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A review by bookwyrmknits
French Rhapsody by Antoine Laurain
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
This was an interesting book... once I accepted it for what it was. I knew nothing about it going in—except that a blog friend had suggested a different book by this author, and that there was a cassette tape on the cover. I naively expected music to be a larger central theme for this book than it was.
Once I adjusted (the book is more about French politics, real and fictional, than it is about music) I was able to enjoy the characters and the plot for what it was. Though the plot focuses mostly around the characters who were in the band whose demo tape is pictured on the cover, I think my favorite characters were those who weren't part of that group. Aurore and Ivana, for example, are two very different young women but who resonated with me more than the bandmates did... even though I'm closer in age to the band.
Among the positives is that, to an American who has spent a little (too little) time in France, this novel felt like a good example of the culture. I can imagine this book fitting in quite well with what I know of the country, and bits of it were very reminiscent of my vacation time. Among the negatives is the focus on politics, especially the "to the right of the right" character.
Once I adjusted (the book is more about French politics, real and fictional, than it is about music) I was able to enjoy the characters and the plot for what it was. Though the plot focuses mostly around the characters who were in the band whose demo tape is pictured on the cover, I think my favorite characters were those who weren't part of that group. Aurore and Ivana, for example, are two very different young women but who resonated with me more than the bandmates did... even though I'm closer in age to the band.
Among the positives is that, to an American who has spent a little (too little) time in France, this novel felt like a good example of the culture. I can imagine this book fitting in quite well with what I know of the country, and bits of it were very reminiscent of my vacation time. Among the negatives is the focus on politics, especially the "to the right of the right" character.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia