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The Portrait
Pierre-François Chaumont has promised his wife that he won't spend another centime at the auction house. His collecting habit is out of hand and she refuses to let another antique through the door.
With his marriage at stake, he fully intends to keep his word - until he sees an eighteenth-century portrait that looks exactly like him.The painting's history will reveal an astonishing secret about his past and open the door to an entirely new future.
A passionate collector, Pierre-François is used to giving in to temptation - but is he willing to risk everything to satisfy his deepest desires?
PRAISE FOR ANTOINE
'The very quintessence of French romance' The Times
'A master storyteller'Huffington Post
'A delightful literary soufflé'Library Journal
'Effortlessly eloquent, quietly hilarious and consistently self-aware ... a delightful read crammed with all kinds of decadent goodness'Reader's Digest
With his marriage at stake, he fully intends to keep his word - until he sees an eighteenth-century portrait that looks exactly like him.The painting's history will reveal an astonishing secret about his past and open the door to an entirely new future.
A passionate collector, Pierre-François is used to giving in to temptation - but is he willing to risk everything to satisfy his deepest desires?
PRAISE FOR ANTOINE
'The very quintessence of French romance' The Times
'A master storyteller'Huffington Post
'A delightful literary soufflé'Library Journal
'Effortlessly eloquent, quietly hilarious and consistently self-aware ... a delightful read crammed with all kinds of decadent goodness'Reader's Digest
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2007
58 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Antoine Laurain
36 books686 followersAntoine Laurain (born 1972) is a French author. He previously worked as a screenwriter and antiques dealer.
His first novel "The Portrait" was published in 2007 and he achieved wide international acclaim with "The Red Notebook". Since then his works have been translated into 14 languages and partly made into films.
His first novel "The Portrait" was published in 2007 and he achieved wide international acclaim with "The Red Notebook". Since then his works have been translated into 14 languages and partly made into films.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
October 24, 2017
"The Portrait" is a witty novella by the French author Antoine Laurain. Lawyer Pierre-Francois Chaumont has been a collector of antiques since childhood. He has a troubled marriage with frequent fights with his wife because he is constantly bringing home more items to add to his collections. Chaumont is walking through an auction salesroom when he sees the item that would change his life. He spots an eighteenth-century pastel of a man in a powdered wig with a face that looked like Chaumont's, and a coat of arms in the corner. He becomes obsessed with the portrait, researching the coat of arms until he found a match. As he gets close to identifying the man in the painting, he has a chance to remake his own life.
This is a delightful book that can be read in a couple of hours. While not always totally realistic, it has a good plot, an interesting back story, and a surprise at the end. Who knows where our obsessions will lead us?
This is a delightful book that can be read in a couple of hours. While not always totally realistic, it has a good plot, an interesting back story, and a surprise at the end. Who knows where our obsessions will lead us?
July 15, 2017
I'm afraid this was quite disappointing. I've read three other books by Laurain which were far more enjoyable.
The plot was far fetched and I didn't care for any of the characters, who were very sketchy. I wasn't charmed in any way, if anything, I was bored.
This was the first novella Laurain ever wrote but it was only translated this year. I guess The Portrait is useful to prove how much Laurain has grown as a writer.
The plot was far fetched and I didn't care for any of the characters, who were very sketchy. I wasn't charmed in any way, if anything, I was bored.
This was the first novella Laurain ever wrote but it was only translated this year. I guess The Portrait is useful to prove how much Laurain has grown as a writer.
September 10, 2025
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
The Publisher Says: A Parisian antiques collector finds himself in a case of mistaken identity after buying a portrait which curiously resembles him
While wandering through a Paris auction house, avid collector Pierre-François Chaumont is stunned to discover the eighteenth-century portrait of an unknown man who looks just like him. Much to his delight, Chaumont's bid for the work is successful, but back at home his jaded wife and circle of friends are unable to see the resemblance. Chaumont remains convinced of it, and as he researches into the painting's history, he is presented with the opportunity to abandon his tedious existence and walk into a brand new life.
