French Rhapsody

Love Laurain's stories. They are always full of whimsy and charm. I will admit that I wasn't so sure about this new one at first, but soon found myself unable to stop reading. I wound up loving the characters, their stories, and this idea of reconnecting with the past. Once again Laurain has outdone himself with this latest book. Will definitely be urging other readers to get a copy ASAP.

This book grabbed me and I'm not certain why. It has it all --a look back to youthful promise and dreams, an unbelievable political climate which parallels reality, quirky, likable characters, interesting interwoven stories and a few surprises.
I read this book yesterday while traveling and thoroughly enjoyed it. But today I find myself still reviewing it and not quite ready to move on to my next book. The book is complex yet straightforward, easy to read but a little difficult to let go. I found I love Christophe's music and found a translation of "Les Mots Bleus" lyrics which I didn't find as compelling as Alain did in his youth. I think what I really want is more of JBM's honesty, integrity and foresight, Alain's quiet despair, the loneliness and genius of Pierre, the drive and complexity of Aurore and just simply more of Berengere. It's a Rhapsody that keeps going in my head.

I've been a huge fan of Laurain's books since they appeared in translation and I've been eagerly awaiting this third volume. It was a little harder to love than the others but by about half way through I was as charmed as ever. The book is a mixture of dreams, nostalgia and politics and while the first two work the politics are very Francophile and I'm not 100% sure that I understood all of the nuances as we don't hear a lot about French politics in the UK. This is a fault of the UK not the book however, this book also felt a little more masculine than the others.

Thirty-three years. That's how long Alain has lived in blissful ignorance of a letter from a major record label, proposing a meeting between them and The Holograms, the pop group he was in as a teenager. Long since moved on to the heady heights of being a GP, the final arrival of the news inspires a slow-burning midlife crisis in Alain, as he first turns to the nostalgia of hearing their best music, but has to seek out a copy from one of the different colleagues and friends connected to the band instead. They've all moved on in their own separate ways, but what will be the result of picking up all those long-dropped threads?

Unlike a fairly recent Al Pacino movie, where we see the life of a rocker who had once missed out on a letter now in the come-down phase of his career, this troupe had no career whatsoever, beyond just one demo – the tape Alain seeks. We're seeing them as very different beasts indeed, although all do have some unifying connection – they all define their time in modern French history in one distinct way, apart from our investigatory lead man. One was an antiques dealer before he was old enough to normally be interested in such things, while another has become a well-known modern artist, imposing his creations on the public space as hasn't been seen since Mitterand's days; one has a very right-wing idea of how France has been and what it should change into; another is a very politicised Internet entrepreneur. Yes, one has vanished over the hills to Thailand, but the book concerns those others, linked by one set of garage rehearsals and five songs all those years ago, but able to position themselves in the chronology of France in very individual ways.

Which, I'm sure you'll agree, smacks of being quite a high-falutin' subject matter for a populist novel. And that I think is a problem. Earlier in the week of reviewing this, I turned to The President's Hat, evoker of those public works under Mitterand, and the first book of Laurain's to make it to the English market. That was about the spirit of France, and indeed by the end its politics, but on the whole it was about the whimsical journey of the titular titfer from one temporary owner to the next. This work, however, despite the populist appeal of a look back at what-might-have-beens, and a lost letter, does not give the reader anything like that populist hook. It certainly doesn't have the whimsy, social commentary (such as Alain's disgust at the manner of how people in the technological age can contact him and show off their medical problems) regardless. The modern art references didn't surprise me – I've read enough books where the author gives us modern art concepts that are so good they could easily be a better modern artist than the ones we do have – and the lengthy political sections, well… I quickly came to the conclusion this was the least easily translatable book of Laurain's – not in the manner of the language used, but in how successfully the contents would travel. I don't think you can lambast a similar author, Mitch Albom, for being too American.

