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Isn't it Romantic?
Touring America was Natalie's idea. But she had not planned on being accompanied on a cross-country bus by her playboy fiance, Pierre. Nor had they anticipated being stranded in Seldom, Nebraska, population 395.
But that is exactly what happens to this French couple, and they quickly find themselves beings taken in by the obliging citizens of Seldom: Natalie by Mrs. Christiansen, a retired high school teacher who runs a rooming house for women, and Pierre by Owen, a gas station ownder and ambitious winemaker in an unlikely part of the world.
And here, also, the separated couple becomes enchanted by the locals. Natalie is soon being wooed by Dick Tupper, a handsome and honest rancher. Pierre falls quickly for Iona, a beautiful, no-nonsense waitress at the local diner.
In this charming entertainment, mistaken identities, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings abound as Parisian sophistication collides with the affability and simple pleasures of the Great Plains.
But that is exactly what happens to this French couple, and they quickly find themselves beings taken in by the obliging citizens of Seldom: Natalie by Mrs. Christiansen, a retired high school teacher who runs a rooming house for women, and Pierre by Owen, a gas station ownder and ambitious winemaker in an unlikely part of the world.
And here, also, the separated couple becomes enchanted by the locals. Natalie is soon being wooed by Dick Tupper, a handsome and honest rancher. Pierre falls quickly for Iona, a beautiful, no-nonsense waitress at the local diner.
In this charming entertainment, mistaken identities, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings abound as Parisian sophistication collides with the affability and simple pleasures of the Great Plains.
Paperback
First published January 7, 2003
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About the author
Ron Hansen
63 books265 followersRon Hansen is the author of two story collections, two volumes of essays, and nine novels, including most recently The Kid, as well as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film. His novel Atticus was a finalist for the National Book Award. He teaches at Santa Clara University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 7, 2019
The subtitle of this little novel is “An Entertainment.” And that’s exactly what it is.
Natalie and Pierre are a young Parisien couple, but Natalie has had it with Pierre’s playboy ways. She decides to go to America and travel by bus to really see the country. Pierre follows her and they wind up stranded in Seldom, Nebraska, population 395. Natalie is taken in by the former French teacher (who’s apparently forgotten much of her French), while Pierre bunks with Owen, the local garage mechanic and amateur vintner. They also capture the amorous attentions of two locals.
What follows is a farcical comedy, with messages gone astray, intentions misunderstood, love declared, and more than one mishap. Who will wind up with whom?
It’s a fun romance, if totally ridiculous. Great beach read.
Natalie and Pierre are a young Parisien couple, but Natalie has had it with Pierre’s playboy ways. She decides to go to America and travel by bus to really see the country. Pierre follows her and they wind up stranded in Seldom, Nebraska, population 395. Natalie is taken in by the former French teacher (who’s apparently forgotten much of her French), while Pierre bunks with Owen, the local garage mechanic and amateur vintner. They also capture the amorous attentions of two locals.
What follows is a farcical comedy, with messages gone astray, intentions misunderstood, love declared, and more than one mishap. Who will wind up with whom?
It’s a fun romance, if totally ridiculous. Great beach read.
January 7, 2012
This is one of the most dreadful books I've ever read. There are far too many characters and not a single one is properly developed. I struggled to remember who was who and to understand their reactions to each other, as well as their interactions. Hansen attempted to make this a romantic comedy, but I had trouble seeing the romantic part, while I was hit over the head by the comedy.
I think the absolute biggest fault of this story is that it's evident that the author envisioned it as a movie (which isn't bad at all - I'm sure many authors envision their books as movies), but he wrote it in that way. A serious no-no. Trying to write a book movie-style just doesn't work. I'm sure he could clearly see each scene unfold, but as the reader, I couldn't.
He would have been better off writing a screenplay. All in all, not a book I would recommend to anyone.
I think the absolute biggest fault of this story is that it's evident that the author envisioned it as a movie (which isn't bad at all - I'm sure many authors envision their books as movies), but he wrote it in that way. A serious no-no. Trying to write a book movie-style just doesn't work. I'm sure he could clearly see each scene unfold, but as the reader, I couldn't.
He would have been better off writing a screenplay. All in all, not a book I would recommend to anyone.
