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An Astronomer in Love
From the best-selling author of The Red Notebook comes the enchanting story of two men, 250 years apart, who find themselves on separate missions to see the transit of Venus across the Sun.
In 1760, astronomer Guillaume le Gentil sets out on a quest through the oceans of India to document the transit of Venus. The weather is turbulent, the seas are rough, but his determination will conquer all.
In 2012, divorced estate agent Xavier Lemercier discovers Guillaume’s telescope in one of his properties. While looking out across the city, the telescope falls upon the window of an intriguing woman with what appears to be a zebra in her apartment.
Then the woman walks through the doors of Xavier’s office a few days later, and his life changes for evermore . . .
Part swashbuckling adventure on the high seas and part modern-day love story set in the heart of Paris, An Astronomer in Love is a time-travelling tale of adventure, destiny and the power of love.
In 1760, astronomer Guillaume le Gentil sets out on a quest through the oceans of India to document the transit of Venus. The weather is turbulent, the seas are rough, but his determination will conquer all.
In 2012, divorced estate agent Xavier Lemercier discovers Guillaume’s telescope in one of his properties. While looking out across the city, the telescope falls upon the window of an intriguing woman with what appears to be a zebra in her apartment.
Then the woman walks through the doors of Xavier’s office a few days later, and his life changes for evermore . . .
Part swashbuckling adventure on the high seas and part modern-day love story set in the heart of Paris, An Astronomer in Love is a time-travelling tale of adventure, destiny and the power of love.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
51 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Antoine Laurain
36 books680 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 147 reviews
July 12, 2023
Two men. Two different times. Two longing for love. One telescope.
Have you read Antoine Laurain before? If you haven't and if you enjoy a light story set in Paris with a bit of adventure and a bit of thoughtful life wisdom, I'd encourage you to read this book or one of his other books. When I set down an Antoine Laurain book, I feel more positive about life, and I can't say that is the way I feel when I set down most books.
Have you read Antoine Laurain before? If you haven't and if you enjoy a light story set in Paris with a bit of adventure and a bit of thoughtful life wisdom, I'd encourage you to read this book or one of his other books. When I set down an Antoine Laurain book, I feel more positive about life, and I can't say that is the way I feel when I set down most books.
March 14, 2023
An Astronomer In Love by Antoine Laurain
This book might best be described as a character study. Guillaume le Gentil is the French King’s royal astronomer seeking to document the transit of Venus across the sun. Xavier Lemercier is a divorced real-estate agent searching for meaning in his life. Centuries apart the two never meet but the life of one dramatically impacts the other.
Laurain builds his characters with precision and depth. You, as Xavier feels, must have met sometime before. The strength and resilience of Guillaume are awe-inspiring. There is no action, violence, or mayhem in this book. There are a lot of thoughtful perspectives on human nature, the courage of convictions, and the need for connection and companionship.
I did not expect to enjoy the book and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
This book might best be described as a character study. Guillaume le Gentil is the French King’s royal astronomer seeking to document the transit of Venus across the sun. Xavier Lemercier is a divorced real-estate agent searching for meaning in his life. Centuries apart the two never meet but the life of one dramatically impacts the other.
Laurain builds his characters with precision and depth. You, as Xavier feels, must have met sometime before. The strength and resilience of Guillaume are awe-inspiring. There is no action, violence, or mayhem in this book. There are a lot of thoughtful perspectives on human nature, the courage of convictions, and the need for connection and companionship.
I did not expect to enjoy the book and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
July 15, 2023
Another beautiful book from Antoine Laurain. This time there were dual storylines that kept me interested particularly the historical one. The information about natural history and astronomy was fascinating and of course there was a little romance. Nothing sappy or lame, just a beautiful convergence of individuals in different settings.
Definitely my favourite author of the past ten years.
Definitely my favourite author of the past ten years.
June 26, 2023
VERDICT: Historical fiction mixed with a contemporary narrative, clever connections and exquisite descriptions: Laurain’s quirky writing has reached a delightful maturity.
