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“Here in Quebec. Finally started writing. I think I’ll call it STILL LIFE. What do you think? Struggling a bit with fear but inspired by the fall colours. ”
AN EXCERPT FROM STILL LIFE
- Three Pines wasn’t on any tourist map, being too far off any main or even secondary road. Like Narnia, it was generally found unexpectedly and with a degree of surprise that such an elderly village should have been hiding in this valley all along. Anyone fortunate enough to find it once usually found their way back. And Thanksgiving, in early October, was the perfect time. The weather was usually crisp and clear, the summer scents of old garden roses and phlox were replaced by musky autumn leaves, woodsmoke and roast turkey.
- Three huge pine trees faced [Gamache] at the far end of the green. Between him and them was a pond, a bunch of sweater-clad children circling it, hunting for frogs, he supposed. The village green sat, not surprisingly, in the center of the village, a road called The Commons circling it with homes, except behind him, which seemed to be the commercial district. It was a very short commercial. It consisted, as far as Gamache could see, of a depanneur whose Pepsi sign read ‘Beliveau’. Beside that was a boulangerie, the Bistro and a bookstore. Four roads led off The Commons, like the spokes of a wheel, or the directions of a compass.
- As he sat quietly and let the village happen around him he was impressed by how beautiful it was, these old homes facing the green, with their mature perennial gardens and trees. By how natural everything looked, undesigned. And the pall of grief that settled on this little community was worn with dignity and sadness and a certain familiarity. This village was old, and you don’t get to be old without knowing grief. And loss.
415 replies on “Postcards from Three Pines: Still Life”
Louise, you are a gift to readers everywhere. When people ask me for recommendations of books or authors, you always make that list. Thank you for these postcards,too—I look forward to each one!
I started reading book 8, A Beautiful Mystery, before I knew it was a series. So, naturally, I had to get all the previous books and read them in order. What a fascinating series! The characters and Three Pines are so well described that it makes me want to live there and become friends with all of them, even Ruth. Thank you, Louise, and journey on!
I’m retiring this week and would love to find a 3 Pines to move to, like the Gamaches did.
I have been enthralled by Three Pines from the moment I first read Still Life, so much so that a friend and I will be visiting the area this fall, to spend some time getting lost in those eastern Provinces. The world you’ve created drew me in like no other I’ve read (in accessible memory, LOL). Your references to Canada’s art, literature and music are inspiring, (enough to search the Internet for YOUR inspirations), and the wisdom gleaned from the characters always strikes a chord in me. Of course, you’ve forever changed my mindset whenever someone inquires after my well-being, and I respond “I’m FINE!”
The idea that such a place exists has helped me to imagine a better world. I would love to live there.
From the first I have loved this place and these people. I have loved Gamache. I have loved your heart and hand Louise. Thank you❤️
These postcards are a most special and thoughtful gift for all the people who want to live in Three Pines and a pleasant surprise for “travelers” nearing the village. ❤️
What a beautiful postcard. Would love to use the picture as a desk top screen saver!
The descriptions of Three Pines in your books made me want to visit this lovely town, which I did. Now when I read your stories, I’m transported back there and feel like your characters really do exist. Thank you for sharing this postcard. Great idea!
A lovely way to revisit a favorite place. Thank you for bringing your readers reminders of why the books are so special.
This short postcard immediately pulled me back into Three Pines. I felt all the emotions I feel every time I read one of the books. Thank you!
Thank you for the postcard. It brought back the warm feelings, sites, and smells of a place I would love to visit.
This is a wonderful idea and helps me flesh out my mental image of Three Pines which is already detailed by your wonderfully descriptive writing.
This is a beautiful inspiring description. Thank you for doing this for your readers. I love it and your books.
A good friend introduced me to your wonderful and intriguing writings. I was immediately hooked and was truly bummed that there was no such place as Three Pines….lol! All I can say is thank you for sharing your gift to us, your loyal readers❣️
Thank you so much for thinking of yet a wonderful way to connect to your readers through the postcards! Before each new book comes out I re-read the whole series to once again enjoy this wonderful village and it’s people.
When I first started to read your books the way you described the village of Three Pines I thought in my head that I was right there with him. It made me want to go there. I have read all your books and can’t wait for Kingdom of the Blind to come out. My daughter has preordered it for me cuz I have told her all about Gamache and the wonderful people who live in Three Pines. I feel like I know them as my friends. You are a amazing writer.
Your ability to make the reader immediately nostalgic for a place we’ve never been and at the same time know that it is inhabited by real people with complex lives, shortcomings, and foibles draws me right in to Three Pines! Somehow it is as close as my own home to this Ohio girl!
I too have reread the Gamache series…a kind of mental vacation to a favorite spot with dear friends. There is something about Ruth that pulls at my heart…I see many of these dear folks in the people around me…November’s release eagerly anticipated!
Louise, it’s amazing that right from the beginning, Three Pines and all our beloved “friends” seemed to spring fully formed from your vivid imagination. Best experience I have ever had with books. Thank you!