July 29, 2007
A delightful, lightweight read. Requires no thought which, after Deathly Hallows, was quite refreshing. A French woman who loves all things American gets stranded in a small town in Nebraska, along with her estranged fiance. The townspeople are extremely quirky & eccentric, with a knack for speaking their minds. Their simplistic dialogue leads to many misunderstandings, especially for the Frenchman, whose English is definitely lacking. I laughed out loud at times, especially during the wine-tasting contest for locally grown wines. (That's right, a Nebraska wine-tasting, of all things!) I enjoyed this book alot & sped right thru it.
January 4, 2010
Not Hansen's best work. This little novella is a "screwball" romantic comedy that just didn't work. It read more like a script for a hollywood chick flick than a novel, complete with small town antics, sit-com style confusion, and used jokes. DIsappointing product from an otherwise outstanding author.
October 30, 2010
I'm glad Hansen didn't let this book get blown out of proportion. It is exactly what it says it is on the cover: "an entertainment." Rather like watching a production of "Noises Off," though not quite as uproariously funny.
The characters are well-drawn, the action fast-paced. The dialogue and descriptions are pithy and succinct. It might do very well as a light-hearted play. Entertaining, momentarily diverting, but nothing to sink your teeth into. Unless one has done cross-country drives and decides to use this book as a "jumping off" point for an evening of sharing road stories.
The characters are well-drawn, the action fast-paced. The dialogue and descriptions are pithy and succinct. It might do very well as a light-hearted play. Entertaining, momentarily diverting, but nothing to sink your teeth into. Unless one has done cross-country drives and decides to use this book as a "jumping off" point for an evening of sharing road stories.
September 5, 2007
This was another fun romantic comedy. It's the story of a French couple who are stranded in Nebraska of all places. The local people basically adopt them and, of course, a "comedy of errors" follows.
I would probably have enjoyed this more if I hadn't just finished another lightweight chick-lit book. But it was an entertaining and easy read.
I would probably have enjoyed this more if I hadn't just finished another lightweight chick-lit book. But it was an entertaining and easy read.
June 7, 2008
This was a very fast read and at times had me almost laughing out loud. (I would have, but I was proctoring a test at the time and trying to keep it a quiet environment). It's a great light summertime read.
May 12, 2020
A French lady takes a trip across America to out of the way places comes to a halt when her fiancee catches up to her in a very small town in Nebraska. She must decide by Saturday whether to marry him, but local interests seemed poised to intervene. An okay book, but the author has done much better.
October 21, 2018
The only thing I could read on a massive amount of cold medicine. I reserve the right to revise my review when I can breathe normally.
November 27, 2018
This was a little too silly for me.
March 9, 2021
Qucik read that was fun but didn't have a lot of substacne.
April 1, 2025
Reminds me of a Shakespearean romantic romp - mistaken identity, screwball humor, romance, and the ‘right’ couples getting together at the end. Fun read!
April 11, 2022
An adorably funny and original rom-com novella. An unhappily engaged Parisian couple wanders into a small Nebraska town of eclectic characters - hilarity ensues. Loved it!
August 12, 2020
This was just plain fun! The characters are easy to visualize and also the setting in Nebraska but it is
a pretty crazy predicament. I guess that is what makes it a fun read. Some of the characters make you laugh out loud - the things that they say and the descriptive pictures that Hansen plants in your head. Great to escape from your own problems etc. and watch what happens in Seldom, Nebraska when two young lovers from France arrive out of the blue.
a pretty crazy predicament. I guess that is what makes it a fun read. Some of the characters make you laugh out loud - the things that they say and the descriptive pictures that Hansen plants in your head. Great to escape from your own problems etc. and watch what happens in Seldom, Nebraska when two young lovers from France arrive out of the blue.
October 25, 2012
on mom's travel fiction list -- wasn't compelling; didn't finish it.
Isn't It Romantic?
By Hansen, Ron
Mistaken identity, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings all play a part when Nebraskan common sense and Parisian sophistication collide in this romantic comedy by National Book Award Finalist Ron Hansen.
Publisher Comments
Touring America was Natalie's idea. But she had not planned on being accompanied on a cross-country bus by her playboy fiance, Pierre. Nor had they anticipated being stranded in Seldom, Nebraska, population 395.
But that is exactly what happens to this French couple, and they quickly find themselves being taken in by the obliging citizens of Seldom: Natalie by Mrs. Christiansen, a retired high school teacher who runs a rooming house for women, and Pierre by Owen, a gas station owner and ambitious winemaker in an unlikely part of the world.