Imagine you go to a flea market, and you find a very old telescope. Then you dig around on the life of famous astronomers. What would you do with that?
I don’t know how and where Antoine Laurain found his inspiration for An Astronomer in Love, but I can say that with an old telescope and the life of an astronomer, he managed to produce a novel that is definitely my favorite of all his books (and this is my 8th). Here is why you should drop everything and start reading it.
My full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/26/...
Imagine you go to a flea market, and you find a very old telescope. Then you dig around on the life of famous astronomers. What would you do with that?
I don’t know how and where Antoine Laurain found his inspiration for An Astronomer in Love, but I can say that with an old telescope and the life of an astronomer, he managed to produce a novel that is definitely my favorite of all his books (and this is my 8th). Here is why you should drop everything and start reading it.
My full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/26/...
December 29, 2023
It’s not a romance despite the title. (see my explanation below)
In 1760, a real-life royal astronomer, Guillaume le Gentil, is sent by King Louis XV to document the transit of Venus. (interesting to read about!….but the Guillaume link will give you story spoilers which you may want to avoid) Just know that his adventurous quest is complicated. In the modern timeline, Xavier finds Guillaume’s telescope in a property he sold. He takes it home and uses it to entertain his ten-year-old son and is entranced by occasional glimpses of an intriguing young woman on her balcony. Ultimately, this story of adventure and destiny is a sweet love story.
Do you love it when a book finds you at just the right time? Thanks to Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for putting this book on my radar.
It’s two days after Christmas and (1) my two most recent reads haven’t been great (both had heavy content and one I DNFed at 87%) and (2) I desperately needed a relaxing read but didn’t feel in the mood for a typical romcom or seasonal read. Then I remembered Davida’s review and hoped An Astronomer in Love would fit my reading mood. What a sweet, whimsical, and delightful read!
In addition to beautiful writing and delightful prose, the author’s light touch and a bit of whimsy and humor captivated me from page one.
Even though the tone is light, there is depth. Guillaume is on a serious quest to document the transit of Venus (which will occur only twice in his lifetime). He also longs for love. Xavier in the modern timeline is also lonely as a result of a recent divorce. He unexpectedly meets a woman he thinks he might love, but he sabotages his own plan and hopes. Will these two men centuries apart find love in their lifetimes? How will the transit of Venus (Roman goddess of love and beauty) figure into the story lines?
Dual timelines are handled differently from author to author. Sometimes we get alternating chapters and other times half of the book is devoted to one timeline and the other half to the second timeline. Often something in one timeline connects the timelines. Other times, there is a mystery to be solved in the contemporary timeline that can only be solved by delving into the past. Readers are known for being opinionated about timelines! At times, readers prefer one timeline over the other because the character is more likable or because one story line is more engaging or relevant.
An Astronomer in Love employs the dual timeline structure most interestingly. The two story lines are expertly and almost magically connected through a telescope, circumstances, and/or thoughts. It seems like we are only a breath away from the other timeline in any given moment. This is literally true as timelines blend seamlessly within chapters and even paragraphs. It’s almost as if the stories are being told simultaneously, and it causes the reader to pay close attention! Early in the story, I had to backtrack a bit to ground myself in the right timeline. After I grew accustomed to the writing style and structure, the transition between timelines becomes a work of art and not a frustration. It’s something you need to experience for yourself. Students of literature would greatly enjoy studying this unique ability to weave two timelines together. It’s the most interesting element of the story.
If you’ve followed my reviews for a while, you might know that I prefer a perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven. If I need to choose between character and plot, I lean towards plot. Purely character-driven can bore me without some internal growth or external conflict. Something needs to happen! Literary Fiction is often character-driven, and I tread carefully into Literary Fiction. Often, the story involves sad people living sad lives. Yes, the story can be well written but I need elements of hope or redemption.
I consider An Astronomer in Love to be heavily character-driven. However, it has enough of a plot (Guillaume’s quest to document the transit of Venus and Xavier’s desire to win the heart of the woman to whom he’s attracted). Even though this story might be considered character-driven, it has enough plot or conflict to satisfy my reading tastes.
