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Losing the Light
A smart, obsessive debut novel about a young woman studying abroad who becomes caught up in a seductive French world—and a complex web of love and lust.
When thirty-year-old Brooke Thompson unexpectedly runs into a man from her past, she’s plunged headlong into memories she’s long tried to forget about the year she spent in France following a disastrous affair with a professor.
As a newly arrived exchange student in the picturesque city of Nantes, young Brooke develops a deep and complicated friendship with Sophie, a fellow American and stunning blonde, whose golden girl façade hides a precarious emotional fragility. Sophie and Brooke soon become inseparable and find themselves intoxicated by their new surroundings—and each other.
But their lives are forever changed when they meet a sly, stylish French student, Veronique, and her impossibly sexy older cousin, Alex. The cousins draw Sophie and Brooke into an irresistible world of art, money, decadence, and ultimately, a disastrous love triangle that consumes them both. And of the two of them, only one will make it home.
When thirty-year-old Brooke Thompson unexpectedly runs into a man from her past, she’s plunged headlong into memories she’s long tried to forget about the year she spent in France following a disastrous affair with a professor.
As a newly arrived exchange student in the picturesque city of Nantes, young Brooke develops a deep and complicated friendship with Sophie, a fellow American and stunning blonde, whose golden girl façade hides a precarious emotional fragility. Sophie and Brooke soon become inseparable and find themselves intoxicated by their new surroundings—and each other.
But their lives are forever changed when they meet a sly, stylish French student, Veronique, and her impossibly sexy older cousin, Alex. The cousins draw Sophie and Brooke into an irresistible world of art, money, decadence, and ultimately, a disastrous love triangle that consumes them both. And of the two of them, only one will make it home.
327 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
33 people are currently reading
2634 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Dunlop
8 books840 followersI'm the author of three novels and the mother of one small human. I write complex, suspenseful books about families with dark secrets and women trying to discover themselves in a world full of contradictory expectations. My stories are set in exciting and exotic locations such as French Riviera, New York City, and Buenos Aires which I hope will give readers an escapist thrill.
I love to hear from readers and aspiring authors. I have a background in book publishing as well as writing, and I share my advice and expertise in weekly videos which you can find on Instagram and here on Goodreads.
I love to hear from readers and aspiring authors. I have a background in book publishing as well as writing, and I share my advice and expertise in weekly videos which you can find on Instagram and here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
February 26, 2016
When recently engaged Brooke Thompson unexpectedly runs into someone from her past at an art showing, she is blasted back into remembering the one summer that changed everything to her. This is how we first get to know Brooke in Andrea Dunlop's debut novel, Losing The Light. Whether it was her new best friend, Sophie, whom she found she couldn't get enough of, the mysterious man they befriended, Alex, whom she also can't get enough of, or just the fact that she found herself in France in the first place following a series of very unplanned events - after that summer she would never be able to look at life in the same way.
Because of the way the first chapter sets up the rest of the story, I had a hunch about how things might end pretty much the entire time. And yet, throughout the entire story, I was frequently amazed at how the nuances of friendships, betrayal, and sudden loss made that lack of a surprise a total non-issue. I generally like shock endings, but for this one the flow was easy, fun, and completely satisfying. For the first time in a while, I closed the cover after finishing the book and felt at peace with how it all played out.
This was unlike anything I've read recently. In fact, I can't even think of anything that I can easily compare it to, which in this case is a fantastic thing. The characters, even the ones who come across as total jerks, are realistic, the setting is beautiful and alluring in it's own right, and the writing is easy to devour. I loved this story, and I do believe it's one that I'll be revisiting in the back of my mind for a while to come.
Who should read it? First of all, if you love France then this is one you MUST pick up. Otherwise, I feel this is a story that is geared at those who understand that friendships aren't always a smooth and easy thing. Life is full of surprises and this is a great representation of both the good and the ugly.
I also think this would be a perfect book club pick - sign me up for the meeting + a trip to France!
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Because of the way the first chapter sets up the rest of the story, I had a hunch about how things might end pretty much the entire time. And yet, throughout the entire story, I was frequently amazed at how the nuances of friendships, betrayal, and sudden loss made that lack of a surprise a total non-issue. I generally like shock endings, but for this one the flow was easy, fun, and completely satisfying. For the first time in a while, I closed the cover after finishing the book and felt at peace with how it all played out.
This was unlike anything I've read recently. In fact, I can't even think of anything that I can easily compare it to, which in this case is a fantastic thing. The characters, even the ones who come across as total jerks, are realistic, the setting is beautiful and alluring in it's own right, and the writing is easy to devour. I loved this story, and I do believe it's one that I'll be revisiting in the back of my mind for a while to come.
Who should read it? First of all, if you love France then this is one you MUST pick up. Otherwise, I feel this is a story that is geared at those who understand that friendships aren't always a smooth and easy thing. Life is full of surprises and this is a great representation of both the good and the ugly.
I also think this would be a perfect book club pick - sign me up for the meeting + a trip to France!
I was provided with a free copy of this book in order to conduct this review.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
March 7, 2017
This debut by Andrea Dunlop is a fascinating tale of friendship, first love and nostalgia. The three main protagonists - Brooke, Sophie and Alex - are all compelling and complex characters. We first meet the narrator Brooke when she runs into someone from her past. Alex is now a well-known photographer and he played a pivotal role in Brooke's life when she was in college studying abroad in France.
Not quite fluent in French, Brooke finds herself struggling with the language when she first arrives. I loved how the author explored the tole that language plays in our grasp and understanding of the world around us.
"Je t'aime, darling, 'I like you, I love you.' What's the difference? Imagine not needing different words for love and like, half the girls I knew practically lived and died by the nuance."
The beautiful and gifted Sophie, another American student, befriends Brooke and they become very close. Brooke cannot understand what Sophie sees in her but Sophie is not quite the perfect, gifted student athlete that everyone assumes her to be. Both girls see their time in France as a way to break free of the confines of their lives back home in America.
They become fast friends with Veronique and soon, her sexy cousin Alex, a photographer. Their family, while very glamorous, is also very dysfunctional. The dynamics are fascinating and Brooke is swept off her feet by the bohemian and free-thinking Alex. He surrounds himself with gorgeous models and artists but insists that he can see beyond the superficial. Brooke feels beautiful when she is with him and with Sophie.
