In Still Life, Louise Penny introduces Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec for the very first time. If it’s been awhile since you’ve read the first book in the series, we invite you to refresh your memory of the novel with our Re-Read lead by Lesa Holstine. You can also learn more about the real-life inspirations behind the settings and cultural references in the book, try a recipe the characters enjoy in Still Life, and explore more of all things Still Life here at GamacheSeries.com.
“They are four sentences we learn to say, and mean.” Gamache held up his hand as a fist and raised a finger with each point. “I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong.” Is there a set of rules you live by? Let us know in the comments!
139 replies on “The Wisdom of Armand Gamache: Still Life”
A patient at the dental office where I worked, and a soulmate because of our love for books, told me about Louise Penny’s books. After reading Still Life, I downloaded all her books on my Kindle, and once in a while I reread them again, in order. Sometimes I just need to go back to Three Pines to see my friends!
My advice when you’re conflicted about your actions? If in doubt don’t do it . Your conscience is tapping into years of experience, so listen to it!
I have restrained myself from using a highlighter in the books. A respect for books was taught to me early in life and it feels like a desecration to mark in one. In Still Life there is much wisdom on pages 138-140.
My father was a wise man and his words of wisdom I need no pen or paper to retain them. “Always think before you speak” is one that can save us all from a great deal of heartaches and regrets but I would add “or act”. All words of wisdom become mere platitudes when not applied.
We are all just walking each other home. I remember this quote from Ram Doss when I feel lost or misunderstood. And the four wisdom statement from Gamache are words to live by each day, each moment. I love these novels and all the characters and I believe all the faithful readers of these beautifully written books would, if they could, find their way to Three Pines.
My wise father always told us “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
My friend’s mother says, “Take the high road; it’s never crowded.” I like to remember that one when something leaves me fuming 🙂 I am naturally anxious and oftenbfind myself awake at night worrying about things that have not yet happened, so “Don’t borrow trouble” is a critical one. Finally, I also love the idea of assuming good intentions – that people are coming from a good place in their actions and statements. I think Gamache would be on board with the first two of these, but perhaps when he’s mid-murder-investigation, not the last one… Looking forward to the new release in October!
Not only is the high road less crowded, the view is better!
Gamache and Three Pines have meant so much to me. His wisdom warms my heart. I thank Louise for all her hard, loving, work. I always look forward to returning to Three Pines.
Barbara Holman, your question–“who have I not forgiven?”–hit home. For 12 years, I estranged myself from my youngest sister because I couldn’t forgive her for taking $25,000 from our mother’s account as compensation for caring for her at her house before Mom died. I even refused to attend her husband’s funeral when he passed six month’s ago. Then, when our sister Peg died from cancer and we attended her memorial service, in an epiphany in the moment, I was moved to forgive her–and myself as her older brother–and to recognize that Peg’s death was a reminder of our mortality and the saving salve of renewed brotherly and sisterly love in the time we had left. In doing so, a huge emotional rock was lifted from me and, I am sure, her. Now, we write. We phone. We laugh. We cry. Together.
A few years ago, I read a piece in our neighborhood paper from a mom who found these words to live by in her middle school daughter’s backpack. I printed it and put it on my desk.
Does it need to be said?
Am I the one to say it?
Is it kind?
Thank you, Louise, for the wisdom of Gamache and the Three Pines community you have created including all of us.
One more – Does it need to be said right now?
Words to live by,,,
There are leadership courses galore out there, all very expensive and none very effective (IMHO). These four statements, taken to heart and used judiciously, are all the leadership training that anyone needs.
Thank you so much Louise Penny for creating Armand Gamache. I have loved reading all of your books!
Barbara Holman – I enjoyed your comment!
Catherine in Barrie, Ontario
It seems so long ago when I read my very first Gamache book, Still Life. I use his wisdom in my every day life. Just 4 simple statements, but oh so powerful. I think I use them more now since my husband passed away as they are so relevant in my life right now. It’s not a sign of weakness to say any of them, but of strength Just 4 simple statements. “I don’t know.” “I need help.” “I’m sorry.” and “I was wrong.”
Love all your comments. Love the fascinating characters around Gamach. Love Gamach and the learning.
Remember the words you say, to keep them soft and sweet. You never know from day to day, which ones you will have to eat.
Beautifully said!
Love this! Wish more folks knew this too!
Truer words were never spoken!
The four have made it as quotes into more than one of my sermons.
I love these 4 wisdoms and posted them on my Paramuthia page in facebook. 🙂
thank you
The able to have empathy for others is being a good human. Teaching I learned that no one knows what other people face in their lives. Treating people with dignity lets you uncover who they are. You can always find something positive to say to someone. In the Little Prince, he talked about being tamed by the fox so they were good friends. It takes time to get to know someone. It only happens if they trust you.
Posting a Gamache “wisdom” from each book is such a wonderful idea. I’m often trying to remember his exact quotable words when in conversations with others and usually can’t remember his exact words. Having them here is a great tool to have to stimulate my flagging memory!
Absolutely true Mo… Trust is most precious.
My Dad always told us “never give up” and honor and commitment were his golden rules. My Mother had lots of wisdom and sayings such as “a leopard never changes his spots” be careful who you trust; “smile at your enemies it will drive them crazy” in otherwords don’t let others upset you or anger you be brave; Armand Gamache to me is a combination of my Mother and Father but he also shows humility and love for his colleagues and friends. He’s not a tough guy in appearance but tough all the same with Isabel and Jean Guy and with the cast of characters in three pines. Everything he goes thru makes him stronger and more endearing to the people that work with him, his family and friends. Not only that the other characters in the book also have come to life by the words and descriptions of how Louise Penny has brought them to life in the pages of her books.
From my Mother: The things you choose not to say can often be more important than what you do say.
Amen!!
Thank you Sue <3
Inspector Gamache’s humility, honesty, and respect for human dignity make him the greatest literary detective of all time. He is as brilliant as a Poirot or Holmes and as knowledgeable of the human mind, heart, and psyche. But he lacks the hubris of other brilliant detectives, which is his greatest strength.
Yes, I think Gamache is a very original character, a brilliant detective without the ego and machismo of other well-known brilliant male detectives, such as Sherlock Holmes, Poirot, or Morse.
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Well said! I totally agree.
Well stated. Having read and/or listened to all 18 books, I feel calm and peaceful after each one of them. We are introduced to Gamache’s moral strength, steadfastness, willingness to train and encourage misfit officers in becoming strong team members, and acceptance without rancor of consequences of his actions and their effect on his professional position.
While there is the challenge of winnowing several individuals as the murderer, there is also the illumination of our actions:
1) Humility and vulnerability — the 4 wisdom statements; 2) Words that hurt: Ruth Zardo’s poem “Who hurt you so bad…,” a deep wound to the heart; 3) Forgiveness — Gamache’s last thought before going to sleep. “Who have I not forgiven?” All are part of the story. All give rise for personal reflection by the reader.
Louise Penny is my favorite mystery author and the Gamache series is outstanding!
Looking forward to these Tuesday posts and reading “The Gray Wolf.”
I made a small poster of these and had it in my classroom. For me as much as for the children.
Your students are very lucky to have you for their teacher.
Bravo!
I have loved all the books in the Gamache series! There is always something to learn, something that makes you think. I have recommended them to many.
Never say to anyone what you would not like to be said to you, because words once spoken can never be unsaid . Words can be caresses or daggers.