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!
141 replies on “The Wisdom of Armand Gamache: Still Life”
Since reading Still Life I have used Gamache’s 4 phrases with my grandchildren who are in their 20’s. Those words, if remembered, will help
Them achieve a well rounded character, I believe. Thank you!!
My father – in – law used to always say there’s no such word as can’t.
Above all be kind.
We can certainly do with a lot more of that in today’s world.
One I read recently which resonated with me given the state of polarization in today’s world.
Just because you have the right to say something does not mean you should
My version, You are entitled to your opinion, but also to keep it to yourself.
Yes!
Thank you really really appreciated.
My father was raised, in great part, by his maternal grandparents, of Belgian French ancestry, on a farm outside St. Paul, Minnesota. Amélie (Amelia), his beloved grandmother, always told him: “Be glad for the good fortune of others.”
Those words of wisdom – to avoid envy – remained with him all his life, and he passed it along to his six children.
What an excellent idea to teach kids how to grow up. This world would be a better place if there were more teachers like you.
Be able to say I’m sorry, and be kind.
Never allow yourself to be envious, it does no good at all.
Lead with kindnrss- You never know what someone else might be going through.
Very true,my parents always taught me to be grateful for what l have and not look at others with envy
Love always is my mantra.
Do unto other as as you’d like them to do to you!
It’s the only way to live a good life
Please accept my sincere thanks for your wonderful work. Inspector Gamache and all of the characters in Three Pines have ignited my imagination. I wait in anticipation for each one.
I have read all the books and am on Kingdom of the Blind. I have never been unable to put a book down and get back to it later. That has changed with Armand Gamache series. These are the best books I have ever read, and I dread the series ending. I love the quotes and especially his wisdom. I feel a part of the Three Pines community when I’m engrossed in the books. I found these books a few months after my husband passed away and was amazed how I was able to concentrate on the stories which, I believe have helped me to look forward to something during the grieving process. Thank you for the gift of Three Pines and all the people who live there, especially Armand Gamache.
Diehl, my experience is very similar to yours. I found the Three Pines series not long after my husband died in 2021. I immediately fell in love with the books, all the folks in Three Pines and especially Armand. I read them one after the other after the other. I’d order two, read them and order two more. They were something I could get lost in and they let me set aside my grief for awhile. I am a lifelong reader, always had 2 or 3 books going at the same time. Not with Three Pines, I simple had to finish them as quickly as I could but while savoring them as well. When I read about Louise losing her husband and that she had fashioned Armand after him something clicked in me. One reason I loved Armand is because he reminded me so much of my husband who was a police officer/chief for 30 years. He was also a big guy with big hugs and the kindest, gentlest man I ever knew. No wonder I fell in love with Armand. I’m eagerly awaiting The Grey Wolf and I’m thinking I’l reread the series before it comes out.
Listen to others and always be kind.
Always be kind and try to be patient.
Very important lesson to learn, patience of others is often in short supply these days
I’ve said it before but these books make me try to be a better person. “ always be kind “ and “ does it need to be said?”
Do the right thing when nobody’s watching integrity.
Never, ever give up !
Important to keep going,no matter what happens to you in life, always a rainbow around the corner