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.
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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!
Has anyone received a map yet? Just curious since TNOTB takes place in Three Pines.
Thanks to Millie reminding me, I have TNOTB! It’s already the 25th in Australia! As the torrential rain and gales pour down outside I am about to start reading. I almost don’t want to because I don’t want it to be over. I know once I start it will go all too quickly.
You’re welcome! Think of it as the beginning of a new garden of cosmic speculation! I’m so looking forward to people’s insights and thoughts. Actually, I can’t wait to read it! So excited. So impatient. Enjoy.
Anna, Hope your Dad is much improved. Sam and his brother have gone to visit their Mother. She continues to fall. An alarm sounds when she gets out of bed or her chair. She falls when she stands so it has already happened when an attendant arrives. I hope they don’t complain again as there is only one sure remedy. I know they don’t want her restrained. At least I don’t. She fell so many times when she lived with her daughter but that didn’t seem to worry them.
Tomorrow!
Thanks Barbara. Dad is much improved. He just keeps bouncing back!
Good to hear Sam is mobile but not so good about his mother. You are correct though, falls are a tough one to prevent without being super restrictive.
Good luck with Windows. I have an Erin, my daughter. She is the solution to all problems technological. She just set up my new Mac and dads new Mac. Not sure if she is as PC savvy but she is pretty good.
Funny, I was using my new fancy food processor last night and Erin wasn’t home. Took my brother and I, five degrees between us in science, a bit of work to get the processor going. Erin normally sets it up for me!
Aren’t young people amazing. Some of my friend’s grands and great-grands provide Tech support to them.
I think you have a winner in Erin.
Thanks Barbara, I think I do. She is about to go to the city with my brother in torrential rain so feeling a bit anxious! Weather appalling here.
Installed windows 10. Another bad idea. The bear is back to driving and walking as he wishes. Whatever. Would like to comment on posts but must figure the widows 10 out.
Hi Barbara. Glad to hear your bear’s surgery went well and he’s getting around on his own. Be gentle with yourself as you figure out the new update. I find learning new versions one of the most frustrating things around. Once one gets comfortable and feels confident and competent, they pull the rug out from under you.
I’m in somewhat the same boat – but mine is a switch from PC to Apple. I just have to remind myself it took me years to get good at using Windows XP. Yep, that old. Knew all the tricks. Now I feel like a newbie all over again. It’s takes time but I’m sure we’ll get there. I won’t be throwing away the ‘Switching from PC to Mac’ book any time soon!
Gave up and switched back to 8.1. I will install it again. Now isn’t the time for the stress.
Just lost long post about finding new homes for books. I’ve sold them at yard sales for $1 or less, given them to the Library, the VA Hospital, Kroc Center, Ethnic museums, Goodwill for sale in their book store, etc. I have many of my Uncle’s books still. My sister has 500+ books that were her husband’s. Many of my Uncle’s books had to be recycled….mold, mildew and attic storage had ruined them. How many books had to find a home when my Mother-in-law left her home? NONE. Oh, they did have Bible.
I’m sorry Barbara, but I actually snorted when I read your last few lines. Are you sure you weren’t describing my own Mother-in-law? The irony is she taught reading her entire career as a grade school teacher. May she rest in peace…