And here, also, the separated couple becomes enchanted by the locals. Natalie is soon being wooed by Dick Tupper, a handsome and honest rancher. Pierre falls quickly for Iona, a beautiful, no-nonsense waitress at the local diner.
In this charming entertainment, mistaken identities, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings abound as Parisian sophistication collides with the affability and simple pleasures of the Great Plains.
Isn't It Romantic?
By Hansen, Ron
Mistaken identity, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings all play a part when Nebraskan common sense and Parisian sophistication collide in this romantic comedy by National Book Award Finalist Ron Hansen.
Publisher Comments
Touring America was Natalie's idea. But she had not planned on being accompanied on a cross-country bus by her playboy fiance, Pierre. Nor had they anticipated being stranded in Seldom, Nebraska, population 395.
But that is exactly what happens to this French couple, and they quickly find themselves being taken in by the obliging citizens of Seldom: Natalie by Mrs. Christiansen, a retired high school teacher who runs a rooming house for women, and Pierre by Owen, a gas station owner and ambitious winemaker in an unlikely part of the world.
And here, also, the separated couple becomes enchanted by the locals. Natalie is soon being wooed by Dick Tupper, a handsome and honest rancher. Pierre falls quickly for Iona, a beautiful, no-nonsense waitress at the local diner.
In this charming entertainment, mistaken identities, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings abound as Parisian sophistication collides with the affability and simple pleasures of the Great Plains.
March 14, 2010
Meh. It was okay. I just finished The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and needed something light and fluffy and this fit the bill. I guess I still wanted more substance though. The characters weren't substantial enough for me and there were too many stereotypical small-town life type moments. Natalie is a French woman obsessed with America and Americana who decides for her annual vacation to take a bus tour of the states. Her fiance tries to dissuade her and ends up following her. They are more or less on the outs and then the bus breaks down and they end up in a little town in Nebraska. The friendly townspeople take them in...
I will say that it was relatively fun and there were a few funny moments. I have spent quite a bit of time in Nebraska (I have quite a few family members living there), my parents enjoy making their own wine, and, at one time, I spoke French relatively well. Those experiences contributed to my enjoying the book a bit more but not enough to rate it higher than two stars.
I will say that it was relatively fun and there were a few funny moments. I have spent quite a bit of time in Nebraska (I have quite a few family members living there), my parents enjoy making their own wine, and, at one time, I spoke French relatively well. Those experiences contributed to my enjoying the book a bit more but not enough to rate it higher than two stars.
March 14, 2016
Romantic comedies combine fun plot reversals with endearing characters. Hansen has a hit with this 'Entertainment.' In fact, I expect it to be scooped up by a film-maker any minutes now.
Hansen must have had fun writing this! His lead female character--Natalie Clairvaux shares her last name with the man who preached the 2nd Crusade against Jerusalem in the 12th Century, Bernard Clairvaux. And her estranged fiancee (no spoilers here), Pierre...Pierre...what's his last name? Smith?! Oh, right. Pierre Smith had a British grandparent. When these two vacationing French people combine with Owen, Biggy, Iona, Dick, Carlo, Onetta, Mrs. Chamberlain, and Chester Hagley, all Nebraskans, it becomes outrageous.
Reading this, I picked up some great jokes; I laughed out loud; I came to be friends with these strange characters; and I think Hansen nailed small town living, especially in Seldom, Nebraska (so small, you won't find it on Google Maps).
Enjoy!
Hansen must have had fun writing this! His lead female character--Natalie Clairvaux shares her last name with the man who preached the 2nd Crusade against Jerusalem in the 12th Century, Bernard Clairvaux. And her estranged fiancee (no spoilers here), Pierre...Pierre...what's his last name? Smith?! Oh, right. Pierre Smith had a British grandparent. When these two vacationing French people combine with Owen, Biggy, Iona, Dick, Carlo, Onetta, Mrs. Chamberlain, and Chester Hagley, all Nebraskans, it becomes outrageous.
Reading this, I picked up some great jokes; I laughed out loud; I came to be friends with these strange characters; and I think Hansen nailed small town living, especially in Seldom, Nebraska (so small, you won't find it on Google Maps).
Enjoy!