"...people see what they want to see. You will see what you want to see."
Alex quite literally sweeps Brooke off her feet. His family owns homes all over France and the girls embark on a series of adventures with him and his family in Paris, Cap Ferrat and Nantes. If you have ever visited France, or just want to visit, this book will serve as a stunning travelogue to the magnificent country! I could almost hear the noises of Paris and feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Brooke is entranced with Alex and quickly falls under his spell.
"It occurred to me that men like Alex knew how to make entrances, knew how to make you wait just long enough that you found yourself in touch with the exact despair you'd feel if they were to abandon you, then they'd show up to save the day a moment later and fill you with the joy of their presence, the relief of having been rescued from their absence."
This story rockets to a stunning conclusion that was both inevitable and surprising all at once. It is a very powerful tale of friendship, love and second chances. The use of French throughout the book was perfect. I'm obsessed with this book! Perfectly written. And the cover is gorgeous. Did it make me painfully nostalgic for my twenties? Yes. I feel lost without these characters! A slow-build story that I won't soon forget.
"But" - Sophie bit the edge of her lip as if she could hardly contain her smile - "it's going to be different for us. We're going to chose. We'll make our own destiny."
(With thanks to the author for a review copy.)
Not quite fluent in French, Brooke finds herself struggling with the language when she first arrives. I loved how the author explored the tole that language plays in our grasp and understanding of the world around us.
"Je t'aime, darling, 'I like you, I love you.' What's the difference? Imagine not needing different words for love and like, half the girls I knew practically lived and died by the nuance."
The beautiful and gifted Sophie, another American student, befriends Brooke and they become very close. Brooke cannot understand what Sophie sees in her but Sophie is not quite the perfect, gifted student athlete that everyone assumes her to be. Both girls see their time in France as a way to break free of the confines of their lives back home in America.
They become fast friends with Veronique and soon, her sexy cousin Alex, a photographer. Their family, while very glamorous, is also very dysfunctional. The dynamics are fascinating and Brooke is swept off her feet by the bohemian and free-thinking Alex. He surrounds himself with gorgeous models and artists but insists that he can see beyond the superficial. Brooke feels beautiful when she is with him and with Sophie.
"...people see what they want to see. You will see what you want to see."
Alex quite literally sweeps Brooke off her feet. His family owns homes all over France and the girls embark on a series of adventures with him and his family in Paris, Cap Ferrat and Nantes. If you have ever visited France, or just want to visit, this book will serve as a stunning travelogue to the magnificent country! I could almost hear the noises of Paris and feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Brooke is entranced with Alex and quickly falls under his spell.
"It occurred to me that men like Alex knew how to make entrances, knew how to make you wait just long enough that you found yourself in touch with the exact despair you'd feel if they were to abandon you, then they'd show up to save the day a moment later and fill you with the joy of their presence, the relief of having been rescued from their absence."
This story rockets to a stunning conclusion that was both inevitable and surprising all at once. It is a very powerful tale of friendship, love and second chances. The use of French throughout the book was perfect. I'm obsessed with this book! Perfectly written. And the cover is gorgeous. Did it make me painfully nostalgic for my twenties? Yes. I feel lost without these characters! A slow-build story that I won't soon forget.
"But" - Sophie bit the edge of her lip as if she could hardly contain her smile - "it's going to be different for us. We're going to chose. We'll make our own destiny."
(With thanks to the author for a review copy.)
May 15, 2016
On the surface, there's really nothing so wrong with this book. It's just another story about American women in France, reading too much into European culture as usual.
Personally, I'm tired of these representations. I'm tired of how somehow every American depicted in a book loses his/her shit the second they land in France. Be it Paris, Nice, Nantes..whatever. France is this massive, full cream culture that 'awakens' the typical American. It shocks them back to a 'real' life (as opposed to their cardboard, mass-produced American lives apparently). A life of mostly expensive wine and full fat cheese. And this book is no exception, in fact, it's a full-blown account of this phenomenon, presented to us readers in SLOW, EXCRUCIATING DETAIL.
Brooke and Sophie are at best hormonal idiots who have somehow never been forced to grow up, at worst book characters that propel a story forward. I don't relate to them. I don't relate to their ridiculous and comical and agonizing search for someone who "understands" them. To me, Alex was never worthy of any of the exaggerated dramas that unfolded around him. Alex was always a superficial cheesy asshole with an accent. His arrogance was on full display--his artistry or talents so forcefully and continuously mentioned that all I could picture was some asshole with an instagram account taking pictures of feet and quoting Kerouac or Hemingway for added depth that none of us mundanes will ever be able to grasp.
Sure, the writing is good. There's a certain flow. It's slow-going, but I'm sure that's deliberate--I just didn't enjoy it because, in the grand scheme of things, I didn't care for the plot or where it was obviously headed and hence hardly cared for the slow pace getting there. After all, we all already know the 'shocking' plot twist from the book description, it's hardly a mystery.
The supporting characters; Veronique, Adam, Virginie, Alex's mother--they were all flat plot devices. I mean, what good is Veronique really? Other than being someone who is an embodiment of every stereotypical French girl known to literature? someone who introduces the lead characters to Alex? Someone who constantly invites them? Why should she invite them actually? What does Veronique see in Brooke?
There's a lingering, simmering feeling throughout the book that Brooke is less than they are; less rich, less beautiful, less capable, less brave..etc that I have started to believe it myself; seriously, why are they bothering with Brooke altogether? For all we know, Alex is an attractive, beautiful, rich, and talented male specimen; why should he NEED to seduce any of the girls much less both? Why the HUGE, drawn out year-long charade? Seriously, the WHOLE premise is so PETTY. Why is everything so gloomy and final? They're not 40. This isn't a lasting investment. It's a year abroad. All of this character invention, this need to assert their independence as 20 year olds ordering wine and smoking freely is so comical, I just couldn't care about any of the characters.
What bothers me most though, is how little closure this book gives. And I'm not talking about the weak conclusion cliff-hanger, that's absolutely basic and doesn't in the least matter to me. What kills me is the lack of even ONE coherent put-down in this book: Brooke says nothing to Alex-not even years later. Brooke's responses to Sophie are so pathetically basic they only further highlight their insignificant age and wisdom. There are no confrontations, no conclusions, no shocking truths, no hidden agendas, no inner ugly feelings coming to light, no climax that causes a dramatic restructuring of character dynamics--there is nothing. Just a very basic year in France that left two American girls perpetually damaged over nothing and no one that I'm just left with a gaping feeling of "yes, and?".