It seemed I was getting too much that was Laurain the past antiques gallery worker, and too much the Laurain the archivist of the 1980s he's quickly turning into (another mention of their Minitel system, and I'll throw a Ceefax remote at him). I think the nostalgia gets in the way of the book showing us enough effect from Alain's search, and as a result he himself is quite a weak character. But damn it, past the halfway mark the book pulled together very well. You get incredibly strong episodes (like the hat passing on, this could almost be a chain of linked short stories) where you have to swallow the contrivance, or the fantasy, but you just have to fall into step with what the author is giving us. And his ultimate point, hammered home a little perhaps, is a heart-warming one, that made me smile in appreciation of most of the conclusions, and with a feeling that once again I had been swamped by Laurain's individual take on the Gallic charm. It might be a slow-moving patch of quicksand here when he has in the past turned on the full quagmire, but my persistence paid off. After the majority of this book seemed to me to be speaking too much to the French and the French alone, I saw a charming global sentiment I have to admit a liking for.

I found the concept of this book very interesting. Who hasn't dreamed of 15 minutes of fame? The lost letter brings the band back together in an unusual way. I did find it somewhat confusing with each chapter a different story. I feel the characters never developed as they could have. I really didn't like the bombing at Vaughn's rally. I felt that it was not needed and in bad taste.

Brilliant as usual. After reading The President's Hat I became enamored with the writings of Antoine Laurain. The Red Notebook was a fantastic follow up and I eagerly awaited French Rhapsody. Not one ounce of disappointment in sight.

As always Laurain has assembled an enchanting cast of characters and weaves a fully magical story. I was bewitched from the first sentence and could not put this book down. What an incredible author.

This is the third novel I’ve read by French writer Antoine Laurain and it certainly didn’t disappoint. In fact I was so keen to get my mitts on it that I contacted the UK publisher to find out the NetGalley release date.

Like with the other two books (The President’s Hat and The Red Notebook) French Rhapsody deals with loss, in this case the loss of a letter that arrives 33 years too late to make any difference, or so the main player Doctor Alain Massoulier thinks. In tracking down the lives and loves of his former band members he gets more than he bargains for and in a funny twist of fate changes the course of more than one timeline mentioned. The book is told from a variety of view points and some of them with startle you. Irina, the Russian er model/call girl for one – but believe me his inclusion of minor voices is what ties this all together in one extremely fancy package. I don’t know where he gets his ideas from, just as I love how his writing is presented.

The writing is strong and very current with frequent references to both French and world wide politics. Laurain has a talent for delving into the absurd and the comedic elements are laugh out loud funny, so don’t be tempted to read in public places!

If you are a Francophile this is a fun light read with plenty of humour, pathos and plot. If, like me you spend a great deal of time in France and understand some of the French nuances of both culture and past times this a must read. There is a fair bit of political reference but it must be remembered that it is a work of translation.
Posted on my Wordpress blog and Twitter (Jenny obrien

I am a number one fan of Antoine Laurain having been fascinated by some of his other books. This is reminiscent of the President's Hat which was a great read. This time the story rests on a letter delivered more than thirty years late because it got lost in the sorting office. That leads to speculation about what might have been and what has happened to the members of a music group who were trying to get their songs recorded. The lost letter was a response to that request. That is not all, though, because the story has many unexpected turns which bring humour to the whole tale. I read it in a day! Having complimented the author, praise must go to the translator too who reflects the whimsical prose and makes the story a French tale in English.

This book got off to a bit of a slow start and I kept getting the band members' names confused. Then the narrator started changing, along with the POV (first person vs. third), further confusing me. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters, and by the time certain chapters rolled around I couldn't remember the character's back story. I don't know if this book just isn't as good or if something got lost when it was translated to English, but this is nothing like his other two books. I devoured The Red Notebook and The President's Hat, but I had to force myself to read this.

4.5 stars

Antoine Laurain continues to craft creative, timely stories that will delight his audience while also making his readers think about what is happening in the world around them. While The President’s Hat remains my favorite of his books, French Rhapsody was a fantastic read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Paris physician Alain Massoulier receives what would have been a life changing letter in the mail 33 years after it was sent to him. With a number of other individuals that we slowly get to know, Alain had been in a band called The Holograms in the 1980’s. After receiving little encouragement from the music industry, the group had broken up and gone their separate ways. The delayed letter offered the group a recording contract. This letter sets in motion a chain of events that alters the lives of several of the individuals originally associated with the Holograms. Laurain explores the idea that one event or happenstance can cause a ripple that impacts the lives of many individuals. The plot was not predictable, and several events occurred that I most definitely did not see coming. I always love when an author can surprise me with a plot twist, and there were several in French Rhapsody that really moved the story along. The book was wonderful from start to finish.