Chaumont needs a fresh start—he and his wife fell out of love long ago, and the only thing that holds meaning for him anymore is his search for perfect objects. But this portrait is more than just a painting. The first night he owns it, Pierre-François dreams of another life, lived as the Comte de Mandragore, in a rural chateau, with a beautiful young wife. Awaking from the dream he’s determined to find this place—but it will take all his collector’s avidity, ingenuity, and unscrupulousness to make it his own. And when he finally has the chance to do so, will he be willing to pay the price to make it last?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Republication of these titles comes after Gallic Books' acquisition by Pushkin Press is picking up steam. I'm all over it, I loved Gallic Books and am (obviously) fond of Pushkin Press (and imprints).
This is the novella that started it all. Told in first-person, it's as immediate as a récit but takes place outside the narrator's skull, so it's not one. It's a sweetly-smiling stab at modern greed, the lust for Stuff that fills the gaping emotional holes in many modern people.
There's a sharp edge here, a flensing eye that spares no one...the unloved, unloving wife, their circle of "friends", the man himself...no one looks all that good under the pithy judgment of Author Laurain:
What a pompous peroration! What a quiet proof that simply being misunderstood and softly maligned does not equal being Right.
It's an afternoon's read. It will keep you involved if, like me, you think Stuff is an addiction that speaks more loudly about what it is...about stuffing yourself...than what it isn't...a fulfilling and worthwhile use of you one wild and precious life (that endlessly apt and beautiful phrase from Mary Oliver).
I think it's evident it's a first work, the sheer improbability of the plot is up there with Thorne Smith that whole school of magical objects that open portals from modern to ancient (ot just other) times. The characters are, as is almost inevitable in novellas, not developed beyond the necessity of moving the plot forward.
It's a pleasant and worthwile read. Maybe don't hunt for it everywhere, but if you have the budget and the device, download it of a dull Sunday afternoon to enjoy its real pleasures.
The Publisher Says: A Parisian antiques collector finds himself in a case of mistaken identity after buying a portrait which curiously resembles him
While wandering through a Paris auction house, avid collector Pierre-François Chaumont is stunned to discover the eighteenth-century portrait of an unknown man who looks just like him. Much to his delight, Chaumont's bid for the work is successful, but back at home his jaded wife and circle of friends are unable to see the resemblance. Chaumont remains convinced of it, and as he researches into the painting's history, he is presented with the opportunity to abandon his tedious existence and walk into a brand new life.
Chaumont needs a fresh start—he and his wife fell out of love long ago, and the only thing that holds meaning for him anymore is his search for perfect objects. But this portrait is more than just a painting. The first night he owns it, Pierre-François dreams of another life, lived as the Comte de Mandragore, in a rural chateau, with a beautiful young wife. Awaking from the dream he’s determined to find this place—but it will take all his collector’s avidity, ingenuity, and unscrupulousness to make it his own. And when he finally has the chance to do so, will he be willing to pay the price to make it last?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Republication of these titles comes after Gallic Books' acquisition by Pushkin Press is picking up steam. I'm all over it, I loved Gallic Books and am (obviously) fond of Pushkin Press (and imprints).
This is the novella that started it all. Told in first-person, it's as immediate as a récit but takes place outside the narrator's skull, so it's not one. It's a sweetly-smiling stab at modern greed, the lust for Stuff that fills the gaping emotional holes in many modern people.
There's a sharp edge here, a flensing eye that spares no one...the unloved, unloving wife, their circle of "friends", the man himself...no one looks all that good under the pithy judgment of Author Laurain:
Modern eyes? They have no soul; they no longer look up to heaven. Even the most pure are only concerned with the immediate. Vulgar lust, petty self-interest, greed, vanity, prejudice, cowardly appetites and envy. Those are the abominable emotions swarming in today’s eyes. We have the souls of notaries and cooks. That’s why the eyes on the portraits in museums are so spectacular; they reflect prayers and tortures, regrets and remorse.
