The Three Pines discussion
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Yet, each viewing points out two things for me, and I'm not sure which to s..."
I couldn't agree more, Kat! I'm sure that we've all picked up on the personality traits of Gamache et al slightly differently, yet to each of us, our version of him is perfect. And that's what makes books so great!
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I think it was originally made as a television adaptation, but can't be 100% sure. I have found a link on YouTube to watch it
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jtZJVj7...
Smiles-So many books out there to read.... why reread? I understand that may be a silly suggestion. As a bookseller, I used to try and insist people read Ms. Penny's book in order, so they could develop the characters as she did. Then I have to recall how I came to Inspector Gamache. Novel 10, with an "oh, ok, nothing else to read today" attitude.
Swiftly hooked, I bought all the previous ones, and devoured them. Missing fine points along the way.
As I suggest that this is a series to re read, I think that each time I find something different. I read so swiftly for plot the first time, I missed a nuance.
Now I do have a question for readers. It is suggested that Gamache is arrogant. Is this an adjective you would use to describe him?
I would like to know how you see Inspector Gamache. Please respond.
Sincerely,
Kat
Just read "The Glass House". OMG . . . It was painful not to turn to the back and find out the conclusion. So good. Her best ever.
Hi Kat, I am definitely savoring the series and measuring the books out slowly. These are among my "comfort" books - those I return to to as a refuge; like coming to a cosy home and a quilt and supper warm on the table.Regarding your question about Inspector Gamache - never arrogant! Maybe when I reread I will see this but I see him as patient and humble - quietly strong and confident. Being correct doesn't mean he is arrogant!
Agree. Confident and wise, yet humble and open-minded.
So happy to have found this discussion group! I'm Eileen from Seattle. This series was recommended by a friend, so I started on Still Life earlier this year and have just started The Beautiful Mystery.I feel like these books started out as light, fun murder mysteries but that Louise Penny's writing and character development have gotten better and better with each book to the point that I wouldn't really even consider these in the "mystery" genre anymore. They really are fine literary novels now, with the actual murder mystery not the most interesting or satisfying plot in each (although I love the mysteries, too).
I just finished A Trick of the Light a few days ago, and that one really has stayed with me. I find myself so involved with these characters that I worry and think about them when I'm not reading. I really have fallen in love with Three Pines and all the characters (Is that unhealthy? ha). I'm currently worried about Jean-Guy and Armand and fear all the foreshadowing will lead the characters and their relationship with each other to dark places. I only hope they are able to find happy endings (Jean-Guy with Annie, preferably).
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As for Gamache being arrogant, it's definitely not something that I've ever thought of. He comes across as kind, knowledgable and caring. In my mind's eye he is a father figure to so money, and humble as they come. He wants to share expertise, but I never took it in an arrogant sort of way.
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The murder mystery part of the book is great, and I love to follow along to try and guess 'who dunnit' however there's so many other great parts of the works; I feel like I learn a lesson every time I read one.
I am wondering who called him arrogant? I think Brebeouf. And I questioned if I had misinterpreted. Gamache to me is certainly self confident. But arrogance, I do not see in his nature. So had to ask.
But there is so much joy and art in these books.
Am I the only one who has done a google search and find that the art, poetry she speaks of are real? And then searched them?
Kat wrote: "Am I the only one who has done a google search and find that the art, poetry she speaks of are real? And then searched them?"I did too. Did you find the wonderful site that explores the poetry and other references more deeply? And seeing the art of Charles Gagnon was a delight!
Hello, I'm Sharon. I picked up "The Nature of the Beast" - loved it, and then discovered it was #11 in a series. Since then I can't get enough of Penny. Usually I run out of interest after about 3 books in a series and have to come back to it but I can't wait to hear the next installment. When I finish a book I go right out and buy the next - well, at least for the first seven books.
Discovering this series was almost as wonderful as discovering Narnia as a teenager! I am nearing the end of the available Penny books and metering them out. Looking for the next author I feel this way about. Hope I don't have to look another few decades!
Paula wrote: "Kat wrote: "Am I the only one who has done a google search and find that the art, poetry she speaks of are real? And then searched them?"I did too. Did you find the wonderful site that explores t..."
I didn't realize that - thank you, I'll google as well!
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I don’t see Gamache as arogant but rather reserved and reflective.
Reenie wrote: "Hi Kat, I can't wait to reread the Penny books as I'm sure there's so many little quirks that I didn't notice the first time around. As for Gamache being arrogant, it's definitely not something th..."
That was my thought process, but as I reread he is described as arrogant. Was wondering if I just don't see it.