Laurain makes some very relevant statements about issues facing a number of countries today such as the migrant crisis and the impact on Europe and the United States. As these countries attempt to integrate refugees whose own countries can no support them into Western society, a number of countries have seen an increase in extreme xenophobic right wing groups advocating hatred and intolerance. His French Trump-like character is symbolic of individuals trying to gain power in a number of these countries and the length these individuals will go to in order to try and succeed. On a lighter note, Laurain pokes fun at the contemporary art scene and the attitudes of some of these contemporary artists. A particularly hilarious scene results from this storyline – I can’t say more without spoiling the event, but it was fantastic.

While I was intrigued by almost all of the characters, JBM was my favorite character by far. Every country could use a JBM, and I certainly wish the United States had someone like that right now.

I highly recommend this novel and his previous two books also. Laurain has a lot to say, and it is worth listening to him. Thanks to NetGalley and Gallic Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not sure exactly why, but I loved this book. It's an effortless read and very entertaining.

Alain Massoulier is a middle-aged doctor who leads a comfortable, if perhaps predictable, life in Paris.

Out of the blue he receives a potentially life-changing letter that had been posted 33 years earlier and had languished in the French postal system all these years. In 1983 he had been a member of a band The Holograms and the letter was from Polydor offering them a recording contract – 33 years too late as having failed to make a name for themselves as a band, they all went their separate ways.

Alain is thrown by this letter and becomes quite nostalgic, searching the house for a box of band photos and a cassette recording, desperately wanting to listen to a particular track that had been playing in his head since the letter's arrival.

As he reminisces we learn how the five band members from very diverse backgrounds got together to form the band. The more he thinks of the past and the letter, the more he experiences feelings of fury and injustice. He has thoughts of what might have been. I liked the lines in the book, “You think you have buried your youthful dreams, that they've dissolved in the fog of passing years and then you realise it's not true! The corpse is still there, terrifying and unburied.” He decides to search for his former bandmates and try to make contact to tell them what has transpired. He is also hoping that one of them will have a copy of “Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On”, the track that had impressed the record company.

I was never in a band, I'm not a doctor, I'm not even in my 50s (I'm older than that) but somehow I could connect with the story – maybe it's wondering what might have been if another path had been taken? The book is funny, nostalgic, charming and at there's a bit of satire in there too. It's well written and has some great characters.

The characters are all very diverse. Some have made a name for themselves in the 33 years that have passed. They are all interesting and well drawn. I love how the present and the past are interwoven almost seamlessly. Oh yes, and there are a couple of nice twists in the story.

Antoine Laurain is one of my favorite authors, a great writer whose books are compelling and sweet and lovely. I cannot wait to read French Rhapsody, his latest book.

Here’s what you need to know:

Lost in the Paris postal system for decades, the letter from Polydor, dated 1983, offers a recording contract to The Holograms, in which Alain played lead guitar. Back then The Holograms had believed in their cutting-edge sound. However, the music industry remained indifferent, and eventually the band split up, each going their own way.

Alain is overcome by nostalgia, and is tempted to track down the members of the group. But in a world where everything and everyone has changed . . . where will his quest take him?
I cannot wait to sit with this book and enjoy it!

This is the third Antoine Laurain novel/novella I've read this year. Laurain has come up with another charming story of "what if".

When Alain Maussolier receives a letter 33 years later than its intended delivery date, he goes back in time and thinks back of his early 20s, when together with other aspiring musicians were trying to become the new "it band" of new wave music. The band's name was The Holograms.

Alain is really desperate to listen to the tape with the song that could have been a hit. Since he doesn't have the tape, he starts reaching out to his former bandmates, whom he hasn't seen in decades. Through his quest, we discover the other band members and a couple of secondary characters.

I love when different characters' stories intersect and things come together. Antoine Laurain is really skilled at showing how certain actions have consequences that affect others and your own life. Who hasn't asked, "what if?"

"The French Rhapsody" is another charming story, with a distinct French aroma, that is also very relatable regardless of your nationality.

Highly recommended.

French Rhapsody (translated by Emily Boyce) is the third book I've read by Antoine Laurain. I loved The President's Hat and enjoyed The Red Notebook.

