The five senses play a powerful part in all of Louise’s books, from taste to sight to smell.
What scents come to mind when you think of Three Pines?
A Return to Three Pines: The Cruelest Month
A Return to Three Pines: The Cruelest Month
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29 replies on “A Return to Three Pines: The Cruelest Month”
This Florida girl craves the scenery described in each of these books. I love the smells and sounds as they draw me more into the plot and add the extra goodness to each book. I’m jealous of the close friends and neat places to eat and drink. Makes me want to visit Canada! Great books and fabulous reading!!
I agree with Connie- reading the Gamache books transports me to Three Pines in a very special way. As I read the place and the people become so real to me. No matter what is going on in my life I find such comfort. I believe that the sense of smell is one of the most immediate accesses to our memories and the descriptions in Louise Penny’s books touch something very deep for me.
The smell of pines trees, rich coffee and croissants!
aromas, scents, they are an enticing part of what makes these books so addictive and what puts you there. the food, the crisp winter air, the fallen leaves, the oil paint, flowers, and books. it’s such a powerful way to to make us all see three pines right in front of us as we read, and read, and reread.
I really wish Sarah and Olivier and Gabbri would collaborate on a cookbook. Whatever Gamache story I am reading, I want to eat what is being served in Three Pines.
Oh yes! I wish there was one in my neighborhood.
Yes! I think this all the time!
Croissants, fresh baguette and cafè au lait. All these fragrances are wafting up to me as I am sitting and listening to a bubbling brook, reminiscent of the Bella Bella
I have planted three pines in the last two yards of our homes. It reminds me of the community described in the books. People who help each other, accept diversity and enjoy being together.
The aromas coming from the Bistro, and from all the gardens. The sifting sighing of the wind through the pines, the sound of children playing and old friends calling greetings to one another.
I impatiently wait for each new book. Once I have the book and I am ready to start reading, I am transported to Three Pines and welcomed by dear old friends.
The smell of the pines tells me that I am in an (almost) sacred place. ‘Almost sacred’ because no one or thing is intended to be perfect. I love the bistro! I hold in the smell of coffee and fresh pasties
Three PineS is so real that it seems like my second home. I get hungry with all the talk about food. Keep that talk going. Take good care of all my friends in Three Pines.
I love the smell of outside. I go out every morning and take a few deep breaths to smell the fresh morning air and what ever is riding on it. Sometimes it’s the different trees or the grass or the smell of coming rain or snow or the flowers that are working their way out depending on the season. Then some mornings I can smell someone’s breakfast cooking. That is always a comforting smell.
A Rule Against Murder – one of my favourites in the series. Such genuine humanity; all those imperfect, interwoven lives. Loved it. Favourite line, “The Morrows dabbed dry eyes and moist brows”
When I read Louise Penny’s books I am THERE. I feel Three Pines and beyond with all of my senses. I also look up the places on a map. Especially on the trip up the St. Lawrence river on that adventure. I looked up photos of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. I have learned so much about the province of Quebec. I would love to visit and explore someday. I have your two new books on reserve on Amazon. Exciting!!
I love it when people sit by the fire at the Bistro, I can imagine having a drink, watching it snow and smelling the wood burn.
The scent of the fireplaces at the bistro and in the Gamache home. Oil paint. Baked salmon.
I look forward one day to traveling the familiar byways l’ve learned from Louise and her family of characters. I can’t think of a better adventure than finding the inspiration of Three Pines and tasting the delights offered!
In Maine the crisp smell of the last spring snow fall on the thawing earth bring the joy of knowing spring flowers are on the way.
Growing up in the north, I can relate to the smalls and feel of the seasons in Three Pines. I would love to have croissants from the bakery and enjoy them with onion soup at the cafe.
You are just an hour and a half from my home in VT, and April brings a promise of spring, green arrives, but then it snows. It is cruel to see the snow kill early flowers, but then when snow comes, I want to visit the bistro and have hot chocolate and quiche. I could see, smell, and taste this book!
Having grown up in northern New York state this brings back so many memories, smells, and tastes. I can picture myself in Three Pines with all the characters you write about. Would love to go to the bistro one time.