Personally, I'm tired of these representations. I'm tired of how somehow every American depicted in a book loses his/her shit the second they land in France. Be it Paris, Nice, Nantes..whatever. France is this massive, full cream culture that 'awakens' the typical American. It shocks them back to a 'real' life (as opposed to their cardboard, mass-produced American lives apparently). A life of mostly expensive wine and full fat cheese. And this book is no exception, in fact, it's a full-blown account of this phenomenon, presented to us readers in SLOW, EXCRUCIATING DETAIL.
Brooke and Sophie are at best hormonal idiots who have somehow never been forced to grow up, at worst book characters that propel a story forward. I don't relate to them. I don't relate to their ridiculous and comical and agonizing search for someone who "understands" them. To me, Alex was never worthy of any of the exaggerated dramas that unfolded around him. Alex was always a superficial cheesy asshole with an accent. His arrogance was on full display--his artistry or talents so forcefully and continuously mentioned that all I could picture was some asshole with an instagram account taking pictures of feet and quoting Kerouac or Hemingway for added depth that none of us mundanes will ever be able to grasp.
Sure, the writing is good. There's a certain flow. It's slow-going, but I'm sure that's deliberate--I just didn't enjoy it because, in the grand scheme of things, I didn't care for the plot or where it was obviously headed and hence hardly cared for the slow pace getting there. After all, we all already know the 'shocking' plot twist from the book description, it's hardly a mystery.
The supporting characters; Veronique, Adam, Virginie, Alex's mother--they were all flat plot devices. I mean, what good is Veronique really? Other than being someone who is an embodiment of every stereotypical French girl known to literature? someone who introduces the lead characters to Alex? Someone who constantly invites them? Why should she invite them actually? What does Veronique see in Brooke?
There's a lingering, simmering feeling throughout the book that Brooke is less than they are; less rich, less beautiful, less capable, less brave..etc that I have started to believe it myself; seriously, why are they bothering with Brooke altogether? For all we know, Alex is an attractive, beautiful, rich, and talented male specimen; why should he NEED to seduce any of the girls much less both? Why the HUGE, drawn out year-long charade? Seriously, the WHOLE premise is so PETTY. Why is everything so gloomy and final? They're not 40. This isn't a lasting investment. It's a year abroad. All of this character invention, this need to assert their independence as 20 year olds ordering wine and smoking freely is so comical, I just couldn't care about any of the characters.
What bothers me most though, is how little closure this book gives. And I'm not talking about the weak conclusion cliff-hanger, that's absolutely basic and doesn't in the least matter to me. What kills me is the lack of even ONE coherent put-down in this book: Brooke says nothing to Alex-not even years later. Brooke's responses to Sophie are so pathetically basic they only further highlight their insignificant age and wisdom. There are no confrontations, no conclusions, no shocking truths, no hidden agendas, no inner ugly feelings coming to light, no climax that causes a dramatic restructuring of character dynamics--there is nothing. Just a very basic year in France that left two American girls perpetually damaged over nothing and no one that I'm just left with a gaping feeling of "yes, and?".
October 5, 2015
Fine wine, dark chocolate, a French love triangle, and the perfect best friend- at first- are only a handful of the decadences awaiting you in Losing the Light- not to mention the shocking twist that keeps this succulent debut lingering long after the final page.
January 26, 2016
Losing the Light is a story of betrayal and manipulative friendships. Brooke finds herself in trouble with the dean of her California University when word gets out she's sleeping with one of her professors. In order to keep the scandal to a minimum they offer to send her to France for a semester, where she'll study French and other subjects in Nantes. Another girl, Sophie, is also going and though she and Brooke don't know each other, they become fast friends prior to leaving the U.S. The girls are staying in separate host homes, but wind up spending many hours together in class and after class socializing in the bar, restaurants, and lounges. They both make a tacit agreement to immerse themselves in the culture and not hang around too much with the other Americans. They become friendly with Veronique during a conversational mixer. She invites the girls to a party she's hosting where she introduces them to her cousin Alex, a photographer from Paris, slightly older the girls. After the party the 3 girls start socializing regularly and that includes Alex when he's in town. Brooke finds herself falling in love with Alex, but always feels shadowed by Sophie's confidence and beauty. I loved this line towards the end of the book as the friendships start to unravel, Brooke realizes Sophie is the most interesting thing about her. Meaning Brooke feels she is nothing without Sophie. There are several unexpected twists at the end and the author leaves us to decide a bit on the outcome of the relationship between Brooke, Sophie, and Alex. The book has a nice, dark, feeling as I was reading it, as though things are not what they seem.
September 16, 2017
ugh so good
February 13, 2016
I received this book in a First-Reads giveaway, and never have I ever been happier with a book I received. The characters in this book are perfectly gripping, and even though you can see how the drama will unfold from a mile away, you can't help but get pulled into it and have faith with Brooke that everything will work out. In a way, everything does play out different than expected, but you don't realize it until the very end.
The characters really build in this. The timeline of the book takes place mainly over the span of one year, and within the span of that year, Brooke goes to a specific train station multiple times for various trips, but every time she goes back, she reminisces about who she had been previously there, and you can tangibly feel the change she underwent--although it all happened with perfect pacing and you could barely feel the changes as they were happening.
The only thing off putting to me was not the book itself but, instead, the summary of the book listed. It sounds explicitly like Brooke and Sophie had a sexual relationship in this book. "Sophie and Brooke soon become inseparable and find themselves intoxicated by their new surroundings—and each other." If you're someone who is not interested in reading same-sex novels, don't be put off by that. As weird as it sounds with a summary like that, all they do is love each other as friends.
This was also a wonderful book as far as romance is concerned. There aren't any really smutty scenes in this, but there are a couple that are sexual, just not anywhere remotely close to erotica standards. But this book is also perfect because there are actual tension building scenes. It seems like most books nowadays can only have seduction scenes in the form of being sexual, but Alex ups the romance in a desiring way while still being super classy.
