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French Windows
Bringing his trademark style and charming whimsy, Antoine Laurain’s new novel of intrigue, murder and neighbourly curiosity is sure to delight fans old and new. Nathalia, a young photographer, has been seeing a therapist. Having accidentally photographed a murder, she finds that she can no longer do her job. Instead, Doctor Faber suggests that she write about the neighbours she idly observes in the building across the street. But as these written snapshots become increasingly detailed, he starts to wonder how she can possibly know so much about them. With each session, Doctor Faber and his mysterious patient will get closer and closer to the truth. But are the stories Nathalia submits each week as she claims... Bestselling author Antoine Laurain serves up a dose of suspense and intrigue in Rear Window with a Parisian heart.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2023
81 people are currently reading
1410 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 235 reviews
July 10, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Intriguing!
Psychotherapist Dr. Faber is intrigued by his latest patient, Natalia Guitry, a professional photographer. She claims that she lost her skills/ muse/ interest after witnessing a murder. Noticing how self-aware she sounds, the doctor asks her to write stories about each resident in the five-floored building opposite her home. With each story Natalia sends, Dr. Faber feels things going out of his control. Who exactly is Natalia?
The story comes from Dr. Faber’s POV.
My Thoughts:
This is a short book (a novella) with a story-in-story format, where we get teeny stories in the first-person POVs of the respective main characters.
The beginning is slow, or maybe it seemed that way due to the absolute lack of formatting in my ARC. There are no scene breaks, no chapter heads, and no markings. Even the beginning quote became a part of the first paragraph on the first page. I hope the published version is properly formatted. Otherwise, this would be an annoying read.
While Natalia has a surreal quality with a hint of grey (malice?), Dr. Faber comes across as a know-it-all at first, but soon we see more about it. Still, he does seem egoistic and proud of his achievements, which gives his character a nice edge.
It’s hard to say much since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers. However, there are references to quite many dark themes (not a surprise given the profession) and a bit of this and that. Some rambling about psychology, too, which aligns with the doctor’s arc.
Though this is a French story and has some local elements, the focus is not on the setting. Guess that’s why it has a timeless vibe despite being set in the current times.
The ending, as expected in thrillers, comes with a few twists. Even when we think it’s over, it is NOT over!
To summarize, French Windows is an intriguing novella, almost like a cat-and-mouse game even if the stakes are low (but not without danger). It’s best read in one or two sittings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #FrenchWindows
***
P.S: Thanks to the reviewer (Cathy) who mentioned that this book is an homage to an Alfred Hitchcock film, which was based on another author’s short story. Since I know neither, I read this as a standalone.
One Liner: Intriguing!
Psychotherapist Dr. Faber is intrigued by his latest patient, Natalia Guitry, a professional photographer. She claims that she lost her skills/ muse/ interest after witnessing a murder. Noticing how self-aware she sounds, the doctor asks her to write stories about each resident in the five-floored building opposite her home. With each story Natalia sends, Dr. Faber feels things going out of his control. Who exactly is Natalia?
The story comes from Dr. Faber’s POV.
My Thoughts:
This is a short book (a novella) with a story-in-story format, where we get teeny stories in the first-person POVs of the respective main characters.
The beginning is slow, or maybe it seemed that way due to the absolute lack of formatting in my ARC. There are no scene breaks, no chapter heads, and no markings. Even the beginning quote became a part of the first paragraph on the first page. I hope the published version is properly formatted. Otherwise, this would be an annoying read.
While Natalia has a surreal quality with a hint of grey (malice?), Dr. Faber comes across as a know-it-all at first, but soon we see more about it. Still, he does seem egoistic and proud of his achievements, which gives his character a nice edge.
It’s hard to say much since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers. However, there are references to quite many dark themes (not a surprise given the profession) and a bit of this and that. Some rambling about psychology, too, which aligns with the doctor’s arc.
Though this is a French story and has some local elements, the focus is not on the setting. Guess that’s why it has a timeless vibe despite being set in the current times.
The ending, as expected in thrillers, comes with a few twists. Even when we think it’s over, it is NOT over!
To summarize, French Windows is an intriguing novella, almost like a cat-and-mouse game even if the stakes are low (but not without danger). It’s best read in one or two sittings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #FrenchWindows
***
P.S: Thanks to the reviewer (Cathy) who mentioned that this book is an homage to an Alfred Hitchcock film, which was based on another author’s short story. Since I know neither, I read this as a standalone.