October 19, 2009
This novel is highly entertaining; readable, laugh-out-loud funny, and sweet. The jacket description of this books says it is "a screwball comeday in the tradition of filmmaker Preston Sturges." Just so.
Natalie Clairvaux, a young French librarian with an Americana fixation, is on a cross-country sight-seeing trip via tour bus. Her high-living fiance, Pierre Smith (English on his grandfather's side), tracks her down just before a bus breakdown strands them in the small town of Seldom, Nebraska. Hijinks ensue.
Recommended if you are feeling glum. Well, recommended if you are feeling glum and wish to be cheered. If you are feeling glum and seeking to cultivate your gloominess, don't read this book.
Natalie Clairvaux, a young French librarian with an Americana fixation, is on a cross-country sight-seeing trip via tour bus. Her high-living fiance, Pierre Smith (English on his grandfather's side), tracks her down just before a bus breakdown strands them in the small town of Seldom, Nebraska. Hijinks ensue.
Recommended if you are feeling glum. Well, recommended if you are feeling glum and wish to be cheered. If you are feeling glum and seeking to cultivate your gloominess, don't read this book.
July 1, 2013
This was not one of my favorite books. Although I did enjoy the secondary characters, I didn't particularly care for the main characters. Ron Hansen did an excellent job of capturing the colloquial feel of a small town in Nebraska. Since my parents went to college in Nebraska many moons ago, I did find some of the sideline stories of the minor characters to be completely endearing. However, the love stories were a little too simplistic for my taste. Yet, there was a total charm to elements of a story and I cannot give it a terrible review.
November 7, 2013
I headed to my mother's house on Friday evening only to discover I'd left Hansen's"Hitler's Niece" at home but this one was in my tote bag. It is the polar opposite of "Hitler's Niece" in topic and tone. I read it in 2 days and chuckled all the way through it. I was charmed by the two marooned French tourists and by the quirky townspeople on the Seldom, Nebraska, who take them in. It is a light but charming story and another example of Hansen's range as a writer.
January 15, 2014
I liked this book because it was really light and fun. I could see this book being a movie or a play - it was full of funny, timeless confusion, love interests, and likeable characters. I could imagine each of the characters easily, down to how they spoke and what facial expressions they might be wearing. I wouldn't say this was the greatest, most entertaining book I've ever read, but if you are looking for a light, enjoyable read, you should check this one out.
December 13, 2012
Right under the title, the book calls itself "an entertainment" and that is what it is, entertaining and light. What is a bit distracting is that the whole book reads like a movie; as if it is already in screenplay format, especially the end. It will make a great romantic comedy but the madcap adventures make it a little difficult to read in places.
September 25, 2012
Thank goodness this was a short read...the characters were thoroughly underdeveloped. I felt no kinship with anyone of them. The chemistry in the strange triangle was too much and then too slow. It seemed the ending just came to an abrupt end. Pass this book... I hate to say it, but I can tell a guy wrote it.
January 31, 2008
This basically a door-slamming French farce that takes place in a small Nebraska town. A French girl breaks up with her snooty French boyfriend. She comes to the US for a vacation, takes a bus across the country, and it breaks down in central Nebraska. Charming hilarity ensues.
October 11, 2008
Even though the "comedy of errors" was somewhat predictable this was a quick light read. On the cover of the copy I had below the title was the phrase "an entertainment" and that is exactly what this was.
August 21, 2008
Hansen digs into his Nebraska roots to find the fun in putting two high-maintenance Parisians into small town America. A lovely piece of fluff that will be most enjoyed if you're a Nebraskan--come on, we all know someone who has a Husker room....
January 11, 2011
For such a slim book, this took a long time for me to finish. Mostly due to lack of time on my part. However, every time I picked it up, I did chuckle at the goings on. All Nebraskans should read this. You'll laugh and we all need a good laugh.
August 20, 2010
Entirely predictable, this book is written in the manner of big budget romantic comedies. It might be okay to watch on screen, if your intent is to avoid intelligent thought altogether; this book is not fit to be called literature, though.
December 3, 2011
Looks like I'm not the only one to be disappointed in this commercial effort. Looks like RH may have written this with a movie adaptation/deal in mind. He's a talented writer but this one is just... too... precious... And not entertaining!
February 9, 2013
It was good. Very quick read...short chapters. Storyline is kind of cheesy in a fun way. If only Jack Lemmon, Walter Mathau, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe were alive...they would have a movie here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews