Barbara Constantine

Ferdinand is a widower in his 60s. His son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons (Lucien and Ludovic, or 'les Lulus') have recently moved out of his farmhouse to be closer to the restaurant they run in town. While he's always been quiet, a bit reticent, Ferdinand is suddenly very alone and the big house feels empty.

Marceline is Ferdinand's neighbor, though they've rarely exchanged more than two words at a time. Ferdinand discovers Marceline in a shaky state, winter approaching, her roof show more leaking and in desperate need of repair. Les Lulus put the idea in Ferdinand's head to ask her to come stay at his farmhouse - just while the repairs are being done.

This is the first of several invitees to his home. Those who come to live in the house do so to serve some (often mutual) need - a home, companionship, work experience, stability, simply not being put into a retirement home. They form plans to share or take care of responsibilities, to meet expenses, to do chores. The house community (or, in the case of les Lulus, frequent visitors) range in age from 6 to 96 years old, with every generation in between. Plus there's a whole host of animals (cats, dogs, even a clever mule). Et puis, Paulette.

The story and characters are sometimes kooky, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes poignant (the chapter where the younger Lulu wets his bed - what he was dreaming, his brother's reaction - tugs at the heartstrings), often gently humorous and touching. Under the surface are more serious points or messages: that we all need each other; that it is never too late (or too early) to learn things; that relationships change, and can grow or disintegrate over time; that there are long-reaching effects and benefits to taking the time to look around and help someone in need. It's a book that explores and embodies the idea that it takes a village.

While sometimes a touch saccharine and superficial, it was nice to read a book that treated all the generations with respect, even when gently ribbing its characters. show less

Lần nào đọc cũng khóc nên cũng không hay đọc lại nhiều :) Hồi xưa mình mua cuốn này tình cờ lắm, vào nhà sách mua cuốn khác trên đường ra thanh toán lại thấy cuốn này, nghe tựa hay hay nên mới mua. Trong truyện cũng có nhiều sự tình cờ, cuộc sống các nhân vật đan xen nhau như được ai đó (tác giả?) sắp đặt trước vậy :) Các nhân vật đều có câu chuyện riêng, góc nhìn riêng và cách show more thể hiện tính cách riêng. Văn phong và khiếu hài hước của người Pháp thì không lẫn vào đâu được. show less

Ferdinand, a widower (whose wife was by all accounts an unpleasant woman) lives alone a rambling French farmhouse, with only a cat for company since his son and his family moved in to town. Bored and lonely, he spends his days at a small cafe, surreptitiously tripping young woman with his cane, while hoping to spend a few minutes with his beloved grandsons on their way home from school.

Ferdinand is on his way home one evening when he discovers his neighbour, Marceline has become overwhelmed show more by a gas leak. Concerned that she tried to end her life he vows to keep an eye on her and when he discovers her home is barely habitable, he insists she, along with her cheeky donkey Cornelius, cat Mo-je and dog Berthe, stay with him while repairs are carried out. Just a few weeks later the pair is joined by an old friend of Ferdinand’s, followed by a pair of elderly sisters-in-laws, a trainee nurse and an agricultural student. Ferdinand’s farmhouse is suddenly bursting at the seams. And then comes Paulette.

And Then Came Paulette is a charming story about family, friendship and community, wherein a collection of lost and lonely souls in need find refuge with one another. There is humour, tenderness and joy, despite the individual sorrows that unites these characters as together they rediscover a sense of purpose, usefulness and comfort.

The characters have their own stories and quirks, from newly widowed guy to ninety five year old Hortense. Ferdinand also has his family to worry about when it seems likely his son is heading for a divorce. The identity of Paulette comes as quite a surprise, one I’m not willing to spoil.

Translated from the author’s native French, And Then Came Paulette is a quick, uplifting read. I must admit the ending feels very abrupt and the story unfinished as a result, but I did enjoy it. show less

È una favola ruffianetta, che visivamente si figura bene, popolandola di tutti i grandi attori e attrici francesi in una pièce di Tavernier o, più agreste, di Renoir. Un esperimento di fanta-società che è buffo sognare e leggere. Come pendant, si consiglia la visione di Marigold Hotel.