June 7, 2024
French Windows pays an obvious homage to the 1954 film Rear Window, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on a short story by American author, Cornell Woolrich, but has a deliciously French flavour and displays the author’s trademark wit. As well as being a clever mystery, the accounts Dr Faber encourages Natalie to write describing the lives of the occupants of the apartment building across from her own are wonderful ‘stories within a story’, little snapshots if you’ll pardon the pun of other lives. Something the individuals have in common is change in their lives, in some cases prompted by quite inconsequential things such as a computer screensaver.
Dr Faber has his own little quirks. For example, his passion for collecting passepartout keys (keys that can open any door in a building), perhaps seeing a parallel with his role as a therapist. He regards smoking as akin to an art form, proudly recalling how he acquired the skill of smoking a cigarette ‘hands-free’ and describes himself as ‘a very gifted smoker’. He cannot imagine life without a cigarette, all previous attempts to give up – at the urging of his wife – having failed. But he finds pleasure even in the failed attempts, relishing the ‘special joy’ of each ‘tender reunion’.
From feeling he is control of their therapy sessions, Faber finds himself increasingly compelled to discover whether the stories Nathalie brings him are works of imagination or true. It now seems to be her controlling him as he waits expectantly for her to deliver the next story. When the final one arrives, he gets more than he bargained for.
Even if you’ve worked some of it out before that point, perhaps inspired by the title of one of the author’s previous books, French Windows is still a wonderfully quirky and entertaining read.
Dr Faber has his own little quirks. For example, his passion for collecting passepartout keys (keys that can open any door in a building), perhaps seeing a parallel with his role as a therapist. He regards smoking as akin to an art form, proudly recalling how he acquired the skill of smoking a cigarette ‘hands-free’ and describes himself as ‘a very gifted smoker’. He cannot imagine life without a cigarette, all previous attempts to give up – at the urging of his wife – having failed. But he finds pleasure even in the failed attempts, relishing the ‘special joy’ of each ‘tender reunion’.
From feeling he is control of their therapy sessions, Faber finds himself increasingly compelled to discover whether the stories Nathalie brings him are works of imagination or true. It now seems to be her controlling him as he waits expectantly for her to deliver the next story. When the final one arrives, he gets more than he bargained for.
Even if you’ve worked some of it out before that point, perhaps inspired by the title of one of the author’s previous books, French Windows is still a wonderfully quirky and entertaining read.
June 21, 2025
I've been curious about this author for quite some time, so I was pleased to explore this Parisian neighbourhood with Antoine Laurain. At first I thought French Windows was an inventive way to bring together a small collection of short stories, but it's actually more than that - a genuine novel, given the way it ends.
Parisian photographer Nathalia Guitry can no longer do her job, so she goes to see local therapist Dr Faber. They quickly get to the bottom of her problem. She has lost her love of photography because the very last photograph she took was of a murder. But how to help her? When Dr Faber learns that she enjoys writing and has been spending her days staying at home and observing her neighbours in the north wing of the building (through their windows), he comes up with the idea of getting her to write about life on each floor. It can be true or made up, but each therapy session is to be accompanied by one of Natalia's stories, beginning with the ground floor and working upwards.
The stories are quite diverse and I enjoyed them all. This is where I found the quirkiness I'd been expecting. Then when Nathalia reaches the fifth floor with her stories, Dr Faber quickly understands that they have uncovered the root of her problem.
This was a memorable, short novel and I will definitely be exploring more of Laurain's work.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for a digital ARC to read and review.
Parisian photographer Nathalia Guitry can no longer do her job, so she goes to see local therapist Dr Faber. They quickly get to the bottom of her problem. She has lost her love of photography because the very last photograph she took was of a murder. But how to help her? When Dr Faber learns that she enjoys writing and has been spending her days staying at home and observing her neighbours in the north wing of the building (through their windows), he comes up with the idea of getting her to write about life on each floor. It can be true or made up, but each therapy session is to be accompanied by one of Natalia's stories, beginning with the ground floor and working upwards.
The stories are quite diverse and I enjoyed them all. This is where I found the quirkiness I'd been expecting. Then when Nathalia reaches the fifth floor with her stories, Dr Faber quickly understands that they have uncovered the root of her problem.