I thought I was going to love this one as well, but alas, not so. It started out so well, but around half way I felt like I was plodding through it. The premise is excellent and I enjoyed much of the first half of the book, but then...I started skimming certain sections (too much about Lapelle and the Bubble and Vaughn). I was still interested in JBM, but the other characters--not so much.

NetGalley/Gallic Books

Satire. Oct. 11, 2016. Print length: 232 pages.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Having read and enjoyed Antoine's last book The Red Notebook I was looking forward to reading this.

It is another charming little tale and totally up to the minute with world events. If you want a book with a gallic twist then this is a 'tour de force'

I really loved the other books released by this writer, but found this one much less engaging. The frequent changing of perspective meant that you did not get to follow interesting or more appealing characters for long, and some of the narrators were quite unpleasant - I liked Alain and Aurore, but tired quickly of the right wing politician and the artist. Some of the events were also a little beyond belief - I don't want to spoil the ending, so I'll just say the rat bit...

Overall, I felt that this book lacked some of the charm of previous books which have been little insights into humanity. This one took on the political arena of France instead, losing the human touch along the way.

Nostalgia, satire and comedy wrapped up in a mystery story. Loved it.

The best way to describe Antoine Laurain’s latest novel - French Rhapsody - is that it is a brilliant “pay off” story. It is clever and quirky and was a delight to read.

The story opens with Alain Massoulier receiving a letter that would have changed the course of his life had he received it on time. Unfortunately, he received it 33 years too late. This opens up a period of searching in Alain’s life to reconnect with the people of his youth. This comes with strange and wonderful consequences.

What I love about foreign literature is that the stories are undeniably original. French Rhapsody is the most original story I have read this year. There are twists and turns and it is laced with “oh my gosh!” moments. I couldn’t recommend this book more. Read it. Be amazed and pass it on to someone else to share in your bookish joy.

French Rhapsody by Antoine Laurain is available from 11th October 2016.

For more information regarding Antoine Laurain please visit www.antoinelaurain.com.

For more information regarding Gallic Books (@gallicbooks) please visit www.belgraviabook.com/gb.

Such a charming read! I love that when you read Laurain's novels and you feel like you're the one walking down the Parisian arrondissements, living the life on the people in the book described. Still I preferred much more the "Red Notebook" by this author. I do believe it is due to the fact that "French Rhapsody" deals with people much older than me and I couldn't really empathise with their issues, still really recommended!

French Rhapsody
Antoine Laurain
Translated from French by Jane Aitken and Emily Boyce
Gallic Books, October 2016, 232 pages
General Adult Fiction
Collier County Public Library: No

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” - Mason Cooley

It has been a long while since I laughed out loud so many times while reading a book. French Rhapsody is the title that had my endorphins dancing a jig.

A middle-aged married Parisian doctor who has been disillusioned about his profession and personal life for some time receives a letter that has been delayed by the postal service for 33 years. The letter was found along with 3 other pieces of mail during remodeling; when shelves were dismantled, four pieces of mail were found to have fallen behind the back of the shelves and the wall. It is an invitation from a music recording company to come for an interview, expressing approval for their demonstration tape. Although intended for the entire band of his youth, the Holograms, it was addressed to Alain Massoulier as his parents had the only stable home among the group. Alain had taken over his father’s medical practice and raised his own family at 38 Rue de Moscou, Paris 8e, and thus was the recipient. He was coincidentally outraged and gratified when the letter arrived. His confrontation with the postal supervision is hilarious.
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Alain has lost touch with almost everyone but has been haunted for some time by the memory of their sultry vocalist, the sole female member of the group, Berengere. Since Alain has suspected his wife Veronique of cheating on him, the memories of Berengere have been more frequent and lingered longer. After failing to find his own copy of the demonstration tape, he determines to contact the other group members to see if anyone has that tape. So, Alain the electric guitarist starts the search for his former band mates on the internet, of course. Beside songstress Berengere, he starts to track down drummer Stansilas Lepelle, bassist Sebastien Vaugan, keyboardist Frederic Lejeune, and lyricist Pierre Mazart. The demonstration tape had been funded by JBM, Jean-Bernard Mazart, brother of the lyricist Pierre. It is not hard to find JBM, as he is now a much politicized economist and massively successful businessman.