The author writes with a light touch which includes a bit of whimsy and humor. Even though Guillaume (in particular) faces some setbacks, the story is not dismal.
Certain themes such as the quest which defines much of Guillaume’s life is strong evidence to classify this as Literary Fiction. What happens when one’s all-consuming dream ends in disappointment? How does one handle a botched relationship that had so many possibilities? Especially, if it is absolutely one’s own fault? Can there be happy endings here? I loved the themes of picking yourself up and moving forward, forgiveness, handling crushing disappointment, courage of convictions, the need for connection, loneliness, heartfelt and honest communication, taking risks, and chasing your dreams.
I love wonderful endings, and An Astronomer in Love definitely includes a satisfactory ending for each timeline. The author certainly sticks the landing in the smoothest and most endearing of ways!
Is there a difference between a romance and a love story? Yes, I think there is. For me, a romance is the focus of the entire story. There wouldn’t be a story without the romance. A love story might end in romance, but it’s not the primary focus. In An Astronomer in Love, the story’s focus is on two men: one who is driven by achievement (and is also lonely), and the other who is lonely because of personal life circumstances. In the end, they each find love, but it’s not the focus of the entire story despite the title.
If you’re looking for an overall delightful, interesting, and charming read in this week between Christmas and New Years, I highly recommend this gently-told, unique, and engaging story! Fans of literary fiction, astronomy, biographical fiction, thoughtful themes, and love stories will appreciate An Astronomer in Love. Book clubs will find much to discuss.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
In 1760, a real-life royal astronomer, Guillaume le Gentil, is sent by King Louis XV to document the transit of Venus. (interesting to read about!….but the Guillaume link will give you story spoilers which you may want to avoid) Just know that his adventurous quest is complicated. In the modern timeline, Xavier finds Guillaume’s telescope in a property he sold. He takes it home and uses it to entertain his ten-year-old son and is entranced by occasional glimpses of an intriguing young woman on her balcony. Ultimately, this story of adventure and destiny is a sweet love story.
Do you love it when a book finds you at just the right time? Thanks to Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for putting this book on my radar.
It’s two days after Christmas and (1) my two most recent reads haven’t been great (both had heavy content and one I DNFed at 87%) and (2) I desperately needed a relaxing read but didn’t feel in the mood for a typical romcom or seasonal read. Then I remembered Davida’s review and hoped An Astronomer in Love would fit my reading mood. What a sweet, whimsical, and delightful read!
In addition to beautiful writing and delightful prose, the author’s light touch and a bit of whimsy and humor captivated me from page one.
Even though the tone is light, there is depth. Guillaume is on a serious quest to document the transit of Venus (which will occur only twice in his lifetime). He also longs for love. Xavier in the modern timeline is also lonely as a result of a recent divorce. He unexpectedly meets a woman he thinks he might love, but he sabotages his own plan and hopes. Will these two men centuries apart find love in their lifetimes? How will the transit of Venus (Roman goddess of love and beauty) figure into the story lines?
Dual timelines are handled differently from author to author. Sometimes we get alternating chapters and other times half of the book is devoted to one timeline and the other half to the second timeline. Often something in one timeline connects the timelines. Other times, there is a mystery to be solved in the contemporary timeline that can only be solved by delving into the past. Readers are known for being opinionated about timelines! At times, readers prefer one timeline over the other because the character is more likable or because one story line is more engaging or relevant.
An Astronomer in Love employs the dual timeline structure most interestingly. The two story lines are expertly and almost magically connected through a telescope, circumstances, and/or thoughts. It seems like we are only a breath away from the other timeline in any given moment. This is literally true as timelines blend seamlessly within chapters and even paragraphs. It’s almost as if the stories are being told simultaneously, and it causes the reader to pay close attention! Early in the story, I had to backtrack a bit to ground myself in the right timeline. After I grew accustomed to the writing style and structure, the transition between timelines becomes a work of art and not a frustration. It’s something you need to experience for yourself. Students of literature would greatly enjoy studying this unique ability to weave two timelines together. It’s the most interesting element of the story.
