I had seen Valley of Grace on bookshop shelves around town and was drawn to its wispy, dreamy cover of French terrace houses. I then heard the author, Marion Halligan, speak on the ABC Radio National Book Show program and I decided to give this one a go based on this interview and the cover - two of the factors I often take into account when deciding whether or not to read a book. My friend Tamara has also read and reviewed this one and her review tempted me even further to see what this book was all about.
Valley of Grace is a series of interconnected short stories - connected through the characters and their various relationships and contacts with each other, and the setting of a particular area of Paris and surrounding suburbs.
The characters are also connected by their longings for certain things in their life - children, security, love and a sense of family being some of the main themes explored.
I found the writing direct and clear while at the same time very lyrical. I enjoyed the setting of the stories and even though I have never visited Paris (as yet!) I felt that I had a vivid picture of where these stories were taking place. I particularly enjoyed the scenes in the antiquarian bookshop - I want to go there!
I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about characters inner lives - their thoughts, dreams, hopes and fears. I loved this one and would love to see a sequel developed as well so I could follow the characters some more.
10 comments:
I had never heard of this book before reading your post, but now I am going to add it to my list. I love short stories, though I am not apt to pick them up--however I really like interconnected stories like this. And anything set in Paris appeals, too!
i love short stories--i do an entire unit of them at school each year. this collection sounds good, especially against the backdrop of paris. good review! :)
I had also never heard of this so I'm glad you've reviewed it here. You had me at Paris!
Thank you for another great review. This sounds really interesting and now I am tempted to read Valley of Grace. Short stories are not really my thing but I like the idea that they are all interconnected and the story is set in Paris, so I will put it on my list.
Hi Danielle - I think the release of this book has been kept quite low key by the sounds of things. I think the only reason I know about it is because it is written by an Australian author.
Hi booklineandsinker - I am only a new fan of the short story but I have been finding some good ones.
Hi Tara - I'm very similar - any mention of Paris (or any European city for that matter!) and I am in!
Hi Kim - short stories never used to be my thing either but then I read Jhumpa Lahiri's work and I have never looked back. Have you read anything of hers before??
I've seen this lovely cover around, but haven't felt a pressing need to read until now! I will have to try it, as it's sounds great.
Hi adevotedreader - I hope you enjoy it. I found it really quick and easy to read but completely absorbing at the same time.
I've never been a huge short story fan, but I've recently begun to find some collections that I like. Your description of this book has me interested. I do love the interior lives of characters. I also really like short stories that are linked in some way, either by characters or settings.
I think I would have added this to my radar given the cover alone :)
Glad to hear it was a good story and I haven't been to Paris either (yet!) but at least I could travel there via this book :)
Hi Iliana - I think that is why I enjoy books that are set in France and Italy so much - it makes me feel like I am there! Travel via reading!
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