The nostalgia of the piece is particularly poignant at this point in the story, when Alain confronts his memories of the band members when they were 20 years old, still full of life and stuffed to the gills with hope, with the reality of their physical appearance and their present lifestyles. Angel-faced pudgy Sebastien Vaugan is now a hardbody extreme right winger with his own group of followers, the White Western Party, who might run for the presidency, his movement has grown so strong. Stan Lepelle is a famous, moneyed artist who has garnered many prizes and awards including a beautiful young Russian model. Frederick Lejeune has a hotel in Thailand and Pierre Mazart runs an antique shop. Alain cannot locate Berengere.

As Alain connects with each of these former bandmates, his enthusiasm for any possible reunion wavers and his recollection of “the good old days” loses its rosy glow as well. This is all good for the readers, however, because we are treated to the author’s satirical comic genius. Laurain takes on medical care, big business, tourism, politics, music, art, and the antiques business. Laurain tosses in a final jab, um twist, towards the end when Alain is able to meet with the music producer who sent that invitation letter in 1983.

This is not a book for the French – anyone can enjoy Laurain’s nostalgia, and his satirically witty take on modern life. The political views expressed by Sebastien Vaugan and JBM are cross cultural. Very few people will not laugh at how Stan Lepelle’s latest great art piece is undone! Millions can identify with Alain’s attitude, “Is this all there is?”

Laurain has written two prior books that American readers embraced – “The President’s Hat,” and “The Red Notebook.” He is a screenwriter and director of short films, a passionate lover of art who also has some experience in the antiques business. Born in the 1970s, Laurain has just hit his stride and we can expect to hear more from him for some time to come.

If you have a few hours, looking for a relatively quick read, but in the mood for something to keep your mind engaged and entertained as well as your humor meter humming, I think French Rhapsody is just your ticket. It is not in our library’s catalogue, but the major vendors have it on preorder and it will be available the first week of October 2016 in e-book and paperback. You might consider this for your book club’s list. My rating 4.0/5.0. I was given a galley of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review and I thank them.
This review will be published in the 09/16/2016 issued of the Coastal Breeze News. The digital edition is available 1 to 3 days after the print issue. http://www.coastalbreezenews.com/category/entertainment/book-remarks/

How does Antoine Laurain manage to transport me to such a different place with words alone? I haven't a clue, but he does it every time without fail. The only thing I don't like about his novels are the endings, because then I have to wait for another to reach my greedy hands!

Loved it, probably my favourite of his books and The President's Hat takes some beating. Copy courtesy of Gallic Books via Netgalley, many thanks.

Another charming book by this marvelous French author. It's a refection on life, middle age, youth, and chances lost.

The action starts off with the delivery of a letter -- 33 years late, giving a band a meeting with a record company. The former band member who receives it sets out to find his fellows.

Although this book is less lyrical than many of Laurain's others, I loved that it showed so many points of view woven in and out. This gave it a very musical feeling. There's also plenty of humor with some great set pieces and outlandish characters.

Not all the band members have happy endings, but all are satisfactory. I loved it.

Merde.

Having loved The President's Hat and The Red Notebook, I looked forward with glee to Antoine Laurain's latest book. "French Rhapsody" has a fabulous set-up: after mistakenly being lost at the post office for 33 years, a letter arrives for our protagonist, Alain. Alain and his friends were once members of an experimental New Wave band called "The Holograms" and the letter is from a major record label expressing interest in recording the band. Of course, since the letter never reached them, The Holograms have long since split up, the members have lost touch, and most have gotten "real" jobs.

Laurain uses this same serendipitous plot structure, and mixes in whimsy, humor, a sense of place, and a certain je ne sais quois to great effect in his previous books. Sadly, all the charm is missing here. Several side characters are introduced, and their story lines crowd out the overlying arc of Alain trying to find his former band mates. I kept hoping the book would pick up, but at 50% of the way in decided to call it a wrap.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallic Books for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Antoine Laurain does it again with another outstanding novel that inspires while bringing humor unlike other authors. .In French Rhapsody, it is a 33 year old letter that reawakens a life of possibilities for Dr Alain Massoulier. His dreams of becoming a famous lead guitarist for a popular rock band in the 80's never happened. The band, The Holograms, had to face reality when they're hope for stardom didn't come true. Eventually, the band broke up, they each went on to live different lives. But, when Dr Massoulier received this lost letter that offered a recording contract to the band in the 80's, his nostalgia takes him on a quest that leads this middle-aged man on the journey of his life. What he learns about himself, about his friends and how their lives are effected takes the reader on their own quest of self-discovery.