If you’ve followed my reviews for a while, you might know that I prefer a perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven. If I need to choose between character and plot, I lean towards plot. Purely character-driven can bore me without some internal growth or external conflict. Something needs to happen! Literary Fiction is often character-driven, and I tread carefully into Literary Fiction. Often, the story involves sad people living sad lives. Yes, the story can be well written but I need elements of hope or redemption.
I consider An Astronomer in Love to be heavily character-driven. However, it has enough of a plot (Guillaume’s quest to document the transit of Venus and Xavier’s desire to win the heart of the woman to whom he’s attracted). Even though this story might be considered character-driven, it has enough plot or conflict to satisfy my reading tastes.
The author writes with a light touch which includes a bit of whimsy and humor. Even though Guillaume (in particular) faces some setbacks, the story is not dismal.
Certain themes such as the quest which defines much of Guillaume’s life is strong evidence to classify this as Literary Fiction. What happens when one’s all-consuming dream ends in disappointment? How does one handle a botched relationship that had so many possibilities? Especially, if it is absolutely one’s own fault? Can there be happy endings here? I loved the themes of picking yourself up and moving forward, forgiveness, handling crushing disappointment, courage of convictions, the need for connection, loneliness, heartfelt and honest communication, taking risks, and chasing your dreams.
I love wonderful endings, and An Astronomer in Love definitely includes a satisfactory ending for each timeline. The author certainly sticks the landing in the smoothest and most endearing of ways!
Is there a difference between a romance and a love story? Yes, I think there is. For me, a romance is the focus of the entire story. There wouldn’t be a story without the romance. A love story might end in romance, but it’s not the primary focus. In An Astronomer in Love, the story’s focus is on two men: one who is driven by achievement (and is also lonely), and the other who is lonely because of personal life circumstances. In the end, they each find love, but it’s not the focus of the entire story despite the title.
If you’re looking for an overall delightful, interesting, and charming read in this week between Christmas and New Years, I highly recommend this gently-told, unique, and engaging story! Fans of literary fiction, astronomy, biographical fiction, thoughtful themes, and love stories will appreciate An Astronomer in Love. Book clubs will find much to discuss.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
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February 10, 2024This is book is just so French. I’m not sure if that’s a fair review, but it was a recurring thought I had while reading An Astronomer in Love.
The story alternates between two characters - Xavier in modern-day Paris looking for love, and the astronomer Guillaume le Gentil travelling to India in 1760 to observe the Transit of Venus. Of the two, I was more interested in Guillaume’s adventures and would have liked to spend more time with him, but overall I found it an entertaining read.
The story alternates between two characters - Xavier in modern-day Paris looking for love, and the astronomer Guillaume le Gentil travelling to India in 1760 to observe the Transit of Venus. Of the two, I was more interested in Guillaume’s adventures and would have liked to spend more time with him, but overall I found it an entertaining read.
November 12, 2025
Kergesti loetav ja lihtsasti jälgitav kahes ajas kulgev lugu. Peatükid on lühikesed ja paigas. Ei mingit segadust ega peamurdmist. Sobib hästi mõnusaks ajaviiteks või siis täiskohaga romantikutele.
Xavier, lahutatud kinnisvaramaakler Pariisis, leiab ühest korterist väärikas vanuses teleskoobi, seab selle rõdule üles, et saaks nädalalõpul külla tulevat poega harida ja ekraanidest eemale meelitada. Otse loomulikult jalutab "kaadrisse" imeilus naine (sebraga!) ja ma kahtlustan (kuigi autor sellest küll vaikib), et tegelikult poega just kuigi palju teleskoobi taha ei lasta :) Aga sellest pole suurt midagi ja ega laps romaanis ilma olulise rollita jää, sest lahutatud meeste puhul on loo edasiseks arenguks laps alati vajalik, nii ka seekord. Murelikuks muutunud õrnhinged ei pea ka muus osas kartma - õige pea kohtuvad Xavier ja naine sebraga ka teleskoobi abita ;) Ja siis läheb kinnisvaraga susserdamiseks ja üldse hakkab igasuguseid asju juhtuma. Kas nad ka suudluseni jõuavad? Vaat seda ma ei ütle.