This was a memorable, short novel and I will definitely be exploring more of Laurain's work.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for a digital ARC to read and review.
July 19, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and would recommend this novella for people wo enjoy character-driven fiction. I like the separate threads and getting a glimpse into the lives of the people living in one Parisian flat. All the stories tie together at the end in a satisfying manner. This book is a good slump-buster do to its length, simplicity of language, and interesting character sketches.
Thanks to @libro.fm for the gifted audiobook. I always enjoy an audiobook highlighting a region's accents.
Thanks to @libro.fm for the gifted audiobook. I always enjoy an audiobook highlighting a region's accents.
May 25, 2023
C'est très bof.
Le pitch avait l'air génial. Au final, c'est lent, il se passe rien de vraiment intéressant. Très dommage parce que le dénouement final est inattendu !
Le pitch avait l'air génial. Au final, c'est lent, il se passe rien de vraiment intéressant. Très dommage parce que le dénouement final est inattendu !
July 1, 2025
A strangely pointless crime novel with all the misogynistic vibes of old film noir movies, so it took me out a moment when the narrator mentioned Instagram. I've heard of backstreet dentists but never backstreet therapists, as our protagonist (who takes cash and no ID) constantly questions if his patients are lying to him.
September 8, 2024
it was fine, good writing (probably not my kind, the writing for me was a bit contrived) and good mystery (though maybe could have been guessed). so i would be reading another laurain definitely, though maybe not soon. for now i am in the mood or austere and simple writing, so it's more me than the book.
"Who would we be if we could not sympathize with those who are not us or ours? Who would we be if we could not forget ourselves, at least some of the time? Who would we be if we could not learn? Forgive? Become something other than we are?"
Susan Sontag, Literature as Freedom, acceptance speech for the Friedenspreis, Frankfurt Book Fair, 2003
"Who would we be if we could not sympathize with those who are not us or ours? Who would we be if we could not forget ourselves, at least some of the time? Who would we be if we could not learn? Forgive? Become something other than we are?"
Susan Sontag, Literature as Freedom, acceptance speech for the Friedenspreis, Frankfurt Book Fair, 2003
November 8, 2025
Antoine Laurain writes very different books every time and I really like that, as I never know what to expect. This is the story of a psychotherapist who writes stories about the residents in the opposite building and then they discuss them. This creates these lovely stories within the story that must be explored by the patient and the doctor. Very cleverly done!
August 18, 2024
This had me hooked and such a short read, finished it in a day!
Nathalia, a photographer, finds she can’t do her job anymore after she accidentally photos a murder and starts visiting a therapist - but who’s therapising (if that’s not a real word it should be) who? 👀
Loved how this ended and the story just filled me more and more with intrigue as it went on!
Nathalia, a photographer, finds she can’t do her job anymore after she accidentally photos a murder and starts visiting a therapist - but who’s therapising (if that’s not a real word it should be) who? 👀
Loved how this ended and the story just filled me more and more with intrigue as it went on!
July 31, 2024
3.5 stars
This quick and charming read set in Paris reminded me a bit of Rear Window. We witness a cat-and-mouse relationship develop between a psychoanalyst and a patient, making it hard to discern who is analyzing whom. Can we trust the patient’s stories? While the reveal is predictable, I enjoyed the buildup and learning about the different characters living on each floor of the building. Despite the predictability of the reveal, the ending was rather sweet and unexpected. Overall, this was a clever and enjoyable story, enhanced by its Parisian setting and characters.
This quick and charming read set in Paris reminded me a bit of Rear Window. We witness a cat-and-mouse relationship develop between a psychoanalyst and a patient, making it hard to discern who is analyzing whom. Can we trust the patient’s stories? While the reveal is predictable, I enjoyed the buildup and learning about the different characters living on each floor of the building. Despite the predictability of the reveal, the ending was rather sweet and unexpected. Overall, this was a clever and enjoyable story, enhanced by its Parisian setting and characters.
October 4, 2024
Dont smoke kids!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
Laurain’s books are always a pleasure to read, populated by quirky characters and offering a a humorous and often charming look at Parisian life.
My personal favourite is Smoking Kills and there are times in this book where he alludes to that.
