A review by oceanwriter
Notwithstanding: Stories from an English Village by Louis de Bernières

lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I first heard about this book in a YouTube video and decided to check it out when I saw that my library had a copy. It lived up to its cozy recommendation. A quick and easy read, and at its core, cute.

Nothwithstanding is a collection of short stories set in a small English town. The stories sometimes intertwine and go in and out of different perspectives. There isn't a whole lot of action. Each story is very character (focusing on certain characters more than others) oriented while each individual represents their role in this community.

I liked some of the stories, others I could have done without. One in particular had me perplexed (and not in a good or inquisitive way). Otherwise, I enjoyed the quaintness of the book even though I didn't connect deeply with any of the characters.
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