What a pompous peroration! What a quiet proof that simply being misunderstood and softly maligned does not equal being Right.
It's an afternoon's read. It will keep you involved if, like me, you think Stuff is an addiction that speaks more loudly about what it is...about stuffing yourself...than what it isn't...a fulfilling and worthwhile use of you one wild and precious life (that endlessly apt and beautiful phrase from Mary Oliver).
I think it's evident it's a first work, the sheer improbability of the plot is up there with Thorne Smith that whole school of magical objects that open portals from modern to ancient (ot just other) times. The characters are, as is almost inevitable in novellas, not developed beyond the necessity of moving the plot forward.
It's a pleasant and worthwile read. Maybe don't hunt for it everywhere, but if you have the budget and the device, download it of a dull Sunday afternoon to enjoy its real pleasures.
June 17, 2017
I came across The President's Hat a couple of years back, bought it, read it, loved it. In a recent foray to Waterstones I spotted this - The Portrait - by the same author, Antoine Laurain. A gentle piece of Gallic whimsy, "a hymn to la vie Parisienne" for anyone who loves all things French.
It is beautifully written as we follow the nostalgic journey of Pierre-François Chaumont, a lawyer and avid collector of all things antique. On a visit to his favourite auction house he is stunned to discover an eighteenth century portrait of an unknown man who looks just like him!. His jaded wife and circle of friends say they are unable to see the resemblance. Clearly, they have a hidden motive...
Chaumont remains convinced and his researches into the painting's history lead him on a journey into a brand new life, in a plot with a totally unexpected twist at the end. A joy to read, not quite up to The President's Hat, but delightful nonetheless.
It is beautifully written as we follow the nostalgic journey of Pierre-François Chaumont, a lawyer and avid collector of all things antique. On a visit to his favourite auction house he is stunned to discover an eighteenth century portrait of an unknown man who looks just like him!. His jaded wife and circle of friends say they are unable to see the resemblance. Clearly, they have a hidden motive...
Chaumont remains convinced and his researches into the painting's history lead him on a journey into a brand new life, in a plot with a totally unexpected twist at the end. A joy to read, not quite up to The President's Hat, but delightful nonetheless.
January 8, 2022
Nett gemeinte 3 🌟
Würd sich eher so bei 2,5 einpendeln.
Dem Buch haben um die 200 Seiten, ein Spannungsbogen und eine logische Story gefehlt.
Würd sich eher so bei 2,5 einpendeln.
Dem Buch haben um die 200 Seiten, ein Spannungsbogen und eine logische Story gefehlt.
April 22, 2022
This is the third Laurain novel I have read and I'm glad. If I had been introduced to Laurain's writing with this, his first, novel, I doubt I would have read more. Although I didn't mind the story, it simply did not have the delight and cohesiveness of the other two I read (The Red Notebook and The President's Hat). This still had intrigue and an interesting plot, but seemed to try to hard to be clever. I am thankful Laurain wrote this first novel because it enabled him to hone his craft and write some really fun, entertaining, other novels I'll be delighted to read again and again. This one, on the other hand, will probably just sit on the shelf.
August 31, 2019
A strange little story, and I'm not sure if I can recommend it. This author has written better ones!
August 9, 2024
I have read 4 of Mr Laurain's books now, and this one is unlike the others. I love how he can descriptively write a short story without over describing it. The ending was a little bazaar, but I believe the Brothers caught the fox.
December 14, 2017
I so enjoyed The Red Notebook and couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Portrait. It is another fast read from Antoine Laurain but quirkier than its predecessor. Laurain explores the intriguing premise, which leads to strange twists. Like the protagonist in The Red Notebook, Pierre Francois comes across a mysterious object, a painting, whose subject and origin spark an obsession. The ending, however, was a bit ambiguous. Read one way and the tone changes to something very dark and not in keeping with the mostly light-hearted rest of the story. It begs to be reread and seen from a new point of view.
