The Most Beautiful Book in the World
Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt
Translated from the French by Alison Anderson
2006
181 pages
Published by Europa
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FTC rigmarole: I bought this book, mostly because of the title and partially for the cover and partially because I think Europa puts something in the paper that makes you immediately want to buy their books. Could you look into that for me?
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Finally, a book that was originally published in French that I liked! Sometimes, persistence does pay off.
This is a book of eight novellas. I’m not really sure when a short story becomes a novella, but the cover says they’re novellas, and I’m hardly qualified to debate literary terms.
Novella the first is about Wanda Winnipeg. Yeah, I wasn’t too fond of the name, either, but by the end of the story she had won me over. It was kind of like she used her evil powers to do good, so I can forgive her (and the author) for renaming herself Wanda. And they’re not really evil powers in the sense of superheroes and villains. It’s more like a shallow socialite uses her scope of influence to do good in a bad sort of way.
I’m not going to go on about each of the novellas, except to share this passage from the final story, when Odette defends a famous author to his wife who doesn’t appreciate his work:
You must be proud of your husband: he makes thousands of people happy. Maybe among all those readers there are little secretaries and insignificant employees like me – but that is precisely why! The fact that he can fascinate us, and move us, people like us who don’t read a lot, who aren’t as cultured like yourself: well, that proves that he has more talent than all the others! Much more. Because you know, Madame, maybe that Olaf Pims writes magnificent books, too, but I would need a dictionary and more than one tube of aspirin just to figure out what on earth he’s talking about. He’s a snob who only writes for people who’ve read as many books as he has. p. 160
This pretty much sums up how I feel about this book compared to another Europa that I read, Tokyo Fiancée. The language in that one was so dense and unfriendly, whereas this book is friendlier both with its language and its stories.
Also, this last novella is where the cover image comes from. Odette mentions how the book made her levitate off of her seat. I love how the cover illustrates that line and Odette’s love for her favorite author. She’s even reading the book mentioned in the story!
The title and cover are wonderful. And it’s about books and reading! Got to read this.
chasing bawa´s last [type] ..A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters
I love that passage! Too funny. I’m not sure which side of the argument I would be on – depends on the day I guess.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Movie Review- The Spirit
I love Europa editions. I have a few here and I must get reading them. (It’s a wonder I read anything, since all I ever seem to say in my comments is “I have that book here waiting to be read,”)
Beth F´s last [type] ..Review- A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker
This book looks great! I like the title, the cover, and the excerpts. A triple score like that deserves some looking into, for sure! Thanks for the great review, I am adding this one to my list!
zibilee´s last [type] ..The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri — 304 pgs
I’m reading this one this month too. For Paris in July event but have had for a while. Was drawn to that great cover like so many. Such a great quote. Can’t wait to start reading.
I am coming to appreciate short stories more and more. This sounds like a great collection.
The title does captivate for sure!!! I’ve always wondered…when does a novellla become a “novel”?
I picked this up because the cover caught my eye too – Europa does do lovely editions
I reall enjoyed this book too; I don’t often read short stories but it made me wish I did! My review is here.
That title is a definite winner. Who wouldn’t want the most beautiful book in the world?
heidenkind´s last [type] ..Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran
I’ve been curious about this one for a while…I think I saw it listed on France’s blog perhaps? Anyway, now I’m even more intrigued. I do love that cover though!
Victoria´s last [type] ..The Imperfectionists
I should not be allowed to type when it’s 100 degrees out…
that should, erm, read Frances’
Victoria´s last [type] ..The Imperfectionists
I’m just in love with that cover!!
Jenners´s last [type] ..Mid-Year Review- Part I- Best Books Read So Far
I am so with you when it comes to Europa!
Stephanie´s last [type] ..Book Review- The Likeness
Love the cover, love the title. Hadn’t heard of this one before, but it does sound so appealing.
anothercookiecrumbles´s last [type] ..Haruki Murakami – Kafka On The Shore
True story about Europa. Except I think it’s something in the covers, not something in the paper. Those covers with the flaps are very very tempting.
Jenny´s last [type] ..Review- Talking About Detective Fiction- PD James
I was not familiar with Europa (I am from Minnesota… I don’t get out much
) but I like what I see. I think that paper thing you mention that makes you buy the book, I think it also can seep through computers like a vapor mist because looking at that cover, now I want it too.
Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last [type] ..It’s Monday- What Are You Reading
I believe this sounds like a collection of short stories (er, novellas) that I might actually enjoy.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Monday Sunday Salon – Again