In short, I loved this. The characters were relatable, the plot was normal enough to be realistic yet enticing enough that I couldn't help but read for seven hours to finish once I started (who needs dinner anyway?), and the writing was perfect in the sense that you barely even realize you're reading since the story is playing out vividly in your head while reading. I know it's only the twelfth day of the second month of the year, but I'm already skeptical that I'll read a better book this year. And you're telling me this is Dunlop's first book? Unbelievable. If any of my friends say they're looking for a new book to read, I will gladly point them in the direction of this book.
The characters really build in this. The timeline of the book takes place mainly over the span of one year, and within the span of that year, Brooke goes to a specific train station multiple times for various trips, but every time she goes back, she reminisces about who she had been previously there, and you can tangibly feel the change she underwent--although it all happened with perfect pacing and you could barely feel the changes as they were happening.
The only thing off putting to me was not the book itself but, instead, the summary of the book listed. It sounds explicitly like Brooke and Sophie had a sexual relationship in this book. "Sophie and Brooke soon become inseparable and find themselves intoxicated by their new surroundings—and each other." If you're someone who is not interested in reading same-sex novels, don't be put off by that. As weird as it sounds with a summary like that, all they do is love each other as friends.
This was also a wonderful book as far as romance is concerned. There aren't any really smutty scenes in this, but there are a couple that are sexual, just not anywhere remotely close to erotica standards. But this book is also perfect because there are actual tension building scenes. It seems like most books nowadays can only have seduction scenes in the form of being sexual, but Alex ups the romance in a desiring way while still being super classy.
In short, I loved this. The characters were relatable, the plot was normal enough to be realistic yet enticing enough that I couldn't help but read for seven hours to finish once I started (who needs dinner anyway?), and the writing was perfect in the sense that you barely even realize you're reading since the story is playing out vividly in your head while reading. I know it's only the twelfth day of the second month of the year, but I'm already skeptical that I'll read a better book this year. And you're telling me this is Dunlop's first book? Unbelievable. If any of my friends say they're looking for a new book to read, I will gladly point them in the direction of this book.
November 29, 2016
Beautifully written, evocative, and with a sense of place like no book I've read in recent memory. I'm twenty years out of college and wasn't sure I'd remember the angst of "finding myself in a foreign country" (Yep, I did it too!). But wow, I was taken right back to those years, when love seemed all consuming, when the world and my place in felt so uncertain. I loved all the characters and the writing took my breath away. But the real hidden gem of this book, which presents like a travelogue but is so much more is the ENDING. I did not see that coming! You'll read this one twice: fast, then slow. Highly recommend!
December 31, 2017
** Copy provided for an honest review **
Andrea Dunlop’s debut novel is tale of youth, love and the seductive allure of the new and unknown. Losing the Light is about a woman remembering the friendship and betrayal of her days abroad.
Brooke Thompson runs in to someone from her past that brings back memories from a time in her life that she has tried hard to forget. This is a novel about friendship and the many nuances of the complexity of what exactly that is.
I was intrigued right from the start as I have always wanted to travel to France. Brooke is given an amazing opportunity, though the reasons she gets it are very upsetting to me. It was as if her bad behavior was rewarded. But I guess it set the precedent for the way Brooke handles things. Her friendship with Sophie from the beginning was questionable. A friendship of convenience, they would not have become close in any other situation. Then you throw in a young man and you just know things are going to end in disaster.
As Brooke remembers her past I couldn’t help but to think back on my own and question some of the things I had done and the so-called friendship that I had at the time. This novel is very realistic in the way that Brooke and Sophie are portrayed as young adults.
Extremely well written, you will find yourself reminiscing on the good and the bad of your youth. Four stars.
Andrea Dunlop’s debut novel is tale of youth, love and the seductive allure of the new and unknown. Losing the Light is about a woman remembering the friendship and betrayal of her days abroad.
Brooke Thompson runs in to someone from her past that brings back memories from a time in her life that she has tried hard to forget. This is a novel about friendship and the many nuances of the complexity of what exactly that is.
I was intrigued right from the start as I have always wanted to travel to France. Brooke is given an amazing opportunity, though the reasons she gets it are very upsetting to me. It was as if her bad behavior was rewarded. But I guess it set the precedent for the way Brooke handles things. Her friendship with Sophie from the beginning was questionable. A friendship of convenience, they would not have become close in any other situation. Then you throw in a young man and you just know things are going to end in disaster.
As Brooke remembers her past I couldn’t help but to think back on my own and question some of the things I had done and the so-called friendship that I had at the time. This novel is very realistic in the way that Brooke and Sophie are portrayed as young adults.
Extremely well written, you will find yourself reminiscing on the good and the bad of your youth. Four stars.
September 27, 2017
I absolutely LOVE interacting with authors...they are my (not so) secret rock stars! Imagine my delight when Andrea Dunlop herself reached out to me to see if I would be interested in reading her book...squeee!!! It felt like the perfect book for summer and I was excited to read it as my last official "summer read" of the year. While not quite what I was expecting from the synopsis and quotes on the cover, it ended up being an immersive and interesting peek into what it's like as a study abroad student in a world with far less rules and restrictions then you are used to.
I love that the reader knows from the beginning that Brooke is the friend that "makes it home", leaving you to wonder what was going to happen to Sophie. When we meet Sophie she seems very one-dimensional - gorgeous, popular, smart - and I loved seeing her character deepen and become more complicated. She's not as perfect as everyone seems to think and this comes as a surprise to Brooke as much as the reader. On the flipside, Brooke is quite reckless when she first meets Sophie and seems to become more level-headed (with a few exceptions) as Sophie spins out of control. The two made an interesting dichotomy and I very much enjoyed trying to decipher the finer points of their friendship.
My favorite aspect of the story would have to be the time spent building this world of being a college student studying abroad. Learning about the lessons they take, seeing what it would be like to live with a family who doesn't speak your language, discovering the mysteries around each corner with the characters and feeling that first sense of true freedom...it was almost like I was experiencing everything too! Andrea Dunlop really brought this world alive for me and I absolutely love when an author does that.
Now, my only real issues with Losing the Light might have more to do with my expectations of what the story was about then the actual story. The cover describes it as compulsive and even talks about their being a murder mystery so, in my mind, I assumed it would be fast past and something that I just couldn't put down. It actually ended up being more of a slow burn sort of novel for me, with the tension between characters building slowly and, even when that tension "breaks" it isn't done with a 'bam!" but more of a slow release. Also, unless I missed it somewhere, I'm not really sure where the murder mystery comes in. This is much more a character study and a coming of age look at love and heartbreak and growing into one's skin than a mystery of any kind.
The above being said, I did enjoy reading Losing the Light very much. I was transported to France and saw the joys and drawbacks to the world spun between the pages. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a well written story dealing with travel, youth, and loss of innocence.
I love that the reader knows from the beginning that Brooke is the friend that "makes it home", leaving you to wonder what was going to happen to Sophie. When we meet Sophie she seems very one-dimensional - gorgeous, popular, smart - and I loved seeing her character deepen and become more complicated. She's not as perfect as everyone seems to think and this comes as a surprise to Brooke as much as the reader. On the flipside, Brooke is quite reckless when she first meets Sophie and seems to become more level-headed (with a few exceptions) as Sophie spins out of control. The two made an interesting dichotomy and I very much enjoyed trying to decipher the finer points of their friendship.
My favorite aspect of the story would have to be the time spent building this world of being a college student studying abroad. Learning about the lessons they take, seeing what it would be like to live with a family who doesn't speak your language, discovering the mysteries around each corner with the characters and feeling that first sense of true freedom...it was almost like I was experiencing everything too! Andrea Dunlop really brought this world alive for me and I absolutely love when an author does that.
Now, my only real issues with Losing the Light might have more to do with my expectations of what the story was about then the actual story. The cover describes it as compulsive and even talks about their being a murder mystery so, in my mind, I assumed it would be fast past and something that I just couldn't put down. It actually ended up being more of a slow burn sort of novel for me, with the tension between characters building slowly and, even when that tension "breaks" it isn't done with a 'bam!" but more of a slow release. Also, unless I missed it somewhere, I'm not really sure where the murder mystery comes in. This is much more a character study and a coming of age look at love and heartbreak and growing into one's skin than a mystery of any kind.
The above being said, I did enjoy reading Losing the Light very much. I was transported to France and saw the joys and drawbacks to the world spun between the pages. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a well written story dealing with travel, youth, and loss of innocence.
February 12, 2016
While I had never heard of Andrea Dunlop, I loved the title of the book and I loved the look of the cover of this book, so that was enough to agree to read it and give you my review. Before I give you my opinion, let me tell you a little about the story:
So there are two main characters here - Sophie Martin and Brooke Thompson. Sophie is an outward appearing "all American" golden blonde California girl. Inwardly, however, Sophie struggles with some emotional issues that Brooke comes to learn along the way. Then there is Brooke who finds herself in trouble with the dean of her California University when her professor confesses that he's been sleeping with Brooke. The school avoids a scandal by allowing the teacher to change schools and sends Brooke to France for a semester, where she'll study French and other subjects.
While Sophie and Brooke start out as mere acquaintances, they quickly become friends while still in California prior to the France trip. When they arrive in France, Sophie and Brooke are staying in separate "host" homes, but they spend most of their time together at school and then after school while socializing at the the local restaurants, bars and night clubs.They both agree that the best way to learn French and the ways of France is to remove themselves from socializing with the other Americans at school and instead they begin to immerse themselves in the French culture. They meet Veronique during a a conversation class and she invites them to a party at her house.
Sophie and Brooke attend the party at Veronique's and meet her cousin, Alex, who is a 25-year old photographer from Paris. The girls continue to socialize with Veronique and Alex on a regular basis and even meets their family. While Brooke knows she is falling for Alex, she feels that maybe she doesn't have a chance with Sophie around, since she's the golden girl and all.
At this same time, school and study both stop being the priority for the girls. The weekends they spend in Paris and Cap Ferrat, and all the glamour and wealth - begin to weave their spell on the girls, but as readers learn, the magic comes to an end with results that could be disastrous. There's a shocking twist in this book that only those who read the book will have the good fortune to learn (since I don't write spoilers)!
I will say first that I do not speak French. I wasn't a fan of all the French being spoken in the book, since I obviously didn't know what it meant unless they made it so obvious a monkey could understand it. That being said, the French didn't overtake the book and the plot remained intact and well written. Andrea Dunlop has created a very captivating world for her readers luring them into the world of these very engaging and well developed characters. There are several unexpected twists at the end and Ms. Dunlop leaves readers trying to decide some of the relationship situations between Brooke, Sophie, and Alex, and she helps remind us that friendships are not always easy and clear-cut, and that this thing called life has it's ups and downs. The book was a fun read and I could see taking it to the beach for a nice long afternoon read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publishers and BookSparks in exchange for this post, which is my honest review and unbiased opinion.
So there are two main characters here - Sophie Martin and Brooke Thompson. Sophie is an outward appearing "all American" golden blonde California girl. Inwardly, however, Sophie struggles with some emotional issues that Brooke comes to learn along the way. Then there is Brooke who finds herself in trouble with the dean of her California University when her professor confesses that he's been sleeping with Brooke. The school avoids a scandal by allowing the teacher to change schools and sends Brooke to France for a semester, where she'll study French and other subjects.
While Sophie and Brooke start out as mere acquaintances, they quickly become friends while still in California prior to the France trip. When they arrive in France, Sophie and Brooke are staying in separate "host" homes, but they spend most of their time together at school and then after school while socializing at the the local restaurants, bars and night clubs.They both agree that the best way to learn French and the ways of France is to remove themselves from socializing with the other Americans at school and instead they begin to immerse themselves in the French culture. They meet Veronique during a a conversation class and she invites them to a party at her house.
Sophie and Brooke attend the party at Veronique's and meet her cousin, Alex, who is a 25-year old photographer from Paris. The girls continue to socialize with Veronique and Alex on a regular basis and even meets their family. While Brooke knows she is falling for Alex, she feels that maybe she doesn't have a chance with Sophie around, since she's the golden girl and all.
At this same time, school and study both stop being the priority for the girls. The weekends they spend in Paris and Cap Ferrat, and all the glamour and wealth - begin to weave their spell on the girls, but as readers learn, the magic comes to an end with results that could be disastrous. There's a shocking twist in this book that only those who read the book will have the good fortune to learn (since I don't write spoilers)!
I will say first that I do not speak French. I wasn't a fan of all the French being spoken in the book, since I obviously didn't know what it meant unless they made it so obvious a monkey could understand it. That being said, the French didn't overtake the book and the plot remained intact and well written. Andrea Dunlop has created a very captivating world for her readers luring them into the world of these very engaging and well developed characters. There are several unexpected twists at the end and Ms. Dunlop leaves readers trying to decide some of the relationship situations between Brooke, Sophie, and Alex, and she helps remind us that friendships are not always easy and clear-cut, and that this thing called life has it's ups and downs. The book was a fun read and I could see taking it to the beach for a nice long afternoon read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publishers and BookSparks in exchange for this post, which is my honest review and unbiased opinion.
March 9, 2016
What drew me to this book was the beautiful cover! Once I read it was set in France, I knew I had to read it! I took several years of French in school, and was lucky enough to travel to France, but only for a short ten days. So this book was perfect for me! I absolutely loved it. Brooke was such a great character, and I loved viewing France through her eyes. There are several times in the book where French words and phrases are used. The context generally explains what was said, but I was definitely thankful I knew French when reading it. I'm not saying it's necessary you know French to read the book, but if you do know French, you may appreciate those parts of the book more.
Sophie was an interesting character--misunderstood, perhaps. As much as I normally dislike this in books, I would've loved some chapters from her perspective, just to learn more about her and what she was thinking at times. I often found my self frustrated with her, but by the end felt like she was just so misunderstood.
As you got further into the book and the love triangle, the book got more and more emotional and hard to put down! You HAVE to know what happens! The ending is shocking, unexpected, and makes you think. The book is extremely well written, entertaining, and a great representation of French culture. If you love French language and culture as much as I do, you will love this book! I definitely look forward to future books by this author!
Read my review on my blog at http://palmerspageturners.blogspot.co...
Sophie was an interesting character--misunderstood, perhaps. As much as I normally dislike this in books, I would've loved some chapters from her perspective, just to learn more about her and what she was thinking at times. I often found my self frustrated with her, but by the end felt like she was just so misunderstood.
As you got further into the book and the love triangle, the book got more and more emotional and hard to put down! You HAVE to know what happens! The ending is shocking, unexpected, and makes you think. The book is extremely well written, entertaining, and a great representation of French culture. If you love French language and culture as much as I do, you will love this book! I definitely look forward to future books by this author!
Read my review on my blog at http://palmerspageturners.blogspot.co...
December 20, 2016
In a desire to leave their troubles behind and escape what they consider provincial California lives, Brooke Thompson and Sophie Martin enroll in a study abroad program in Nantes, France. Only acquaintances in California, they find themselves forming a deep and consuming friendship in Nantes. There they meet Veronique, a charming French student and her beguiling and wealthy cousin Alex. Study and school cease to be a priority, as Brooke and Sophie become entranced with France and obsessed with their burgeoning relationship with Alex. Weekends in Paris and Cap Ferrat, glamour and wealth - all weave their spell. But the magic soon comes to an end with what might be disastrous results. Andrea Dunlop has created an alluring and captivating world inhabited by engaging characters, and the book was fun to read for that alone. But what makes this more than a light beach read is her stunning portrayal of the heady promises of youth and the pain of loss and betrayal. An impressive debut and a pleasure to read.
Thank you to Atria Books/Washington Square Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to Atria Books/Washington Square Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
December 4, 2016
Losing the Light is a charming novel about two friends who move to France for a semester abroad. Each girl left behind troubles of their own, and they hope to forget about their problems for a while and explore a new country. The novel begins in present time and leaves the reader on a bit of a cliff hanger in the first chapter as the author takes a turn back in time to the semester abroad in France.
Throughout the entire novel, I was waiting for something totally crazy to happen. Dunlop kept me on my toes and didn’t allow me to let my guard down until the very last page. The writing is great and the characters were intricately developed. Dunlop makes it incredibly easy to love some of the characters, want to be best friends with others, and strongly dislike some as well.
Losing the Light is a light and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was expecting a little more mystery, but I did enjoy the ongoing feel of suspense throughout the entire novel. If you are looking for a fun and quick read with an international twist, check out Andrea Dunlop’s debut, Losing the Light!
Throughout the entire novel, I was waiting for something totally crazy to happen. Dunlop kept me on my toes and didn’t allow me to let my guard down until the very last page. The writing is great and the characters were intricately developed. Dunlop makes it incredibly easy to love some of the characters, want to be best friends with others, and strongly dislike some as well.
Losing the Light is a light and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was expecting a little more mystery, but I did enjoy the ongoing feel of suspense throughout the entire novel. If you are looking for a fun and quick read with an international twist, check out Andrea Dunlop’s debut, Losing the Light!
April 4, 2017
I found Losing the Light on some blog as '10 best contemporary novels read in 2017'. But this novel was average and nothing special.
The main character, Brooke, remembers an event from her past. Story is told from her POV and many important details are missing. She was not very observant at the time, so don't expect for much about other characters and their reactions. Brooke is very self centered.
I think Losing the Light would have been much better with at least another point of view, to complete the story.
The best thing about Losing the Light is that is set in France, so if you are looking for something to feed the wonderlust bug, it's a great choice. If not, better skip it.
The main character, Brooke, remembers an event from her past. Story is told from her POV and many important details are missing. She was not very observant at the time, so don't expect for much about other characters and their reactions. Brooke is very self centered.
I think Losing the Light would have been much better with at least another point of view, to complete the story.
The best thing about Losing the Light is that is set in France, so if you are looking for something to feed the wonderlust bug, it's a great choice. If not, better skip it.
February 28, 2016
The story told from Brooke's point of view leaves unanswered questions and emotions. What really happened to Sophie and if Brook had returned to France would the outcome have been different? Dunlop transports the reader into the world of a naive college exchange student introduced to the life of the rich and self-absorbed. Read my review...http://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogsp...
May 5, 2017
We all have experienced finding a debut author who has surpassed our expectations. A rare find it is when we finish a novel, and sit a moment, reflect, and send a little prayer upward asking that the author "hurry up with their next book". Ms. Dunlop has done this to me with Losing the Light. This is not my typical read, and to be honest, I cannot even recall how or when I added this to my "to-read" list. I'm thankful something made me add it. Her writing is lovely. She has written such an emotional novel. Not emotional for me, BUT she created characters who are wonderful examples of living "in emotion". These two best friends, Brooke and Sophie, who are in one of the most romantic countries in the world (or so I've been told), France. They have deep internal emotions, express their thoughts and feelings emotionally, react emotionally. They are the epitome of young women looking for love, adventure, friendship, and "the meaning of life". This is quite the accomplishment for a debut novel.
