Join us here in The Bistro for a discussion on the entire Gamache series. Feel free to ask or answer any questions about any of the books or the series as a whole.
Located in the Equitable Building in Manhattan, Minotaur Books publishes bestselling and award-winning crime fiction ranging from thrillers and suspense to traditional mysteries. Minotaur has published Louise Penny since 2007.
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Here’s something I propose – we are all so wanting to discuss the book, and we don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t yet read the book. How about if we put our own date on when we can start the discussion, with a huge SPOILER ALERT POST before we get going? I propose that we start discussing it Monday, September 14th… Gives people either enough time to finish, or enough notice that we will start the discussion, that they can avoid it until they’re ready! What do you think?
Just occurred to me this is somewhat uncharted territory. At the Bistro, we assume everyone has read all the books. But listening to the interview of Louise, which Jan so graciously posted for us, it is apparent there are new readers all the time and Louise doesn’t want people giving out spoilers of earlier books, which we might do in a separate TNOTB page… I’m very glad the very top of this discussion group mentions all books will be discussed. So if a separate page for TNOTB does appear, let’s be very aware of that. Perhaps even keep our discussions of the entire series here? We could pop in and out of both…
Kim B, I’ve wanted to respond to your post next to last on page 46 for a long time and well, life…
This is part of what you wrote:
“My pattern is to muddle along with a fairly even keel until there is too much stress in my life or something comes along that makes me question my talents, capabilities and values. At that point, it takes everything in me to sit on deep insecurities and fears around not being (good) enough and anger, resentment, envy and ugliness come out through the cracks.”
I think you’d be surprised at how very many people actually do just muddle along most of the time. Doing the best they can in the midst of sometimes unbearable stress. Be it their own physical problems, or being caregivers which is horrendously tiring, or work overload… Even pressure cookers need to let a bit of the steam out constantly or the pot explodes. Unfortunately, what seeps out when so very tired is our self confidence, our sence of value. It takes a lot of effort to quiet the critical mind’s constant chatter of insecurity. It can almost get paralyzing if we listen to it as well as similar comments from others.
My way to shut out the critical mind is to listen to books in audio. I used to meditate daily but these last four years have been challenging in so many ways I couldn’t always shut down the mental to do’s, to worry’s, to meditate. So I found something else that works for now to keep the wolves of worry away.
The other thing I’ve been trying to tell myself constantly is that all I can do is my best at any given moment. If it doesn’t seem like enough for others, well that’s their problem, not mine!
Sometimes I tend to think I must be the only one muddling along. Honestly, it’s been three years I’ve been tackling, avoiding, tackling again the boxes of books! “What’s wrong with me?” Turns out it wasn’t “me” but my body. I hope this helps you feel you aren’t alone. Let the ‘merde’ out of the cracks so the light can get in! <3
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT
Julie, I re-listened to the section of Gamache & Jean-Guy’s locations. Yes, Jean-Guy is at Ruth’s house but Gamache is at the Bistro’s door looking at the grocery store then looking at Jane’s house before he runs up the hill, Jean-Guy right behind him.
I think the ‘little mistake’, if it is a mistake and I’m not sure it is a ‘mistake’ at all, is something altogether different.
Good for you, Millie – that makes sense… I couldn’t remember the reason he would have actually GONE to Jane’s house… silly me. So now I still have to worry about the mistake…
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!
I agree Millie. Could that “tiny mistake ” possibly refer to a proper noun involving a location/historical event located far away geographically and in time from Three Pines? It sort of confused me when I read it….and I wondered if another hugely memorable reference might have been intended. (Hope this is vague enough, ha ha.)
Oh, I think I remember now – I think I have the same thing in mind and think I know what it is… I actually had to look it up to reassure myself that I was remembering it right.
Julie, I think we are on the same wave length on this! I have loaned my copy of the book to a friend but do have a recollection that that specific mention gave me pause enough to look it up as well. A choice was made…..don’t think I could ever call it a “mistake” though. Glad you’re back safely.
Jan, I really don’t know. And I’m starting to wonder if we’ve started looking for ‘mistakes’ – real or just our own interpretation of what we read. I know that during my first mad dash first read thru, I was confused about something. I mentioned it to Anna and when she explained her interpretation of the scene it made so much more sense!
I know we want desperately to discuss the book, but if I were Louise, my heart would be breaking thinking that my loyal fans were scouring the book for ‘mistakes’, so I personally am going to stop that and wait for the open discussion where we can ask, “How did you interpret this?” Otherwise, I’ll feel I’ve not learned anything about ‘a place where goodness exists’. That place is in my heart. But everyone, please understand I’m not standing in judgement of anyone who wishes to continue, it IS a topic that has even me wondering. I just can’t continue just yet. I’m just one little person (literally! :-), who has one little opinion so carry on, my friends.
