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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
The Long Way Home, the tenth title in the Armand Gamache series, focuses on the search for a resident of Three Pines who did not return when expected. There is heightened tension as they navigate uncertainty.
Repeatedly the quote, "I'll pray that you grow up a brave man in a brave country. I will pray you find a way to be useful," is referenced.
Themes of being unsettled, of processing varied and complex feelings are prevalent. What is it to have peace in your marriage? in your career? in your family? How can your soul guide your calling? How do you move beyond grief?
Repeatedly the quote, "I'll pray that you grow up a brave man in a brave country. I will pray you find a way to be useful," is referenced.
Themes of being unsettled, of processing varied and complex feelings are prevalent. What is it to have peace in your marriage? in your career? in your family? How can your soul guide your calling? How do you move beyond grief?
Not as thrilling, complex, or emotional as the brilliant 9th book in the series, but maybe that was inevitable. In some ways, #10 felt like a palate cleanser, where things were more subdued and relaxed and everyone in Three Pines just gets a moment to reset.
Well, almost everyone.
Well, almost everyone.
Perhaps starting in the middle of a series is not the best way to read a novel. This was my first Louise Penny, and although I liked it, it didn't live up to the expectations I had based on the love my friends have for Louise Penny novels. Armand Gamache is newly retired after some traumatic event that is only alluded to, and his friends and family eye him anxiously to make sure he is okay. When one of the residents of Three Pines, the village Gamache and his wife are living in, confides her worry about her missing husband, though, he is drawn back into the life of a detective.
For all that it constantly refers to the hard and dangerous life of a detective, this book is wrapped in coziness. There are characters whose sole function is "lovable crank" or "supportive friend." The characters spend evenings eating communal meals which are described with detail a foodie would appreciate. When it comes to detection, Gamache often gleans information from small details that the reader is not privy to until much later, which I find annoying.
This story takes place among a community of artists, and deals with artistic inspiration, authenticity, and risk taking. The subject matter was interesting, and I liked the setting of Quebec, but I was not bowled over by this book. I think I will read the first in the series before I give up on Louise Penny, though.
For all that it constantly refers to the hard and dangerous life of a detective, this book is wrapped in coziness. There are characters whose sole function is "lovable crank" or "supportive friend." The characters spend evenings eating communal meals which are described with detail a foodie would appreciate. When it comes to detection, Gamache often gleans information from small details that the reader is not privy to until much later, which I find annoying.
This story takes place among a community of artists, and deals with artistic inspiration, authenticity, and risk taking. The subject matter was interesting, and I liked the setting of Quebec, but I was not bowled over by this book. I think I will read the first in the series before I give up on Louise Penny, though.
2 1/2 stars. Audio book. This is probably the Gamache book I have liked least out of the series so far. The story felt slow and it just never drew me in. Clara acted like a spoiled child half the time, and Gamache just put up with it, instead of talking things out with her. Myrna came along but added little to the story, which is a shame because she can be interesting, but in this instance she may as well not have been there. I did not like the ending, and it felt so contrived, which made me dislike it more. The most interesting parts of the story were the episode in Scotland and the trip ReineMarie and Rose took - neither of which were parts of the main action. I felt like the author was heavy handed in this one.
I ❤️❤️❤️ Louise Penny. Her books make people’s inner worlds real.
tried to listen to this on audio. felt like the narration was too monotonous and an hour in, nothing had happened yet
Meh. This one was a let down. After such a great book for her last one, this one was barely a mystery. I was also annoyed they found some random person to give them details on something (don’t want to spoil anything) without having to speak to a police officer or an expert. It was some random person they found on their travels… anyway. Not a great one.
All the art stuff went way over my head. Not so sure the whole Scottish hare turning to stone bit needed to be in there at all. (In general, I like less the mysteries that revolve around life's mysteries.)
The ending reminded me of what I don't like in Faye Kellerman's books - when the dectective says "don't come with me" and yet, the person inevitably does it anyway, it ends badly. And quite frankly, I can't feel bad for what happens after that. Plus if I'm being really honest, I don't like Clara. Yeah that's right I said it. Myrna yes. Clara absolutely not.
I'm almost at the end!! Nooooooooooo.
The ending reminded me of what I don't like in Faye Kellerman's books - when the dectective says "don't come with me" and yet, the person inevitably does it anyway, it ends badly. And quite frankly, I can't feel bad for what happens after that. Plus if I'm being really honest, I don't like Clara. Yeah that's right I said it. Myrna yes. Clara absolutely not.
I'm almost at the end!! Nooooooooooo.
Excellent character exportation from Penny of some of the most wonderful characters! Three Pines, oh how I long to live there!
Hmmm. This one was disappointing. I very much missed all the other characters of Three Pines.
The ending was meh- I mean I never liked him as a character, but it all ended so suddenly, and yet it doesn't feel properly finished?
The ending was meh- I mean I never liked him as a character, but it all ended so suddenly, and yet it doesn't feel properly finished?