That one-man writing factory, Alexander McCall Smith has done it again. The novel The Second Worst Restaurant in France is packed with memorable characters, and oozes charm, both Gallic and Scottish. Food writer Paul Stuart, is invited by his Remarkable Cousin Chloe to join her for a two month summer stay in a small French village. Paul is struggling to produce his next book, an ill-advised attempt to write the Philosophy of Food. His work is initially hampered by his girlfriend’s two Siamese cats, so a getaway to the quiet French countryside seems idea. Until … but I won’t spoil the fun. Cousin Chloe is an absolute gem: eccentric, vivacious, magnetic (five former husbands would you believe? Paul can’t decide if she’s for real or a fabulist). Chloe is one of McCall Smith’s best characters to date.
And yes, the restaurant in the title is truly dreadful, and plays its part in the unfolding dramatic antics. I loved every page.
FICTION
The Second Worst Restaurant in France – Alexander McCall Smith. E-bk A late-winter tonic. Filled with fun, philosophy, the French, food, and reflection on marriage and life. And a plot that cavorts along. A wonderful read.
The Scent of a Garden – Namrata Patel. E-bk A career in the French perfume industry, life in Paris or connecting with family, friends and teen sweetheart in Napa Valley, CA? Grannies and mother pushed Asha into the perfume industry, but Covid robbed her of her phenomenal sense of smell. Forcing Asha to finally choose between dynastic plans for her life, and her heart. An unusual premise and setting, both worked well for me. Enjoyable.
The Wish List – Sophia Money-Coutts. E-bk. A classy English rom-com, two of three sisters live happily ever after because they get rid of the horrible men in their lives, and sister #3 finds true love. Plenty of comic set pieces, a charming cat called Marmalade; a re-read for me but it worked fine the second time around. A relaxing, fun read.
Jack Reacher: Night School – Lee Child. Large print Library Loan. Jack Reacher, with a little help from his friends, saves the world from a looming deadly jihadist plot. Well written, expertly plotted and paced, but so violent. Such is the nature of thrillers. Which is why I seldom read them. But that said: A real page turner. An exciting read which will satisfy Reacher fans.
And Then There’s Margaret – Carolyn Clarke. E-bk. If you’re working towards being the Mother-in-Law from Hell, then this novel is the essential handbook. Newly widowed Margaret continues, and escalates, her WWIII assault on her hapless daughter-in-law. Domestic drama in spades. A salutary read. My late m-i-l was delightful; what a lucky escape I had!
Tuk-tuk for Two: An escape to India – Adam Fletcher. E-bk. Memoir/travel. Adam meets Evelyn in a bar, and agrees to partner her in a 1 000km race in India, over 5 days, in a tuk-tuk. Unsurprisingly, adventure and an immersive-wall-to-wall India up close and personal journey ensues. I loved that part of the story, but 30% of the tale shared AF’s angst and insecurities – enough already. But an enjoyable read, & I’m reading another of his titles in his Weird Travels series.
THE BOOKSMITH 