Nathalia, a photographer, has not only witnessed, but also photographed a murder and at the outset of the book is in therapy on the couch of a psychiatrist, Dr Faber. Since the event she is traumatised and has not been able to work. Faber comes up with an idea to get her to elaborate, suggesting she writes stories about the residents of her apartment block, in turn from each of the four floors below hers.
This particular book from Laurain is a bit too light and cozy for me. There’s a clear homage being paid to the 1954 Hitchcock film Rear Window that memorably starred James Stewart (and written by Cornell Woolrich incidentally), but it’s far less dark, something more along the lines of Only Murders in the Building.
Nonetheless, it’s good entertainment.
My personal favourite is Smoking Kills and there are times in this book where he alludes to that.
Nathalia, a photographer, has not only witnessed, but also photographed a murder and at the outset of the book is in therapy on the couch of a psychiatrist, Dr Faber. Since the event she is traumatised and has not been able to work. Faber comes up with an idea to get her to elaborate, suggesting she writes stories about the residents of her apartment block, in turn from each of the four floors below hers.
This particular book from Laurain is a bit too light and cozy for me. There’s a clear homage being paid to the 1954 Hitchcock film Rear Window that memorably starred James Stewart (and written by Cornell Woolrich incidentally), but it’s far less dark, something more along the lines of Only Murders in the Building.
Nonetheless, it’s good entertainment.
July 28, 2025
3.5⭐️ (Rounded up)
French Windows is a literary psychological mystery that pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film Rear Window, but with a French twist and Antoine Lauraine’s classic wit. The story centers around Nathalia, a photographer who witnesses a murder through her window and subsequently loses the ability to continue her craft. In therapy, under the guidance of Dr. Faber, she’s asked to write fictional portraits of her neighbors—but as her stories grow darker and more precise, her therapist begins to suspect that they’re not fiction at all.
Laurain’s prose is whimsical and concise—each scene is well crafted with a purpose to either detail Nathalia’s stories about her neighbors or to expand the captivating relationship development between Nathalia and Dr. Faber during therapy sessions. Nathalie provides a story for the people on each floor across the courtyard, and each reads like a poetic parable. The transitions between therapy sessions and stories are sometimes abrupt—if you’re not reading carefully, you may think you’re suddenly reading the POV of a new character in the story. The city of Paris is subtly and artfully embedded as a backdrop—mostly through brief mentions of different arrondissements where events are occurring.
Nathalia is a morally grey protagonist who’s more clever than she first appears—don’t underestimate her storytelling abilities. Dr. Faber comes across as condescending and a know-it-all at the start, but readers learn more about his flaws as the story unfolds. His passion for collecting passepartout keys and smoking, which he sees as an art form, tells the story of a more complex and quirky man. As Nathalia brings him more stories, Dr. Faber finds himself increasingly compelled to discover whether the stories are works of fiction or truth. Their relationship soon becomes a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with Nathalia gaining control as Dr. Faber eagerly waits for her to deliver the next story. Unfortunately, when the final story is revealed, he gets more than he bargained for—even though he surely saw it coming!
The pacing is uneven and occasionally slows just when you think suspense might be building. Some of Nathalia’s writing assignments are quieter and shorter in the middle of the book and don’t add much other than intrigue (and perhaps a detour to the overall mystery). The story culminates with a shocking twist, and just when you think the story is over, it’s NOT—and the final chapters that follow are the most interesting!
Overall, French Windows is a clever, atmospheric mystery full of literary charm and psychoanalysis. Readers who enjoy literary suspense and stories that blur lines between fantasy and reality should give this book high consideration!
French Windows is a literary psychological mystery that pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film Rear Window, but with a French twist and Antoine Lauraine’s classic wit. The story centers around Nathalia, a photographer who witnesses a murder through her window and subsequently loses the ability to continue her craft. In therapy, under the guidance of Dr. Faber, she’s asked to write fictional portraits of her neighbors—but as her stories grow darker and more precise, her therapist begins to suspect that they’re not fiction at all.
Laurain’s prose is whimsical and concise—each scene is well crafted with a purpose to either detail Nathalia’s stories about her neighbors or to expand the captivating relationship development between Nathalia and Dr. Faber during therapy sessions. Nathalie provides a story for the people on each floor across the courtyard, and each reads like a poetic parable. The transitions between therapy sessions and stories are sometimes abrupt—if you’re not reading carefully, you may think you’re suddenly reading the POV of a new character in the story. The city of Paris is subtly and artfully embedded as a backdrop—mostly through brief mentions of different arrondissements where events are occurring.
Nathalia is a morally grey protagonist who’s more clever than she first appears—don’t underestimate her storytelling abilities. Dr. Faber comes across as condescending and a know-it-all at the start, but readers learn more about his flaws as the story unfolds. His passion for collecting passepartout keys and smoking, which he sees as an art form, tells the story of a more complex and quirky man. As Nathalia brings him more stories, Dr. Faber finds himself increasingly compelled to discover whether the stories are works of fiction or truth. Their relationship soon becomes a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with Nathalia gaining control as Dr. Faber eagerly waits for her to deliver the next story. Unfortunately, when the final story is revealed, he gets more than he bargained for—even though he surely saw it coming!
The pacing is uneven and occasionally slows just when you think suspense might be building. Some of Nathalia’s writing assignments are quieter and shorter in the middle of the book and don’t add much other than intrigue (and perhaps a detour to the overall mystery). The story culminates with a shocking twist, and just when you think the story is over, it’s NOT—and the final chapters that follow are the most interesting!
Overall, French Windows is a clever, atmospheric mystery full of literary charm and psychoanalysis. Readers who enjoy literary suspense and stories that blur lines between fantasy and reality should give this book high consideration!
August 23, 2025
This was such an intriguing premise and executed really well too!
Told in a story within a story format, the setting is in a therapist,Dr Faber's office and revolves around his sessions with his newest client Natalia Guithry. A photographer who has lost her ability to take good photographs after witnessing a murder,Natalia needs help to get her mojo back.Dr Faber asks her to write about the people who live on each of the five floors of her building, and bring them one per session. When she does so, he is struck by the details she includes and wonders if her stories are true or made up. Along with him,the reader's curiosity is also aroused and the suspense is maintained till the incredible finish.
There is quite a bit of insight into the therapist's methods of analysis and the techniques he employs so the themes discussed do get heavy but they are presented in a very readable way. The air of mystery and the variety in each of the stories Natalia pens make this an addictive read that I finished in one setting.
It was an unusual read that I enjoyed very much.
Told in a story within a story format, the setting is in a therapist,Dr Faber's office and revolves around his sessions with his newest client Natalia Guithry. A photographer who has lost her ability to take good photographs after witnessing a murder,Natalia needs help to get her mojo back.Dr Faber asks her to write about the people who live on each of the five floors of her building, and bring them one per session. When she does so, he is struck by the details she includes and wonders if her stories are true or made up. Along with him,the reader's curiosity is also aroused and the suspense is maintained till the incredible finish.
There is quite a bit of insight into the therapist's methods of analysis and the techniques he employs so the themes discussed do get heavy but they are presented in a very readable way. The air of mystery and the variety in each of the stories Natalia pens make this an addictive read that I finished in one setting.
It was an unusual read that I enjoyed very much.
October 17, 2024
Un petite bagatelle - c'est charmant, mais ....
A short and rather sweet French fable, but it lacks any real substance - but for the few hours it takes to read, it's a clever divertissement. The murder subplot doesn't amount to much, and I doubt I'll remember much of it 2 months from now. The original French title translates literally as 'Dangerously Sweet', which is much more evocative and on point.
A short and rather sweet French fable, but it lacks any real substance - but for the few hours it takes to read, it's a clever divertissement. The murder subplot doesn't amount to much, and I doubt I'll remember much of it 2 months from now. The original French title translates literally as 'Dangerously Sweet', which is much more evocative and on point.
April 16, 2025
Another fantastic Laurain novel! Diffuse with his classic wit and craft, the story had me hooked and finished it in a day!
July 24, 2025
4.5: Brilliant storytelling!
September 3, 2025
2.75/5
August 9, 2024
i liked the twist at the end
November 17, 2024
For awhile there I thought this might be Antoine Laurain’s best ever book. I enjoyed most of it but felt the twist and ending didn’t meet with my liking.
July 27, 2024
Ganz toll!
Vielen Dank an Netgallery Deutschland für die digitale Version des Buches!
Vielen Dank an Netgallery Deutschland für die digitale Version des Buches!
June 10, 2024
MY VERDICT: A captivating novel with a Rear Window twist, blurring the lines between reality and storytelling, by the master of literary mystery.