Oh, I agree, Millie! And for me, if I’ve got the right thing in mind, it’s not a mistake, it’s a choice. But it’s so tiny, that it doesn’t matter at all… I think this was one of Louise’s most powerful books – again, trying hard not to produce any spoilers, but the struggle between good and evil was never more evident. Lately, I’ve been thinking about Armand – what direction would I be taking him in if he were “mine”… He is that most elusive of all things – a truly good person. When he meets up with someone who is the exact opposite – truly evil – it makes for a spine-tingling read!
Julie, there’s one scene which is so powerfully written I feel I’m in the room! Eek! I have to skip over it if I’m alone or its dark. Not much writing affects me that way. Shudder.
Millie – that’s true, isn’t it? I think I know the scene you mean, and it is amazing! I read it in a rush, because we were at an apex, and I just had to know… Crazy good writing!
Millie, I think you are a big spirit and your thoughts surely have enriched all discussions. I see myself as an ancient person but one who also has always been the “listener/observer” type. It is difficult to join in verbally a lot of the time but that feels very OK here, I am very grateful to have this welcoming site. And remember Millie , those who would try to shoot you down in life are perhaps only inwardly needing to build themselves up….sad but true.
Oh, Jan, thank you for such kind and supportive words.
This is such a marvelous ‘place’. You’ve found comfort knowing it’s perfectly OK to be a listener and I’ve found a place where I can blab on about books with kindred spirits.
Cathryne, you are so kind to think of me. Like Millie, I wouldn’t want to breach any copyright. Let’s see how it pans out. I have a map in my head!
I need to read the book again. I started but darn life just gets so busy. I can’t wait for a spare moment to check the link you posted Jan. How thoughtful.
I think this book is one of my favourites already. It’s like a new beginning. I can see a whole slew of threads Louise could follow. Curious to know what she will do in the next book, which strand she will pull.
I am very jealous of all those who have been able to get to one of Louise’s events. I can’t imagine she will get to Australia any time soon but hopefully I can get to one in North America next time.
Paul – please direct me if I’m about to do wrong… Because I went back in and submitted my name a second time (to make sure) I have two maps. May I mail one to Anna? I didn’t for a second think that could happen, so I didn’t worry about going back the second time – I just wanted to make absolutely sure I was on the list at least once. I thought there would be a program or something that would spit out a repeated name.
That’s an honest oops, Julie. And if it’s an original, I’m pretty sure there would be no copyright violations sending an original to Anna. If anyone deserves one, it’s her! 🙂
Sure. Mail away.
Thanks, Paul.
Yay!
Anna – can you please email me at abucksworth@gmail.com? With Paul’s okay, I’ll send you my extra map…
Julie, may I email you to occasionally discuss needlework?
Thank you Julie. I am not sure why I am so fortunate but you are very very kind. I sent you an email.
“Why do we love you,
Let us count the ways…” 🙂
My beautiful map of Three Pines came today. My neighbor from across the street knocked on the door and handed the big envelope to me and said it was mistakenly delivered to his house a day or two ago. We don’t know each other at all so I was especially grateful. It was a nice way to meet a new neighbor, but made me wish I had introduced myself right away when they moved in!
Anyway, I’m thrilled, but I need help. I hope some smart, savvy people have identified more homes, places than I have so far. I’m going to make an extra copy so I can write on one.
Anna, have you found someone to mail a copy to you in Australia? If not, I can see how nice a copy I can have made and send one to you if you let me know an address.
I am presently listening to TNOTB for the third time; well, I read it first, next listened, now listening again. Each time, of course, I notice more and enjoy more. I’ve been thinking about all of the Louise Penny readers since I sat down the first night, a feeling of shared experience and community, though wide-ranging geographically. So fun!
Maybe we can start talking maps, I hope so!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IWmFmuvHRA
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON USA
Struggling with “technology” this a.m. but thought a try at posting this video would be so worth the effort and give much joy to all who could not make it to any of Louise’s NOTB book tour destinations in August. My granddaughter (of course, another LP fan) drove over 300 miles to attend the one in Seattle and surprised me later here in Oregon with not only a wonderful signed copy of the book, but a lovely photo of herself with Louise. What a thrilling experience! I remain deeply grateful to both of them as well as all of those dear (surviving ) souls in Three Pines. It’s a great book!
Thank you, Jan! It’s wonderful, as are you. 😀
Glad you enjoyed it Millie. Honestly though, I really identify with Louise’s “result” on that magazine personality quiz she mentioned. 🙂 Seriously.
Jan, I giggled at that comment. Me too! I already zone out… She probably filled out those quiz questions right before writing A Rule Against Murder. She actually has Clara saying just that. LOL…
Oh, lovely. I was out of town for this, and sorely tempted to cancel my trip, though it would have actually cost me a lot of money, hahaha. I will savor this, as well.
