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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”
What! This isn’t a real place? I sooo wanted to visit there this fall and sit on the bench in the center of the village, watching what was going on around me and maybe meeting an ‘old friend’ or two.
Ah to live in close proximity to a bitter poet, a brilliant book store owner and a salon-like group of amazing artists with a visiting detective crew to solve all the pesky murders . . . and, of course, beautiful scenery grouped around Three Pines. It’s possible just thought reading these novels.
After my cancer diagnosis I was given the book Still Life to read. I have continued to read each new one and developed an almost real connection with my group of new “friends” who have been with me on this journey. Thank you for something wonderful to come out of all this.
I’m just going to read them all over again, I’m sure I missed something delicious!
I adore this! What a wonderful venue for Louise’s fans to share their love and appreciation for Three Pines, her wonderful characters, and all the other magical places she’s taken us!
I would love to live in Three Pines!
I’ve retired and moved to a place that may very well be Three Pines. I feel so fortunate to be here and am looking forward to rereading all the books this winter. Am looking forward to the next novel.
I remember reading Still Life and I couldn’t put it down. At the end of the book, I just said ‘ahhh.’ I read a LOT. I had found a new favorite writer. I anxiously await each new book.
What a treat. Thank you! Each postcard will be a treasure.
I don’t remember how I found these books, but I am forever grateful that I did. Ah, to have friends like these and live in such beauty. As always, I am surprised by joy.
the descriptions of three pines are so warm and gentle. i would love to move there.
I love the phrase Gamache “let the village happen around him”. Exactly!!
I believe that since I didn’t get to go to Hogwarts for school, I ought to be able to retire in Three Pines! I think this description of autumn in Still Life is what got me thinking that way.
My very favourite books and my very favourite place. Would love to visit or even live in Three Pines. The crime rate does not bother me as not all murders take place there, they just have a connection. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading and wishing I were there. I think I will go back and read them all from the start.
“Bury Your Dead” was the inspiration for us to spend our 50th Anniversary in old town of Quebec City. We went everywhere we could mentioned in the book and loved the entire week!!! Love each book and feel the characters are like my secret family!!
Your fantastic, lyrical writing has enriched my life. Your writing , for me, evokes the same complexity of emotion as the music of Joan Baez.
Presently,I am reading the 11th book in the Gamache series. Love the characters and the village.I make myself read a different book between the series books so i can stretch out the experience. I dont want it to end.
What a wonderful setting for your books. The stories have so easily catch your imagination, I can’t put them down. It would be wonderful to stay at the B+B and eat at the Bistro!
From the first book to the last I found myself becoming great friends with the people of Three Pines. I have felt their joys and sadness and reveled in their friendships. I think I belong at The Bistro with them having coffee in the afternoon! I would work at the bookstore for free and happily watch the scene.
I love the books. So happy to have found this spring. Have to read them again