“Modern eyes? They have no soul; they no longer look up to heaven. Even the most pure are only concerned with the immediate. Vulgar lust, petty self-interest, greed, vanity, prejudice, cowardly appetites and envy. Those are the abominable emotions swarming in today’s eyes. We have the souls of notaries and cooks. That’s why the eyes on the portraits in museums are so spectacular; they reflect prayers and tortures, regrets and remorse.”
“Modern eyes? They have no soul; they no longer look up to heaven. Even the most pure are only concerned with the immediate. Vulgar lust, petty self-interest, greed, vanity, prejudice, cowardly appetites and envy. Those are the abominable emotions swarming in today’s eyes. We have the souls of notaries and cooks. That’s why the eyes on the portraits in museums are so spectacular; they reflect prayers and tortures, regrets and remorse.”
December 5, 2019
This is the third book I've read by Laurain in three days. The books are relatively short and very quick and easy to read. They've provided a nice contrast to the longer French novel I'm also reading, The Count of Monte Cristo, while also being very French.
I like this book least of the three. Apparently this was Laurain's first published novel. There are things I like about it, particularly one particular aspect of the ending. It's a very psychological book-- what goes on in the life and mind of Chaumont. The portrait of the title is one that he buys at an auction. The idea that his collections of objects matter so much to him, more than living people, and how that changes is interesting. I do like how Laurain's characters transform and start new lives- a common theme through all three books.
I'm not sure I'd recommend this one. It's okay. It's kind of interesting and entertaining. It's not my favorite, but I'm not mad I read it.
I like this book least of the three. Apparently this was Laurain's first published novel. There are things I like about it, particularly one particular aspect of the ending. It's a very psychological book-- what goes on in the life and mind of Chaumont. The portrait of the title is one that he buys at an auction. The idea that his collections of objects matter so much to him, more than living people, and how that changes is interesting. I do like how Laurain's characters transform and start new lives- a common theme through all three books.
I'm not sure I'd recommend this one. It's okay. It's kind of interesting and entertaining. It's not my favorite, but I'm not mad I read it.
July 11, 2017
Antoine Laurain has written a provocative and uncanny novella that takes place in Paris. The story revolves around a collector, an obsessive collector whose passion began as a child when he decided to start a rubber eraser collection. Pierre-Francois Chaumont is a lawyer is devoted to surrounding himself with beautiful objects. His obsession has landed him in trouble with his wife so he's on the straight and narrow. Until he sees the portrait. The face is his own.
This story has a very different feel from the other novels the author has written. Whereas the stories such as "The Red Notebook" and "The President's Hat" were good natured and lively, this tale is a tad darker with a hint something that is possibly otherworldly.
A good book to bring with you as you enjoy a cappuccino at your favourite cafe.
This story has a very different feel from the other novels the author has written. Whereas the stories such as "The Red Notebook" and "The President's Hat" were good natured and lively, this tale is a tad darker with a hint something that is possibly otherworldly.
A good book to bring with you as you enjoy a cappuccino at your favourite cafe.
November 14, 2017
Beautifully written, this is a real hidden gem of a novel. Slim at 128 pages it is a novel that you can finish in a weekend if not sooner but is as enriching and satisfying as a novel four times that length. The story is entertaining, thought provoking, clever and down right delightful. The characters are well conceived and well crafted and the writing is eloquent and stylish. I found the relationship between the narrator and his wife amusing and yet sad; it made me smile, enjoy the wry humour but also feel the weight of unhappiness between them. The narrator has captured the tension, resentment, complications and layers of grey within a marriage. All the characterisation shows sharp insight and shrewd observations.
A little book but one deserving huge attention and acclaim. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am a real fan of this author's writing. I recommend.