December 13, 2017
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book even while I was reading it. I felt that at any moment something could happen to make me hate it...but the opposite happened. The twist at the end made me LOVE this book. I smiled somewhat of a nasty little smile because it would appear that Sophie got the best of everyone. I didn't like her character at all but she was nothing compared to how pathetic I found Brooke to be and I reacted to the ending with a guilty little pleasure. However, I do think both characters were well-written and I absolutely consider an author a success if I end up loving a story despite hating the characters.
This was a quick, fun read and I'd definitely recommend it!
This was a quick, fun read and I'd definitely recommend it!
March 17, 2016
Review on blog: http://www.bookbaristas.org/2016/03/r...
I’m currently drinking merlot and listening to La Vie Rose as I write this review because it only seems fitting. If I could be sitting in Nantes, France, I’d be there in a hot second but this is as French as I can get under the circumstances.
This book was the perfect dose of dreamy and whimsical, carefully tinged with sorrow and heartbreak. It was about the possibility of everything – the feeling before the storm, and I loved every second of it.
Brooke is the kind of girl who blends so seamlessly into a crowd; she knows how to get away with things just because she can. Who’s to stop a girl from having an affair with her professor when it’s just so easy to get lost in?
“You have to savor the moment, the day you are in. You cannot think about where you will soon be or you might as well already be there instead of here.”
When things get messy and she’s suddenly seated on a plane to France for a semester abroad, she realizes just how lucky she is to have this kind of opportunity. Brooke pairs up with Sophie, the iridescent and striking classmate who is also spending the semester abroad, and the two become inseparable. They form a bond that, to some, seems unbreakable, a best friendship that is stronger than any other relationship they’ve had because they are Sophie and Brooke, each halves that make up a whole.
“I began to understand what I found so seductive about Sophie: the possibility of seeing the world as she saw it, as an alternate universe where life was, above all else, an adventure.”
Enter Alex de Persaud, the mysterious and intriguing French man who will make their lives a living dream. Brooke falls helplessly for Alex’s charm and wit – he is everything that she wants and needs. He is the antidote to the fever she can’t seem to shake; she is in love. But love isn’t ever simple, especially when Brooke isn’t just Brooke without Sophie.
“You have to learn to live in the moment, chérie, or you are not even really living at all. Don’t you know that?”
Cue the sound of more wine being poured – this story will leave you crying over the tragic reality of love and the immense toll a toxic relationship can take on a person. An extraordinary debut from a writer whom I can now consider one of my favorites in this genre. I'm beyond excited to read whatever Andrea Dunlop writes next because it is sure to be a new favorite of mine.
“Maybe when we're older, we’ll understand how to have something and love it all at the same time.”
I’m currently drinking merlot and listening to La Vie Rose as I write this review because it only seems fitting. If I could be sitting in Nantes, France, I’d be there in a hot second but this is as French as I can get under the circumstances.
This book was the perfect dose of dreamy and whimsical, carefully tinged with sorrow and heartbreak. It was about the possibility of everything – the feeling before the storm, and I loved every second of it.
Brooke is the kind of girl who blends so seamlessly into a crowd; she knows how to get away with things just because she can. Who’s to stop a girl from having an affair with her professor when it’s just so easy to get lost in?
“You have to savor the moment, the day you are in. You cannot think about where you will soon be or you might as well already be there instead of here.”
When things get messy and she’s suddenly seated on a plane to France for a semester abroad, she realizes just how lucky she is to have this kind of opportunity. Brooke pairs up with Sophie, the iridescent and striking classmate who is also spending the semester abroad, and the two become inseparable. They form a bond that, to some, seems unbreakable, a best friendship that is stronger than any other relationship they’ve had because they are Sophie and Brooke, each halves that make up a whole.
“I began to understand what I found so seductive about Sophie: the possibility of seeing the world as she saw it, as an alternate universe where life was, above all else, an adventure.”
Enter Alex de Persaud, the mysterious and intriguing French man who will make their lives a living dream. Brooke falls helplessly for Alex’s charm and wit – he is everything that she wants and needs. He is the antidote to the fever she can’t seem to shake; she is in love. But love isn’t ever simple, especially when Brooke isn’t just Brooke without Sophie.
“You have to learn to live in the moment, chérie, or you are not even really living at all. Don’t you know that?”
Cue the sound of more wine being poured – this story will leave you crying over the tragic reality of love and the immense toll a toxic relationship can take on a person. An extraordinary debut from a writer whom I can now consider one of my favorites in this genre. I'm beyond excited to read whatever Andrea Dunlop writes next because it is sure to be a new favorite of mine.
“Maybe when we're older, we’ll understand how to have something and love it all at the same time.”
March 1, 2020
I'll read just about anything set in France. This one did a decent job of representing study abroad, but I didn't find the storyline all that believable after the twist.
July 29, 2016
I picked this book up on sale not knowing what to expect. I am not a reader of light, romantic fiction as a general rule, but the description attracted me due to its indication that the story revolves around life abroad and had some level of mystery. (I think they used the descriptors "intrigue" and "web".) If you are expecting mystery don't buy it. There is a twist at the end, but not enough to classify it as mysterious. If you are a lover of contemporary fiction with some humor and some romance then you may find it both interesting and entertaining. This is a quick and easy read which entertained me and never ventured into a place where I was either confused or thinking. The problem is that I like books which force me to be uncomfortable, to think hard and to feel confused. I like books which are deep and intricate rather than entertaining. I like characters who are deeply flawed, in pain, angry, obstinate, stubborn, funny, kind, likable and unlikable.
Cassandra Campbell's narration is beautiful, sweet and subtle. She was the reason for the sale and so now I am looking forward to two other books I bought which she read. I am grateful for that.
Cassandra Campbell's narration is beautiful, sweet and subtle. She was the reason for the sale and so now I am looking forward to two other books I bought which she read. I am grateful for that.
February 16, 2016
Young college students, Sophie and Brooke, find themselves spending part of their college studies, for different reasons, in France. Beautiful and wealthy Sophie is attached to Brooke and emotionally fragile. Brooke finds herself attached to Sophie, American students in France. They begin to share their deepest secrets.