Antoine Laurain’s previous book translated into English, An Astronomer’s in Love, featured windows and apartments, as well as a secret.
We find these elements here again in French Windows, in a very different book, that will captivate you all the same.
I love how the book opens, with a picture perfect description of one of these typical Parisian courtyards.
My full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2024/06/10/...
Antoine Laurain’s previous book translated into English, An Astronomer’s in Love, featured windows and apartments, as well as a secret.
We find these elements here again in French Windows, in a very different book, that will captivate you all the same.
I love how the book opens, with a picture perfect description of one of these typical Parisian courtyards.
My full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2024/06/10/...
May 18, 2024
thank you @gallicbooks for sending me an ARC. out June 6.
the first thing that interested me about this book is the narration style. It’s told from the pov of a therapist assessing a woman’s case, and it pulls you in right away. trying to figure out what the woman is hiding, what she plans to unveil. It’s a mix of slice of life, suspense, and psychological insights.
each session, the woman tells us a story about someone living in the building opposite her. whether made up or real, the stories are enjoyable. short and meaningful. we meet an uncanny mix of characters.
I didn’t figure out the twist right away but I did expect it towards the end a little earlier before all was revealed. still, I think it was satisfying and quite interesting.
it was a good entertaining read, and i think it was done in a smart and intriguing way. It made me more curious about the author and how he thinks and writes. I think I will definitely read more books by him.
I’m not sure if it’s the original writing or translation, but I would have liked if the writing wasn’t as impassive and plain as it was though.
the first thing that interested me about this book is the narration style. It’s told from the pov of a therapist assessing a woman’s case, and it pulls you in right away. trying to figure out what the woman is hiding, what she plans to unveil. It’s a mix of slice of life, suspense, and psychological insights.
each session, the woman tells us a story about someone living in the building opposite her. whether made up or real, the stories are enjoyable. short and meaningful. we meet an uncanny mix of characters.
I didn’t figure out the twist right away but I did expect it towards the end a little earlier before all was revealed. still, I think it was satisfying and quite interesting.
it was a good entertaining read, and i think it was done in a smart and intriguing way. It made me more curious about the author and how he thinks and writes. I think I will definitely read more books by him.
I’m not sure if it’s the original writing or translation, but I would have liked if the writing wasn’t as impassive and plain as it was though.
September 29, 2025
I love his writing and I had no idea where the story was going to go. Full of mystery and I just love how he writes so beautifully about Paris.
September 19, 2025
3.5ish… i did not know where this story was taking me but it did indeed gag me by the end
March 24, 2024
French Windows by Antoine Laurain
A book where the story is full of stories. A patient is asked by her therapist to construct fantasies about her neighbors. The goal is to lift her depression.
The fantasies of the patient were interesting, but the overall story not as much. In all fairness, Laurain pulled it together at the end. I gave the book to a friend who is French and she suggested there could be some cultural issues that decreased my enjoyment.
This story would not make my top ten.
A book where the story is full of stories. A patient is asked by her therapist to construct fantasies about her neighbors. The goal is to lift her depression.
The fantasies of the patient were interesting, but the overall story not as much. In all fairness, Laurain pulled it together at the end. I gave the book to a friend who is French and she suggested there could be some cultural issues that decreased my enjoyment.
This story would not make my top ten.
August 6, 2023
Lecture agréable et fin surprenante mais l’ensemble est facilement oubliable. Un bon roman de plage.
August 12, 2023
Bof pas le meilleur policier que j’ai lu dans ma vie….
October 4, 2024
couldn’t imagine killing someone (accident or not) over a cigarette 🚬
April 12, 2025
French Windows is a charming, quirky, and surprisingly dark read. It follows Dr Faber, a psychoanalyst, and his enigmatic patient Nathalia, a photographer who can no longer practice her art. As the sessions unfold, the story becomes a subtle cat-and-mouse game, leaving you questioning who is analysing whom. Nathalia shares the stories of her neighbours — the diverse and curious characters who live in her apartment building — all of which seem to hold clues to the mystery of her creative block. But, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems, and a clever twist ties it all together. There’s much more to this novel than voyeurism; it’s layered, psychological, and satisfyingly twisty. If you enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, you’ll likely find this an intriguing and rewarding read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews