Question #3: Three Pines

[[deleted user]]

The attractions of Three Pines are clearly immense, but so are its dangers: As
Beauvoir says, “Where else would the devil go, but to paradise?” If it were a
real place, what do you think it would be like to live there?

[Susan]

As Louise Penny's books have grown in popularity, I have always wondered how she could set so many murders in such a small place. Three Pines can't even be called a town, as it does not exist on a map. I would think the per-capita murder rate is quite high and Three Pines might be a scary place to live! Perhaps one of our readers who has read several of the novels could comment on how many of the books concentrate on crimes in Three Pines versus the surrounding area.

I love the sense of community in Three Pines, and the way the characters share one another's lives. The bistro is at the centre of their sharing, and I would love to have a meal there and look out at the central square and its three pines. Food is so important to the gatherings. Penny's descriptions leave the reader's mouth watering and feeling envious!

[Allison]

Ha ha, Susan...I loved your comment about the per capita murder rate in Three Pines. I expect it might be a scary place to live!! However, it reminds me of the Murder She Wrote series with sleuth Jessica Fletcher ... another small-town location with a high murder rate!

So far, I am totally entranced by the idea of retiring to such a lovely place, where everybody knows everybody, the pace is unhurried, and one can simply amble a few paces from one's house to some cool artisan bistro for companionship and a tasty meal prepared by a talented chef. Gamanche and his wife must have decent pensions to afford to eat out constantly! On the other hand, they are saving a ton of money by not driving all over the place and with no box stores, malls or plazas nearby, they are not buying into the whole consumerism thing either. It just sounds so lovely...sigh.

[Susan]

LOL - great comment about the per capita murder rate! I grew up in Quebec and spend my summers in the Eastern Townships, so I can picture such a village. While I would love to have a place there, I like that it is only a couple of hours drive to the big city (I am a city girl at heart and would wither if the GO train didn't take me to Toronto sometimes). The fact that it is an "artisan" hangout is what would interest me the most ... I have come across such villages around the new wine industry developing in Prince Edward county and up in Thornbury and Meaford near Colingwood. Guess I better check the # of murders that happen before I relocate. :)

[Judi]

Aside from the regular murders, Three Pines sounds like an idyllic place to retire. I am more of a country person than a city one. I would need a library or bookstore, Myrna takes care of that. A good place to eat. The Bistro takes care of that. Is there a doctor in town?
At least the hospital us close by in Cowansville. It would be difficult settling if you were not welcomed in to this close knit group .
I spent many summers at Lac Selby near Dunham Quebec. I picture Three Pines as being very close by.

[Susan]

Judi wrote: "Aside from the regular murders, Three Pines sounds like an idyllic place to retire. I am more of a country person than a city one. I would need a library or bookstore, Myrna takes care of that. A g..."

"The regular murders" seem like a pretty big deal, Judi! At least they could be a deal breaker for me!

[Susan]

Susan wrote: "LOL - great comment about the per capita murder rate! I grew up in Quebec and spend my summers in the Eastern Townships, so I can picture such a village. While I would love to have a place there, I..."
I agree that having a major city close by is a bonus, Susan. And the artisan nature of Three Pines is attractive, too. I think the arts are what make many small communities stand out. Take Stratford, for example, which is a small town offering world class performances.

[Allison]

Susan wrote: "Susan wrote: "LOL - great comment about the per capita murder rate! I grew up in Quebec and spend my summers in the Eastern Townships, so I can picture such a village. While I would love to have a ..."

I agree, Susan. The combo of a small town with an art scene is highly desirable...especially in retirement. Imagine!