In The Cruelest Month, it’s spring in Three Pines; buds are on the trees and the first flowers are struggling through the newly thawed earth. But not everything is meant to return to life. . . If it’s been awhile since you’ve read the third book in the series, we invite you to refresh your memory of the novel with our Re-Read lead by Robin Agnew. 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 The Cruelest Month, and explore more of all things The Cruelest Month here at GamacheSeries.com.
Gamache knew people were like homes. Some were cheerful and bright, some gloomy. Some could look good on the outside but feel wretched on the interior. And some of the least attractive homes, from the outside, were kindly and warm inside. He also knew the first few rooms were for public consumption. It was only in going deeper that he’d find the reality. And finally, inevitably, there was the last room, the one we keep locked, and bolted and barred, even from ourselves. Especially from ourselves. Does this quote remind you of any of the characters in the series? Let us know in the comments!
20 replies on “The Wisdom of Armand Gamache: THE CRUELEST MONTH”
I am so happy to find such wisdom…thank you!
I am challenged and excited to see if I can read the entire Inspector Gamache series again after seeing this post before The Grey Wolf comes out. I so miss him.
I think so several characters, but I really think Myrna..therapist have to guard a part of themselves. My room holds that part of me, not to share, but it has creeped open a little the last few years
One of my Favorite books too as are all the other Gamache books. He is the very best of us and thankfully Louise Penny has chosen to share all the learning and life experience with us.
I’m pretty sure ‘ the last room’ is one I keep well hidden and only occasionally venture there myself!
I have just reread this book before I found this. I see and pick up so much more each read, things that the author (thank you Louise) has in her mind’s eye at writing but the reader might not pick up on the first time. I have not reread a book let alone a series before, but willingly this one.
So very true! So well presented and explained. So many people should heed and understand this concept of his!
Whenever I’m in a difficult situation, I say to myself “ How would Armand react?” I don’t know who inspired the character, but he’s one in a million!
Dealing with chronic pain, I CAN use all the help I can get. So…..I retreat to Three Pines and all it has to offer. Henri’s calming and steadfast presence is one of my “go to’s”. His wisdom is unconditional love.
Armand Gamache is so very wise and human. He is my favorite cop (even before my brother) and likes to look at the good in people but knows we all have some quirks in our home and soul. My favourite book is “All the Devils are here”. I have read it four times and I will read it again. I discovered Louise Penny quite by chance on Mother’s Day a few years ago and still thank my lucky stars.
I often say that FINE is a four-letter word that begins with F–pun intended. When we say to a CLOSE friend that we are fine, when we are not, we rob them of the opportunity to be supportive. Otherwise, with acquaintances, it is totally understandable that we wish to respond that we are fine. And then we follow with, “And how are you?”
I can’t pick a favorite Penny book but The Cruelest Month ranks right up there for me. I think that Armand is like many of us…seeing the good in people. It killed me when I knew it was his best friend, Brebeuf, that was behind things. And elated me that Nichol was not….
Ruth is my favorite Character. F.I.N.E. says how it is.
He is talking about ourselves. We Also show others happy faces and tell our friends that all is well. But inside our homes is strife and fighting. We also have a locked room inside us to keep our own boundaries. So Gamache knows that brewing is inside Clara’s home and it worries him.
Think about this also with your friends and family. I believe we can and pay attention to what another person wants us to know but we no right to what a person does not want us to know. We have aright to keep our personal secrets. unless we are in some type of treatment or public safety situation.
Right Mary. My friends are too judgemental about my life and my children.
Love the books and wisdom quotes within. I am in charge of the library in our building and looking forward to the next book.
Definitely, each of the characters and each of us as well. Two stand out for me. The first is Peter who tries and pretty much succeeds in keeping his “last room” that includes his jealousy of Clara’s talent and coming success hidden from himself. The second is Armand whose “last room” involves coming to terms with Brebeuf’s betrayal even while he acts to uncover what is happening.
I think this quote refers to each of the characters…Peter feigns enthusiasm for Clara’s success when inside he’s fragile and jealous. Armand is a master of putting forth the brave face when inside he’s filled with worry. Jean Guy wants to be seen as a tower of strength when he’s wracked with anxiety and consumed by his weaknesses. Myrna is so wise and thoughtful, yet even moved to deviousness when needed. Finally, there’s Ruth. Crusty, foul-mouthed alcoholic who saves a duck and in other ways each of the other characters. Olivier and Gabri are the ying-yang if this.
Really well said and thoughtful, Jane!
So well said! A very deep quote that includes our Three Pines family and each of us. This is s favorite. I’ve used the words in adult Sunday school classes. Louise Penny is so wonderful and clever and wise with her words!