Vaheldumisi 2012. aasta Pariisi kesklinnas aset leidva looga laotub lugeja ette 1760. aastal teele asunud (pika ja lohiseva nimega) astronoomi lugu. Temal on vaja jõuda ühte (oluliselt lühema, aga siiski piisavalt keerulise nimega, et ma sellejuba unustasin) kohta, kus ta saaks (väga-väga harva juhtuvat, aga varsti see juhtub!) Veenuse liikumist üle Päikese jälgida ja mõõta. Teekond on pikk ja raske, sest Turkish Airlines ega Qatar Airways siis veel ei lennanud. Eriti tore, et ta vahepeal redutas Mauritiusel (mu lemmik!), sutsuke ka Madagaskaril. Ja kõik teised Mauritiuse fännid, kes nüüd hakkasid muretsema, et äkki dodosid ei mainita, asjatu mure - dodo(d) on samuti püünel!
Teate, ega ma rohkem ei räägigi ette ära, sest ega ma mingi romaanide ümberjutustaja ei ole.
Romantikutele kohustuslik!
Xavier, lahutatud kinnisvaramaakler Pariisis, leiab ühest korterist väärikas vanuses teleskoobi, seab selle rõdule üles, et saaks nädalalõpul külla tulevat poega harida ja ekraanidest eemale meelitada. Otse loomulikult jalutab "kaadrisse" imeilus naine (sebraga!) ja ma kahtlustan (kuigi autor sellest küll vaikib), et tegelikult poega just kuigi palju teleskoobi taha ei lasta :) Aga sellest pole suurt midagi ja ega laps romaanis ilma olulise rollita jää, sest lahutatud meeste puhul on loo edasiseks arenguks laps alati vajalik, nii ka seekord. Murelikuks muutunud õrnhinged ei pea ka muus osas kartma - õige pea kohtuvad Xavier ja naine sebraga ka teleskoobi abita ;) Ja siis läheb kinnisvaraga susserdamiseks ja üldse hakkab igasuguseid asju juhtuma. Kas nad ka suudluseni jõuavad? Vaat seda ma ei ütle.
Vaheldumisi 2012. aasta Pariisi kesklinnas aset leidva looga laotub lugeja ette 1760. aastal teele asunud (pika ja lohiseva nimega) astronoomi lugu. Temal on vaja jõuda ühte (oluliselt lühema, aga siiski piisavalt keerulise nimega, et ma sellejuba unustasin) kohta, kus ta saaks (väga-väga harva juhtuvat, aga varsti see juhtub!) Veenuse liikumist üle Päikese jälgida ja mõõta. Teekond on pikk ja raske, sest Turkish Airlines ega Qatar Airways siis veel ei lennanud. Eriti tore, et ta vahepeal redutas Mauritiusel (mu lemmik!), sutsuke ka Madagaskaril. Ja kõik teised Mauritiuse fännid, kes nüüd hakkasid muretsema, et äkki dodosid ei mainita, asjatu mure - dodo(d) on samuti püünel!
Teate, ega ma rohkem ei räägigi ette ära, sest ega ma mingi romaanide ümberjutustaja ei ole.
Romantikutele kohustuslik!
December 30, 2024
Another charming novel from the delightful Antoine Laurain!
May 28, 2023
This book is such a delight. I enjoyed every minute of it. Reading translated books is proving to be the right move for me, as I've enjoyed all of the ones I've read so far. For a more detailed review, see the link below.
An Astronomer in Love
An Astronomer in Love
June 8, 2024
What a delightful read
November 21, 2023
A heart warming read that makes you want to book the next flight to Paris
April 5, 2025
Beautiful.
November 19, 2024
What an absolute joy to read. I love Antoine Laurain’s quirky tales and this one was such a treat.
June 27, 2023
I need to check the paper formatting for this one because the Kindle formatting was garbage, but the story was excellent.