A little book but one deserving huge attention and acclaim. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am a real fan of this author's writing. I recommend.
July 26, 2017
A strange little book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and from the notes at the back of the book I read that this was, in fact, the first book that Antoine Laurain wrote. I don't think it was quite as successful or as complex as The Red Notebook, French Rhapsody, or The President's Hat but it had his usual beautifully synchronised prose style where the events shadow either fate or coincidence and it is the reader who gets to decide. I like that. It feels like there is a space within the story for me. After all the central character is a collector with a touch of the obsessive about him.... Now where do I know someone like that ? A fine book - I read it on Kindle so I might have to purchase a paper copy for my library (aka Book Collection). Will they all fit in my shed ?
March 3, 2018
A quick read, but definitely not up to par compared to his other novels. The whole time I was reading I kept thinking that this read like a first novel, only to learn from one of the pages of back-matter that it was his first novel. The plotting and characterization aren't as tight as his previous novels, and the ending rushes by in an instant with one rather large plot thread left hanging. Still, for Francophiles and fans of Laurain's other books, this will keep you diverted for a couple hours.
August 17, 2023
UPDATE: Literally forgot I had already read this when I checked it out of the library this go around. Still as charming as ever!
A delight! I've read every book the author has written and loved each one, so I knew I would enjoy this one, too. While perhaps nothing will match how much I adored "The President's Hat," this comes close. I loved the premise (I work in an auction house, so the Drouot scenes were especially interesting to me) and flew through it.
A delight! I've read every book the author has written and loved each one, so I knew I would enjoy this one, too. While perhaps nothing will match how much I adored "The President's Hat," this comes close. I loved the premise (I work in an auction house, so the Drouot scenes were especially interesting to me) and flew through it.
January 1, 2018
Another great book from Antoine Laurain. While I didn't love this as much as The President's Hat, it was still a good read. The third book I have read of this author, my favourite find of 2017. I think I only have one more title to read then I'll have to wait for new releases.
August 2, 2024
The audacity of men never fails to surprise me.
December 17, 2017
Visit the locations in the book
A short and unassuming book but one which really got to me. A man who loves collecting antiques is ridiculed by his wife who seems to hate everything he brings back home. I think she’d be more impressed if they had a cat and he brought back a dead mouse or something.
Chaumont loves antiques and the stories they tell. He has to hear their story before he knows how to look after them. His desire to hear their story is what really interested me as I love wandering in such shops and imagining the stories each item has to tell. They say if only walls could talk, but I would rather antiques did.
He picks up a painting that looks very much like him. I immediately thought ooh Dorian Gray.. but this is a different kind of story about looking within oneself and finding that life can be as quite to change as finding an object in a shop..
A nice quirky read.
June 7, 2019
I adore Antoinie Laurain novels, I love the quirky, charming tales that always seem to give the reader the unexpected.
Pierre-Francois Chaumont is a collector of antiques, and when he stumbles across a portrait, he thinks looks just like him, his life changes and he uncovers some things about his wife and his friends that he really ought to have known about. His obsession with finding out about the painting, and a coat of arms, leads him to a discovery that is unique and quite simply astonishing. I loved it.
The ending was not what I expected but was fitting for the story.
I loved his 'Great Aunt' Edgar, there really should be a story all about him, he is such a fabulous character!!
This very short read is perfect for an afternoon of reading
Pierre-Francois Chaumont is a collector of antiques, and when he stumbles across a portrait, he thinks looks just like him, his life changes and he uncovers some things about his wife and his friends that he really ought to have known about. His obsession with finding out about the painting, and a coat of arms, leads him to a discovery that is unique and quite simply astonishing. I loved it.
The ending was not what I expected but was fitting for the story.
I loved his 'Great Aunt' Edgar, there really should be a story all about him, he is such a fabulous character!!