This book caught me a little by surprise. I thought it was going to be about music and nostalgia for the past. Instead it is about a whole lot more including how we chose to lead our lives and how the ripples from these choices affect others.

Alain Proust, a middle aged GP, leading a quiet and staid life, receives a letter lost in the mail for 33 years. The letter is an invitation for the band he played in, the Holograms, to meet with a record company interested in a demo tape they sent in all those years ago. Nostalgic for what might have been if the band had got a recording contract, Alain goes on a quest to find the rest of the band and a copy of the demo tape.

The band members have all lead an interesting variety of lives, none of them in music. Sebastian Vaugan, the bass player became a right wing politician and started his own extremist, rabble rousing party. Stanislas Lepelle the drummer has made a name for himself in the world of contemporary art with his giant outdoor installations across the globe. Frederic Lejeune the keyboard player has made a new life for himself in Thailand where he runs a resort and Berengere, the vocalist went home to run her parents hotel. Lyricist, Pierre Mazart opened an antique shop, and his more famous brother, Jean-Bernard Mazart, (aka JBM) their producer has become a super wealthy economist and business man. One by one Alain tracks them down. Each of the main characters gets to tell their own story and their pasts and presents start to intersect and collide, taking the book in unexpected directions.

A little bit quirky, a little bit humorous this is a gentle novel of love lost and found, a nostalgic look at the past and a commentary on the politics of modern France.

I have to admit that I struggled to get into this book. Whether it was the plot, or just me wondering how certain phrases might have been written in the original French, I can't tell, but I am glad that stayed with it. Just about one third of the way through, either the plot had gripped me or I had forgotten that I was reading in translation, and I couldn't put it down.

This is very much a book for and of our times with an acute analysis of our cultural values and a political theme that will resonate especially with readers from Europe and the USA who are becoming more and more exposed to extreme right-wing views, xenophobia and a disregard for "facts". Underpinning this, however, are two captivating plots both of which, although neatly wound up, left this reader wanting more, lots more.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of "French Rhapsody" in exchange for this honest review.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, so the proverbial phrase goes. The five member new wave/cold wave 1980's band, the Holograms has dispersed in the absence of record company interest. The four instrumentalists, female singer and producer, while united by music, have taken different life journeys. Their paths will ultimately cross again.

In the 1980's, Alain Massoulier, electric guitarist is the contact person for record company correspondence. Fast forward thirty three years. Alain receives a formerly undelivered letter written in 1983 from famous record label Polydor. The Polydor Artistic Director Claude Kalan wants to meet with the Holograms. Alain, now a middle-aged physician becomes overwhelmed thinking about what might have been. Searches for old photos of the band and the studio recorded cassette are fruitless. Alain is determined to contact each band member attempting to locate a copy of the thirty three year old cassette. He especially wants to hear "Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On", seemingly a song which garnered interest.

Alain reaches out to former bandmates. Each has embarked on a different path; a right wing extremist, antiques dealer, contemporary artist, internet entrepreneur, and resident of Thailand. We get a thorough understanding of the life choices each has made. There is,however, a nagging question- What if the Holograms had been a successful band on the scale of the Rolling Stones?

"French Rhapsody" by Antoine Laurain encourages the reader to flash back to a time of cassettes, fewer TV channels, and correspondence by snail mail. The world has changed and life as Alain and bandmates knew it has faded away replaced by a fast paced techno world. My favorite character is JBM. JBM is a reassuring, calm man who can measure the pulse of the economic pendulum. A most enjoyable read.

Thank you Gallic Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "French Rhapsody".

This was not what I was expecting. The premise is that a 50something doctor receives a letter lost in the post for the past 33 years. It was from a recording agency attempting to set up a meeting concerning his then band. So, he decides to reconnect with his old band mates and the songwriter. Initially, the author seems to be using that premise to do a series of vignettes. The book does chapters on each bandmate and their current spouses, PA and brothers before they ever connect. It's like a series of portrayals more than a novel. Granted, I liked the portrayals. The writer does a decent job of capturing the essence of the person. And it is interesting to see how these folks turned out. Vaugan is an especially interesting character, a far right political leader. Laurain does a great job of exploring why leaders like this are so appealing to a certain segment of the population. Very timely, not just in Europe, but here in the US. In fact, a large portion of this book involves the disenchantment of the French populace with their politicians and the search for someone new and different. Towards the end of the book, there is this: “The very next day, a commentator- quite accurately- compared the political class to a flight of crazed and screeching swallows,circling above the garden of France a quarter of an hour before the storm hits.”