July 11, 2023
This lovely novel does something very unique with a dual timeline, so even if you hate them, you might love this one! You can read my full review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/07/1...
May 14, 2023
Could not put down. A lovely dual timeline story about a real-life astronomer and a fictional real estate agent in Paris and how their lives intersect.
July 23, 2023
Delightful. Charming. Enchanting. Lovely. As usual. There isn't an Antoine Laurain book I've disliked.
January 14, 2024
A love story and an adventure story connected by a telescope. I feel sad to have missed the transit of Venus across the sun in 2012.
October 6, 2024
Une petite pépite ! C’est une histoire qui mêle romance, astronomie et histoire
Les personnages sont touchants et la moral est une belle leçon ❤️🔭🌌
Les personnages sont touchants et la moral est une belle leçon ❤️🔭🌌
November 14, 2025
#remark novembrikuu üks raamat, mis oli üllatusraamat.
Mitte päris minu lugemismaitsele raamat - natuke klišeelik, natuke liiga etteaimatav, natuke liiga pinnapealne. Kui see oleks olnud 100+ lk jämedam, ma ilmselt oleks pooleli jätnud.
Mõned seigad jäid kuidagi "ah!?" tekitavad - näiteks see Xavieri ja sõjaväe intsident. Kust see tuli ja miks see tuli ja lõpuks saad aru, miks see tuli, aga see kuidagi ei sobitunud sinna ...
Lõpp oli nunnu ka, aga ma oleks tahtnud kas rohkem lahtikirjutatud teksti või midagi jäi nagu puudu.
Mitte päris minu lugemismaitsele raamat - natuke klišeelik, natuke liiga etteaimatav, natuke liiga pinnapealne. Kui see oleks olnud 100+ lk jämedam, ma ilmselt oleks pooleli jätnud.
Mõned seigad jäid kuidagi "ah!?" tekitavad - näiteks see Xavieri ja sõjaväe intsident. Kust see tuli ja miks see tuli ja lõpuks saad aru, miks see tuli, aga see kuidagi ei sobitunud sinna ...
Lõpp oli nunnu ka, aga ma oleks tahtnud kas rohkem lahtikirjutatud teksti või midagi jäi nagu puudu.
September 19, 2023
Loved this book! The story has 2 time lines. The first is of Xavier and Alice and the 2nd is of Guillaume Le Gentil de La Galaisiere in the late 1700’s. I loved how both stories intersect around the Transit of Venus. The love story in both timelines was fabulous. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance and some science. This was a recommendation from Anne Bogel at MMD podcast.
February 21, 2024
Fun, quick read. I love the story of Guillaume le Gentil’s adventure and now need to google who the real historical figure really was.
January 14, 2025
Gutes Buch! Von diesem Autor habe ich bis jetzt noch alle Bücher gerne gelesen!
March 21, 2025
It's beautiful, it's gallic, full of charm, happiness and sweet things. Do yourself a favour and read one of Antoine Laurain's books. Wonderful
July 6, 2024
Oh, my heart! Monsieur Laurain has again blessed us with such a sweet, beautiful story, partially based on a historical astronomer, which has possibly even exceeded the charm and sublimeness of his first two masterpieces. Such a delight. So addictive.
September 29, 2025
This is a unique, quirky book of an 18th C astronomer, utterly dedicated to his scientific calling who sets out as the King's Envoy to the Indian Ocean where he hopes to have a clear vision of the transit of Venus, the rare occasion when the planet Venus crosses in front of the sun. In that day, such a trip was a dangerous undertaking, and the account of his travels, which he eventually writes for publication, is hair-raising, but recounted in a wryly humorous tone. This story is matched with a modern day account, with his magnificent telescope providing the link between past and present. Describing this book cannot possibly do it justice: the characters, the tone, the events are like nothing else I have ever read. It is a history of a sort, and the characters are unlike any you are likely to meet, even in Paris. It is whimsical and charming. Don't miss the episode of our hero's encounter with dolphins and giant turtles.
July 7, 2024
Pageturner mit schöner Moral, aber inhaltlich zu einfach und wenig brillierend.