Early on, both Sophie and Brooke, befriend Veronique and her older cousin Alex. Sophie and Brooke become caught up in their new friends' world. However, at the end of their time in France, only one of the two women return to the US alive.
This book is spellbinding. Once a reader starts it, it has to be finished. Andrea Dunlop explores many themes involving relationship and achieving happiness. This book will leave readers reeling!
Note: A goodreads giveaway is ongoing until around February 26, 2016, for this book. Check it out!
I received this book for free as part of the BookSparks Losing the Light Tour from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2019
“What I didn’t know was that my sense of not being in quite the right life would never completely go away, that I would always feel as if I were waiting for something to come along and return to me all that I felt my life might have been when I was in France.”
I burned through this in one evening. There’s a lot to untangle and frankly, I don’t even know how I would describe it. Small facets of it remind me of my own time studying abroad and others are stunning aberrations.
There is something to be said about the feeling of being abroad with a time limit. Knowing you can invent yourself into whoever you want to be because you’re arriving as whoever you want to be. This book gives light to that feeling of, “What if I didn’t get on the plane to come home?” but twists it into something else.
I burned through this in one evening. There’s a lot to untangle and frankly, I don’t even know how I would describe it. Small facets of it remind me of my own time studying abroad and others are stunning aberrations.
There is something to be said about the feeling of being abroad with a time limit. Knowing you can invent yourself into whoever you want to be because you’re arriving as whoever you want to be. This book gives light to that feeling of, “What if I didn’t get on the plane to come home?” but twists it into something else.
July 13, 2016
3.5 stars
What drew me to this book first was the cover .. it's stunning!! ... and what kept me reading was the compelling story within it's pages. You have two college girls going to France for an entire year - what could happen, right? Yea, right. What happens is worlds collide and reshape/redefine the lives of those two girls. One is from privilege and who, from all appearances, has the world at her feet and the other, not much privilege at all, yet she is pulled into - dare I say lulled by- this grand & extravagant lifestyle of France and a world she's never known.
For a debut novel, I thought this was very well written and the plot kept me pulled into the pages. The pace would rise and fall yet not reveal what was coming in the future pages.
What drew me to this book first was the cover .. it's stunning!! ... and what kept me reading was the compelling story within it's pages. You have two college girls going to France for an entire year - what could happen, right? Yea, right. What happens is worlds collide and reshape/redefine the lives of those two girls. One is from privilege and who, from all appearances, has the world at her feet and the other, not much privilege at all, yet she is pulled into - dare I say lulled by- this grand & extravagant lifestyle of France and a world she's never known.
For a debut novel, I thought this was very well written and the plot kept me pulled into the pages. The pace would rise and fall yet not reveal what was coming in the future pages.
April 6, 2016
No Spoilers
I received this book from Simon & Schuster Canada and I am so grateful for getting it. It was absolutely captivating the way the author wrote the book. I loved everything about it. I am not one to write a 2 page review about a book that is why I am not a blogger but this book was mind blowing especially the ending, I never would of suspected the author would do such a twist and make you think what really happened.
I really hope there is a book 2 in this or at least an alternative POV from Sophie or Alex, but I think reading Sophie would be extraordinary.
I believe this is the longest review I have ever written and by far the most deserving, so glad I got this chance to read this book absolutely the best ever. Thanks Everyone needs to read this book
I received this book from Simon & Schuster Canada and I am so grateful for getting it. It was absolutely captivating the way the author wrote the book. I loved everything about it. I am not one to write a 2 page review about a book that is why I am not a blogger but this book was mind blowing especially the ending, I never would of suspected the author would do such a twist and make you think what really happened.
I really hope there is a book 2 in this or at least an alternative POV from Sophie or Alex, but I think reading Sophie would be extraordinary.
I believe this is the longest review I have ever written and by far the most deserving, so glad I got this chance to read this book absolutely the best ever. Thanks Everyone needs to read this book
February 19, 2016
Entertaining with a slow burn.
Most of this story is a look into the study abroad experience for two students in a small town in France. The daily living and bonding of two young American women in France (mostly Nantes and Paris) are described in lengthy flashback scenes. I would love to taste the hot fresh sandwich au jambon mentioned.
The character growth was also slow-going as it takes awhile for the protagonist to come to terms with her issues of the past and present.
Friendship, love, holiday romance and betrayal play parts throughout with an ending that made me wonder (in a good way).
Most of this story is a look into the study abroad experience for two students in a small town in France. The daily living and bonding of two young American women in France (mostly Nantes and Paris) are described in lengthy flashback scenes. I would love to taste the hot fresh sandwich au jambon mentioned.
The character growth was also slow-going as it takes awhile for the protagonist to come to terms with her issues of the past and present.
Friendship, love, holiday romance and betrayal play parts throughout with an ending that made me wonder (in a good way).
May 25, 2016
This book was right up my alley from the beginning, as I love stories about Americans going abroad and immersing themselves in different cultures. Losing the Light tells the story of two American students, Sophie and Brooke, who while they were not really friends in their normal lives, develop an intense and all-consuming relationship quite quickly. I couldn't help imagining how well this story would translate onto the screen and I think any film distributor would be lucky to snatch it up. There's romance, obsession and a look into that time in our lives where we realize that we won't always be young and carefree, and actions have consequences. Definitely a quick, fun read!
February 23, 2016
The debut novel by Andrea Dunlop is a compelling story about friendship abroad. She weaves three strong protagonists together in a way that is unexpected and challenging. The ending comes as surprise after hours of suspenseful page turning - gripping, haunting and yet, somehow sweet. The book conveys what its like to study abroad, to be embraced in a consuming romance with friends and the seemingly incoherent way that worlds can be built, fade and fall away.
February 28, 2016
Not exactly sure why everyone is raving about this one. Yes, the characters are somewhat believable and the setting is beautiful. However, I never found myself feeling attached to Brooke or Sophie. Brooke tended to get on my nerves and Sophie was an enigma the entire time. I wasn't quite sure how the author wanted me to feel about them which is a bad sign for me. The ending also felt predictable and didn't leave me reeling like some other reviews have said. This is a solid 3 out of 5 for me.
March 10, 2016
I got swept up in this book right away! It reminds me of the Woody Allen movie, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The writing is beautiful, as is the backdrop of France. This is a lovely spring read!
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