You reach the halfway point of the book before you can see the glimmers of how this all might all come together. And then it just goes off the rails. What had been fairly low key turns hysterical. There is a real comic turn here that I was totally unprepared for. So, for those who are frustrated by the beginning of the book, stay the course.

My thanks to netgalley and Gallic Books for an advance copy of this book.

After reading The Red Notebook and The President's Hat I was so, so excited to find out that Antoine Laurain had another book coming out. French Rhapsody is about a letter inviting a band to come in for a meeting with a record later... arriving 30 years after it was sent. We are given insight to the lives of the members of the band, along with some of their spouses or significant others. I think the bones of the story are good - it still has that magical outline (in a non-supernatural way) that I've come to expect from Laurain's books, but I was lost several times while reading some of the meat of the book. There are some political undertones that seem to nod to the current situation going on with the upcoming election in the U.S. (I don't know if this is intentional or coincidence) and the characters go on these rants that just made my eyes glaze over. I would wake up a page or two from where I last remembered reading and when I went back to reread what I had missed, and I had in fact missed nothing.

I can't say I would recommend reading this book, and I won't be adding a physical copy to my bookshelf. I do still adamantly recommend his other two books, don't let this one deter you from them!

3/5 Stars

This book will be release on October 11th, 2016.
I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The heart of this story is Alain Massoulier, a doctor in his 50s, and the band he was a part of in the 1980s. When Alain receives a letter which has been sent over 30 years earlier - offering the band, the Holograms, a recording contract with a major label - he decides to track down the rest. Stan, the drummer, has become a well-known contemporary artist, the keyboard player runs a resort in Thailand, the bass-player is a scarily popular right-wing politician and the singer has returned home to her parent's hotel near Dijon. The song-writer Pierre died (in a rather dramatic fashion in the window of his antiques store) and his brother, the band's producer, has become a business guru.

This is another charming story with subtle depths. As well as exploring the lives of the band members we get to consider what they might have been if they had travelled down the trouser leg of reality in which they were pop stars. In the end though we have to focus on life as it actually is rather than might-have-beens. Alain ends the book as a wiser, but possibly a sadder, man: we end the book contemplating whether we'd rather live in a world with 1980s French cold wave music or with 21st century politics. (Clue: I love a bit of euro-pop...)

Another well written, easy to read book from Antoine Laurain. Having said that though, the story was not what I expected, and although I enjoyed it, I'm slightly disappointed that I did not get what I had expected. This was a well written, slightly unbelievable tale of how a member of an unsuccessful pop group became President of France - though at present lots of things that we never thought possible are becoming reality, and perhaps this will too one day.

Alain is a middle aged GP in Paris who lives a pretty mundane life. Until one day he receives a letter that's thirty-three years late being delivered (due to Paris postal system losing it). The letter is from a record company offering The Holograms, Alain's band in the early 80s, a record deal. Alain no longer has a copy of their recording so he tries to contact some of the members of the band in hope that they'll still have a copy. We get to see all the other members of the band and paths their lives took after the band disbanded: an economist, an extreme right=wing politican, an antiques dealer, a sculpture artist and a hotel owner.

I read The President's Hat earlier this year and really enjoyed it. It's why I decided to read this book, which does have a similar wit and whim. I loved how the character's lives crossed paths and intertwined in The President's Hat and we get that again in French Rhapsody. We see how the lives of the characters have crossed each other's over the years since the band split. It was interesting to see the changes to all the characters and they were a mixed lot! While the book opens with Alain, he's clearly not the centre of this book. JBM, the economist, is the main focus of this book. I suppose Alain is the catalyst for the story though, gets the whole ball rolling. While I didn't dislike this book, I did find it lacking slightly. The charm and sweetness in The President's Hat isn't to be found here and half way through this book I did start feeling a bit blah about the story. However it picked up again and definitely redeemed itself. It was a quick read too and I think I'll pick up The Red Notebook in the future.