October 6, 2023
There can be something so incredibly magical about browsing shelves and coming across one singular item that grabs you in a way that nothing else does. That was the case for me many years ago when I first came across Antoine Laurain's novel The Red Notebook at my favorite local indie. Ever since, I have kept a keen eye out for his latest releases, and I can't believe this one almost passed me by! The story alternates between the recent past and the far past and two men each finding love in unexpected ways, united by a single telescope and the astronomical event known as the transit of Venus. In the 1700s, readers get to know Guillaume Le Gentil, an astronomer who has the blessing of the King of France to sail across the world to witness the transit of Venus, an instance where the planet Venus crosses between the sun and the earth. It occurs rarely - once every 121 years, then again 8 years later, then not again for another 105 years. Meanwhile in 2012, Victor is a real estate agent who has come into the possession of an old telescope that was left behind at an apartment he recently negotiated the sale of. He keeps it so he and his son can observe the heavens, but first he uses it to look in on the local sights, one of which includes a beautiful woman with a zebra in her living room.
This book, though short, has a way of being cozy and charming. It demonstrates that base human desire for connection, for wanting to see the best in people and find the bright side. Laurain has not ventured into the realms of magical realism here, but he has walked just up to the edge of it. He has weaved together characters and events that make it feel like magic could be possible at any moment. I want to bump into these people on the street and it was such a privilege to be escape into their worlds for a while. It's not like a Hallmark movie where things are super sanitary - these people still felt like real people, with complications and faults that felt relatable and realistic. And yet, they exist on the verge of extraordinary, and I already have a sneaking suspicion I'll be rereading this along with Laurain's other works very soon.
This book, though short, has a way of being cozy and charming. It demonstrates that base human desire for connection, for wanting to see the best in people and find the bright side. Laurain has not ventured into the realms of magical realism here, but he has walked just up to the edge of it. He has weaved together characters and events that make it feel like magic could be possible at any moment. I want to bump into these people on the street and it was such a privilege to be escape into their worlds for a while. It's not like a Hallmark movie where things are super sanitary - these people still felt like real people, with complications and faults that felt relatable and realistic. And yet, they exist on the verge of extraordinary, and I already have a sneaking suspicion I'll be rereading this along with Laurain's other works very soon.
November 11, 2025
Delightful read! It's rare that a book has equally enjoyable dual storylines, but this one succeeds.
March 3, 2024
A story about two men separated by more than two centuries, but related via the same telescope and the transit of Venus. The moment I saw the cover and read the description I knew I wanted to read this book as it sounded really interesting and original.
In 1760 Guillaume Le Gentil sets out on a journey from France to the Seas of India to observe a transit of Venus. In 2012 a real estate agent Xavier comes across Guillaume‘s telescope in one of the Parisian properties that he sold. Both timelines are told in parallel in alternating chapters and I liked how the language and the storytelling differed to reflect different times. Initially I thought I will be more into the current timeline, but I must say that I really grew fond of Guillaume‘s part of the story and his personality as the book progressed. I loved how he remained open, curious, kind, and always dedicated to science and discovery of the world despite all challenges and misfortune with his main mission.
I think it is a very beautiful tribute to Guillaume Le Gentil, a real astronomer to King Louis XV, whom very few of us have heard about, before reading this book that is.
In 1760 Guillaume Le Gentil sets out on a journey from France to the Seas of India to observe a transit of Venus. In 2012 a real estate agent Xavier comes across Guillaume‘s telescope in one of the Parisian properties that he sold. Both timelines are told in parallel in alternating chapters and I liked how the language and the storytelling differed to reflect different times. Initially I thought I will be more into the current timeline, but I must say that I really grew fond of Guillaume‘s part of the story and his personality as the book progressed. I loved how he remained open, curious, kind, and always dedicated to science and discovery of the world despite all challenges and misfortune with his main mission.
I think it is a very beautiful tribute to Guillaume Le Gentil, a real astronomer to King Louis XV, whom very few of us have heard about, before reading this book that is.
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