One of ‘us’ has a map. That’s wonderful! (mumble, grumble, I don’t have one, 😉 I’d ask for a copy but we don’t really know if we can copy a limited edition. As much as I’d like one, I don’t want to break any intellectual property rights… Paul, I think we need guidance here.
I did print out for myself the little section Louise shared with everyone… My sense of direction is terrible so that helped a lot. But exactly who lives where is still a mystery to me. I’m not even sure which is the B&B! They aren’t identified on the map? (Sob!)
I did feel that sense of belonging, of community while reading / listening. Loved all the pictures of people holding up their copies during her tour. A little part of me cheered, and smiled every time she posted a picture of a new place feeling a part of something wonderful – a group of people who love goodness and kindness. Yay, us!
Cathryne – I’m with you – I am having a devil of a time figuring things out. A few houses are highlighted, but I think it’s to show the front of a house that has some importance, and that doesn’t show in the regular view… But there is one highlighted house that I can’t think whose it could be, and of course, some confusion as to which is exactly Clara’s, indisputably. I know it’s one of two… And the same for Gamache’s house – I know it’s one of two, but the other is also highlighted, and who lives next door to the Gamaches? I was sure it would come with labels. Once again, Paul – can you shed some light? We REALLY need to know!
From the previous book, Gamache is walking with Ruth, they stop in front of his (Emily’s) house and she goes into hers, next door…. It’s when she tells him the house has been empty for too long, ‘it’ wants company, even company as banal as you. Made me think Ruth wanted company more than the house…. 🙂
Oh – maybe that’s the mistake then… because I was thinking Ruth’s house was the one beside the B & B – because in TNOTB, Beauvoir is in Ruth’s house, and Gamache is in Jane’s house, and they look out the windows and can see each other directly across the green. But Jane’s house has to be beside Clara’s house, from Still Life… If Gamache was in Jane’s house and looking directly across the green, he wouldn’t be able to see Jane’s house if it’s beside Gamache’s…
I’ve also been looking at who definitely has two-story houses, and that’s Ruth, Jane and Gamache, but they’ve not said about Clara’s house, I think. I also think about who’s poor enough that they couldn’t afford a big house though I expect the prices on houses in a small village would be pretty affordable.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT What??? I read it as though Gamache was at the grocer’s looking at Jane’s house then his gaze travels up the hill to St. Thomas’s. Geez I need another re-read!?!
Doesn’t A Trick of the Light have Clara & Peter going upstairs and downstairs to and fro their bedroom?
I think it’s Beauvoir who looks at Jane’s house and then his gaze goes up the hill to the church. BUT, I could also have it wrong – there was a lot going on just then.
I didn’t remember an upstairs at Clara’s house – but again, it was probably mentioned in passing, and I just missed it. I’ve been trying to mark all information about where houses are in juxtaposition to other houses, but that doesn’t mean I remember them all!
Paul Hochman, any idea when the book discussion page will be available? Soon? Maybe? The wait is almost as hard as waiting for the book, which is extraordinary.
BTW, Bistro friends, if you haven’t checked out the latest ‘Real Places of Three Pines’ it’s ‘Myrna’s bookstore inspiration. The write up is terrific. It sounds just like what you’d find inThree Pines!
Please feel free to discuss the NOTB in the Bistro. BUT, please don’t spoil!!
Thanks.
Thank you, Paul. The caveat is a tough one. Would it be better to just wait, since so much would be a potential spoiler?
That or label the top of your post with SPOILER ALERT!!!
You are a gem! Thanks again.
Julie, are you back from your trip? I’ve missed you! I found something you might like while looking at a Diana Gabaldon post – a tee shirt printed with 40 thousand words of Pride and Prejudice: litographs.com
Search tees. I don’t wear tees or I’d get one. It’s beautiful.
Hi, Millie – sorry to keep you wondering… I got back on Monday as expected, but was so afraid of reading spoilers, or even being urged on to finish the book faster, that I stayed away. Finished it last night. OMG! It was powerful – I think we are now beginning to build toward another great suspenseful showdown…
I’m most intrigued by the “tiny mistake”. I certainly didn’t notice anything… and now I NEED TO KNOW!!!!!! Hahahahahaha.
Millie – those t-shirts are very cool – I might think about getting a tote – the Tees have too tight a neck for me – I need a boatneck, or I feel strangled. I love that idea, though!
That’s why I don’t use tees! lol
i wonder if Gamache will take a new job? So many possibilities!!
Hi to all Three Piners! Had a great time listening to Louise in Pittsburgh! She was a delight and very appreciative of all her fans. My daughter and I sat front row,center! After speaking and answering questions, she signed books for all 600 of us! Louise and I had a lovely chat about Alzheimers and its far reaching effects. My life is richer for knowing her and her wonderful characters! I marathon read TNOTB Sunday, and now am going over it slowly, absorbing and savoring every word and emotion! I think I caught the mistake , Maday! The depth of emotions from Armand are heart wrenching!
Sounds like you had an amazing time Amy, how wonderful. Louise must have an amazing amount of energy to sign 600 books!
Alzheimers is a disease like a boulder in a pond….the ripples are large and spreading. I find the isolation aspect the hardest, both for the patient and those who love them. I so admire Louise and her ability to take her husband on holidays and still maintain her life. I am sure it isn’t easy.
Does anyone know when the book discussion page will open?
I didn’t catch the tiny mistake. Tell us!
It’s such a great read, let’s wait a while.
Wonderful new read. Interesting new directions. I too enjoyed that it was based on a true story.
I’ll be interested to see if anyone else catches the tiny mistake.
How exciting Amy. Do have a good time and I envy you….the book is still in front of you. I know that sounds strange but it is so much fun to read a new story for the first time. You will enjoy it. settle in with your favourite beverage and snacks because you won’t want to stop.
Oh, I knew it was good I didn’t stop in here at the Bistro until I had finished reading TNOTB! It was delicious, and I wanted to savor it – I made it last for days and days… read a little at a time, got to wondering and thinking, and then saved the rest for another day… I don’t know how I did it, but I’m glad I did. Sad it’s over now, though. Now we have to wait for an ENTIRE YEAR for the next one! In fact, the next one isn’t even WRITTEN yet, though we get regular updates on how it’s going on Louise’s FB.
I didn’t want to read any spoilers, which is why I didn’t come and read sooner – and so I won’t give any spoilers, either, until it’s time to really discuss the book. Yes, I see a few new directions things can go in.. some great, some good for Armand, though not for us, and some really great for all of us (yes, please – let’s have those).
Millie, my ball gown is going to be so beautiful. I had wanted an underdress that was quite plain with a frothy, lacy overdress. I found what looked like the perfect fabric online at a very good price, and my dressmaker agreed that it would be perfect, but of course, when you order from online, you don’t know for sure that it will feel and drape right – it’s not the same as seeing it in a store and being able to handle it before you buy it. So we waited with bated breath while it came and………. it’s GORGEOUS! It’s wonderful, and I’m so very excited. She’s working on it now, and I expect to have a final fitting in a week or a little more, and then she’ll finish it up by the end of September – just in time!
My map arrived the other day – I was surprised that there weren’t any little labels to say which house was whose… There are two that I think one of them must be the Gamaches’ house and I can’t think for the world of me who lives next door to them! I hope I’ve figured out accurately which is Clara’s and therefore, which is Jane’s. That gives me Ruth’s. Who am I missing? I don’t think we’ve ever been given the site of M. Beliveau’s home, but I think we’d know if he lived next door to the Gamache’s? And of those two houses, both have porches – one is larger – yet I had always thought of the Gamache house as small – not much more than a cottage. So, I’m still a little confused. They have highlighted several houses, and I think it’s just to show us the fronts of some of the important houses because other important houses are not highlighted…
The map is just as it’s shown in previews of it (in case some are still waiting for theirs), and I would love to have it colored, so am contemplating coloring mine in… I think a fairly light touch with the color – and will make a photocopy first and see how that works out for color before I put pen to paper on the actual map.
Hi to all! Have not yet started TNOTB; going to Pittsburgh tomorrow to hear Louise and receive my copy! Can’t wait to spend all day Sunday reading! It will be very tempting to start Friday night but I must be patient! Good things come to those who wait! Happy reading everyone!
I hope everyone is reading happily. The power of TNOTB reminded me of TLWH. Lots to think about.
It’s magnificent and terrifying, yet full of hope and I absolutely loved it. It wrenched every possible emotion from me. Now, I need a slower re-read. Maybe then I’ll find words to describe my feelings for this is a masterpiece with many layers.
Look at these after you have read the story.
http://www.damninteresting.com/project-babylon-gerald-bulls-downfall/
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/26/magazine/the-man-behind-iraq-s-supergun.html
Amazing! Great book. A beginning of a new story arc I think.
Most amazing thing….it’s based on a true story!
I agree. Lots of possible new arcs.
You read it in five hours?!?!? I’m a much slower reader. Brown (UPS) hasn’t even gotten to my house yet. Testament to how excited I am, I woke up really early (for me), by 10:30! If Louise had a chapter a day out, I might become a morning person again. lol.
I had a ‘senior moment’! It came via regular post so who knows how long it was sitting in my mailbox! Duh…
Knew once I started I wouldn’t be able to stop. Enjoying it very much. Can’t wait until we can all talk!