This very short read is perfect for an afternoon of reading
February 24, 2019
Antoine Laurain is an author I've been wanting to read more from for a few years now. I read and enjoyed The Red Notebook and then struggled and ultimately put down The President's Hat, therefore I've wanted to give something else a go.
Unfortunately this was mixed for me. The attitude and actions taken towards women in this are uncomfortable and outdated. I also found the ending to not be satisfying. However, there were aspects of this that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I really liked the eerie quality that this book has and the way that the mystery kept getting deeper.
Overall I enjoyed this novella but it may have benefitted from being a bit longer.
Unfortunately this was mixed for me. The attitude and actions taken towards women in this are uncomfortable and outdated. I also found the ending to not be satisfying. However, there were aspects of this that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I really liked the eerie quality that this book has and the way that the mystery kept getting deeper.
Overall I enjoyed this novella but it may have benefitted from being a bit longer.
March 23, 2023
Não gostei, o que foi uma decepção pra mim pois sou fão do autor e esse é o primeiro livro dele que não gosto. Achei o mistério fraco e o personagem principal absolutamente desprezível (o livro ganhou uma estrela a a mais só pela construção de um personagem que me desagradou tanto, isso tem seu mérito). Sinceramente não via a hora de acabar..
August 2, 2017
Another charming novel from Antoine Laurain. A man purchases an antique portrait that looks just like him, but he seems to be the only person who can see the resemblance. So he begins his research on the portrait...
January 27, 2020
I'm on the hunt for light reads this dark and wintery time of year, and Antoine Laurain has fit the bill nicely with his short and quirky novels. This is probably not his best book, but is still an intriguing and quick read.
May 28, 2019
Read this book over the course of two flights and it was wonderful! Antoine Laurain has such a unique voice and I love it.
July 17, 2025
4.5/5 Stars. Although this isn't Laurain's best, it is still a whole lot of fun, and a quick read. You can read my full review here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2025/07/1...
July 12, 2017
It is a good thing that I didn't read this book of Laurain's first, because I never would have read another of his. This was his first book, unpublished until his others did well. Don't bother with this one.
February 6, 2019
An avid collector buys a picture that changes his life.
I thought this story was good, even though it was simple.
I thought this story was good, even though it was simple.
June 13, 2019
2,5 Sterne
June 26, 2021
3.5: a fun read but definitely not one of my favourites.
December 1, 2016
Ich schiebe diese Rezension jetzt schon länger vor mir her, weil ich immer noch über das Buch nachdenke und es mich einfach nicht loslassen will – beim Lesen selber hat es gar nicht diese große Faszination auf mich gehabt, aber dafür hallt es um so länger nach.
Wieder hat sich der Autor eine ganz besondere Geschichte ausgedacht. Der Anwalt Pierre-François Chaumont liebt es, Dinge zu sammeln, seine Frau hat für diese Leidenschaft dagegen wenig Verständnis. Als er ein altes Portrait ersteigert, auf dem er sich selbst erkennt, macht er sich auf die Suche, woher das Bild stammt.
Die Geschichte ist wieder mit einer wunderbaren Sprache erzählt, eine Sprache, in die ich sofort versinken kann und in der ich mich unglaublich wohl fühle. Dabei sollte man jetzt keine Angst vor blumigen oder ausschweifenden Beschreibungen haben, nein, die Sprache ist einfach poetisch und trifft mit jedem Wort genau das Wesentliche – und oft auch mitten ins Herz. Dazu hat natürlich auch die Geschichte beigetragen, die – obwohl von der Stimmung her eher melancholisch und traurig – doch Mut macht, neue Wege einzuschlagen, Eingefahrenes zu verlassen und so dem Leben neue Chancen einzuräumen. Eine schöne Botschaft, die mir gut gefällt.
Beim Lesen habe ich zwar den Zauber der Sprache gefühlt, den Zauber den Geschichte aber erst nach einigen Tagen, in denen ich noch viel über die Geschichte nachgedacht habe, weil sie mir nicht aus dem Kopf gehen wollte. Sie hat einfach etwas Magisches, etwas Unwirkliches – und trotzdem ist sie auch wieder sehr real und hat bei mir ein Gefühl ausgelöst, auch mal Dinge anzugehen und sie nicht vor sich her zu schieben.
Die Figur des Pierre-François Chaumonts ist außergewöhnlich, dabei aber sehr gut gezeichnet – und obwohl sie so außergewöhnlich ist und die Geschichte manchmal wie ein Traum erscheint, ist sie doch sehr authentisch. Ich habe mit Pierre-François Chaumont gelitten, seine Leidenschaft gespürt und bin daher auch gerne mit ihm auf diese ungewöhnliche Suche eingegangen. Andere Charaktere waren nicht ganz so filigran ausgearbeitet, ließen sogar ein paar Klischees erkennen, das aber hat mir gar nichts ausgemacht, weil sie so sehr gut in die Geschichte passten.
Wie schon die anderen Bücher Antoine Laurains, hat mir auch dieses wieder sehr gut gefallen. Eine Geschichte, die bei mir zwar erst auf den zweiten Blick ihren wahren Charme entwickelt hat, die mich dann aber vollends gepackt hat – ich gebe gerne 4 von 5 Sternen.
Wieder hat sich der Autor eine ganz besondere Geschichte ausgedacht. Der Anwalt Pierre-François Chaumont liebt es, Dinge zu sammeln, seine Frau hat für diese Leidenschaft dagegen wenig Verständnis. Als er ein altes Portrait ersteigert, auf dem er sich selbst erkennt, macht er sich auf die Suche, woher das Bild stammt.
Die Geschichte ist wieder mit einer wunderbaren Sprache erzählt, eine Sprache, in die ich sofort versinken kann und in der ich mich unglaublich wohl fühle. Dabei sollte man jetzt keine Angst vor blumigen oder ausschweifenden Beschreibungen haben, nein, die Sprache ist einfach poetisch und trifft mit jedem Wort genau das Wesentliche – und oft auch mitten ins Herz. Dazu hat natürlich auch die Geschichte beigetragen, die – obwohl von der Stimmung her eher melancholisch und traurig – doch Mut macht, neue Wege einzuschlagen, Eingefahrenes zu verlassen und so dem Leben neue Chancen einzuräumen. Eine schöne Botschaft, die mir gut gefällt.
Beim Lesen habe ich zwar den Zauber der Sprache gefühlt, den Zauber den Geschichte aber erst nach einigen Tagen, in denen ich noch viel über die Geschichte nachgedacht habe, weil sie mir nicht aus dem Kopf gehen wollte. Sie hat einfach etwas Magisches, etwas Unwirkliches – und trotzdem ist sie auch wieder sehr real und hat bei mir ein Gefühl ausgelöst, auch mal Dinge anzugehen und sie nicht vor sich her zu schieben.
Die Figur des Pierre-François Chaumonts ist außergewöhnlich, dabei aber sehr gut gezeichnet – und obwohl sie so außergewöhnlich ist und die Geschichte manchmal wie ein Traum erscheint, ist sie doch sehr authentisch. Ich habe mit Pierre-François Chaumont gelitten, seine Leidenschaft gespürt und bin daher auch gerne mit ihm auf diese ungewöhnliche Suche eingegangen. Andere Charaktere waren nicht ganz so filigran ausgearbeitet, ließen sogar ein paar Klischees erkennen, das aber hat mir gar nichts ausgemacht, weil sie so sehr gut in die Geschichte passten.
Wie schon die anderen Bücher Antoine Laurains, hat mir auch dieses wieder sehr gut gefallen. Eine Geschichte, die bei mir zwar erst auf den zweiten Blick ihren wahren Charme entwickelt hat, die mich dann aber vollends gepackt hat – ich gebe gerne 4 von 5 Sternen.
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