards from Three Pines: GLASS HOUSES”
Like others ahead of me, I have also re-read books in preparation for A BETTER MAN. Each time I discover something new.
I met you and Michael when you came to Toronto several years ago on a book tour. What a pleasure! You were both kind enough to pose for a picture with me.
I lost my husband just before you lost Michael, and your expressions of loss and grief resonated with me. You so eloquently expressed my feelings exactly. You have given us so many gifts in addition to your writing. Many thanks.
In the Gamache series, I feel that the text invites you in, to be comforted by the Three Pines cohorts, and there always seems to be a word I need to “hear” when I read it. Sometimes, it is the quote from a beloved author, or a poem by Ruth, or from the mouth of one of my characters to my listening ear. The constant themes of “surprised by joy,” Gamache’s five rules and the quote from Corintians are bedrocks that anchor the books. I am an adoring fan. Beth
I must simply say “Thank You”, Louise Penny, for helping salve my broken heart. I lost a dearly loved friend in December to dementia. Your wise, loving, compassionate Armand so resembled him that as I read Kingdom of the Blind it felt as if he was here again.
The good that is sent out into the world is never lost!
I have read all your Gamache books including Kingdom of the Blind and read and reread the last paragraph and the author’s comments. I am sorry you lost your husband and now it reads like we are going to lose you.
You will be greatly missed. You have provided much pleasure to many people.
I read all of the books, but not quite in order. So, now I am confused. I feel like Kingdom of the Blind needs to explain what happened in the previous Gamache situation, so I am reading Glass Houses again. I hope that helps me understand a bit more.
I now have the latest ,The Kingdom of the Blind. It sits there on my bedside table, beckoning to be opened. I am resisting until I can no longer bear the suspense of knowing what has occurred. It’s like a box of chocolates !
THANKYOU Louise for this experience, I have never read any books that so entrap you like entering into the world of Three Pines, and meeting these complex people.
They say everyone has a book inside , waiting to be written,
what a gift you have for sharing your books.
Thank you for posting the beautiful photo of Michael with sushi. Raced out to get my copy of the Kingdom of the Blind yesterday and was moved by “Gamache’s” paragraph describing the beaming face of the elderly man who had died, who instinctively knew those he loved, and kept them safe in his heart. You have done much good in this world by creating this “refuge village” full of irrepressible, flawed but lovable souls — ducks and all. The world you have created for your readers is a real gift! Again, thank you.
Am so lucky to be able to see you next week in Tallahassee and get my copy of Kingdom of the Blind. Can’t wait to visit Three Pines again.
I simply can’t wait for the latest Gamache book!! I even ordered three pines earrings for the book release next week…
It is preordered and I am READY!
I am devoted to Gamache! I wish he were a real person. Many times as I am reading I am compelled to learn more about him and all the characters.
I didn’t start a new novel this week. I’m sticking to short stories so I am ready to dive into Gamache on the stroke of midnight.
On the days I feel the world seems to be so s…..up and sad, I take one of my Books and read a section, it makes me feel better ! I love Ruth and Rosa would be nice to meet them in the Bistro, buy her a scotch or on the Bench by the pond…
Dear Hilde, I wanted to reply to you. I lost my husband last year and the grief comes and goes and i suddenly cry.. I just recently found Louise Penny books and I listen to them in the car and at home and I am to be happy… as happy as I can be… but it is a joy….I wanted to share that with you.
Patty Sokolecki Smoot
psokoleckismoot@gmail.com
I had the honor of working with Michael at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. I was a newly graduated nurse, assigned to 6C1 (hematology-oncology). I had not heard of the Gamache books, but picked one up last year out of curiosity, because of my past connection to Michael. I was hooked! I managed to locate, purchase, and read all the books in the series. I am anxiously awaiting the newest release! Your portrayal of Quebec culture, character, and ambiance is spot on! Thank you Louise. (I thought that I was the only one who used the term “numb nuts” and “dick head”) LOL
Just don’t get a pet goose and you will be ok
See you in KC. Can hardly wait for the event. Love everyone of your books.
Thanks for sharing a picture of your husband in this post card. He strikes me as a man with whom I would enjoy sharing a drink and conversation. I am sure you did.
Have read all your Three Pines books. Admire your courage and resilience after losing your husband. Looking forward to the delicious pleasure of reading your latest story. P.S. as a Quebec expat living in Ontario I really glory in the ambience. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Just finishing it, after re-reading the whole series during the summer and fall. Can’t wait for my pre-ordered copy to come!
I am rereading Glass Houses in preparation for next Tuesday! The only “complaint” I have is that it is being released on a weekday. That means it will be on my bedside table….waiting for the weekend…..waiting for me to open it and start reading the first page not wanting to put it down until it is done. The magic will happen and I will be transported back to Three Pines! And I will swear I can smell sandalwood, again.
Unfortunately most books release on Tuesdays. I don’t know why but perhaps it has something to do with getting them on the bestsellers in the newspapers for the weekend. It has always been like that.