Funny aside. As you as know I am a bit of a fanatic about this author (for good reasons I believe). I have apparently brought her name up so much, my co-workers kind of raise their eyes as I speak. Smiles...So the other day I'm at work, the doorbell rings (was before opening) and I go to greet our Community Relations Manager. "Hello Roberto!" I am forever re-configuring his name.
"Guess what?" he said. "About what? More info please."
"Well, I was at the Broward Center last night for the Hilary Clinton event."
"And, how was it?"
"It was good. Sort of what I expected, though different from what I expected."
"You are sharing this why?"
"In the open questions, a man asked her what she was reading. What do you think she said?"
Without hesitation I answered. 'Glass Houses' by Louise Penny.
"How did you know?" Was I really going to have to scoop this tall young man off the floor?
Why was it so much fun to just say "the Clintons have been fans for years"? It was my way of saying if you won't take my word, take theirs. These books are good. Or, some element of six degrees of separation.
I hope you enjoy the fun I had there.
Kat
I also suggest going to yahoo and searching Louise Penny. There are a series of interviews with her as each of her later books have been released. She is very particular of not having spoilers, so no secrets will be released.But as a person, she is a treasure.
Sincerely,
Kat
Reenie wrote: "Hi Kat, I can't wait to reread the Penny books as I'm sure there's so many little quirks that I didn't notice the first time around. As for Gamache being arrogant, it's definitely not something th..."
I think the same. Even as I re read, I do not find arrogance. Maybe I do not know what it means. I think it means someone overly proud and certain of them self, quite pleased with lording that certainty over others. Do I have the wrong definition?
Paula wrote: "I discovered this wonderful series last summer while listening to a podcast called Pop Culture Happy Hour. It was August, I was listening while mowing fields in NW Illinois. It was the perfect time..."I have another favorite mystery author, of the 'Nothern Noir' genre. That Is William Kent Krueger. He writes the Cork O'Connor series. A bit of a tougher ride than life in Three Pines. What caught me was a similar importance placed on character development. His books are laced with Native American heritage, which I enjoyed.
If you wish to 'try him out', he has a free standing novel that has garnered much acclaim. "Ordinary Grace." Did have me in tears.
Kat
Mary wrote: "Hi, my name is Mary from WI. I've just recently discovered The Three Pines series as I was given Still Life as a gift. I'm hooked and anxious to talk with others about the books and characters. I'm..."
i just finished rereading 'Bury Your Dead.' How good does it get?
Thank you for the suggestion! I'll try him and let you know if he helps fill the void when I am done with the available Three Pines books.Kat wrote: "Paula wrote: "I discovered this wonderful series last summer while listening to a podcast called Pop Culture Happy Hour. It was August, I was listening while mowing fields in NW Illinois. It was th..."
Kat wrote: "Paula wrote: "I discovered this wonderful series last summer while listening to a podcast called Pop Culture Happy Hour. It was August, I was listening while mowing fields in NW Illinois. It was th..."
Kat wrote: "Mary wrote: "Hi, my name is Mary from WI. I've just recently discovered The Three Pines series as I was given Still Life as a gift. I'm hooked and anxious to talk with others about the books and ch..."
Greetings from north Texas, USA! I'm Vanessa and I started reading the Penny novels about seven or eight weeks ago, after my mother gave me "Still Life," saying she thought I'd like it, given my fondness for Agatha Christie. During this time, my father became ill and died, and I underwent a couple of minor surgeries myself. That is how and why I have managed to read the entire series in just a couple of months - I desperately needed a place to escape to, and Three Pines turned out to be a very good one! As a writer myself, I have taken a great deal of pleasure in watching Penny's writing evolve over the course of the series. I'll share more in the individual book discussions.
I look forward to getting to know you all better and exploring some of the themes and ideas in the series. :)
Hi, Vanessa! I’m so sorry about your father! It seems your introduction to Three Pines was perfectly timed. I live in Central Texas, btw.
Hi, Sorry to hear of your difficult time, but so glad you found Three Pines. My friends used to tease me when I told them about my perfect dream neighborhood - telling me that I was describing Sesame Street! Three Pines is so much better!
Reenie wrote: "Susan wrote: "Still Life is a movie? How, where, when?"I think it was originally made as a television adaptation, but can't be 100% sure. I have found a link on YouTube to watch it
https://m.you..."
Thanks! I will give this a try. Had a power Failure and my Amazon Fire is not working. Technology is frustrating some times.
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Excited to have you here!
Hi all, I read my first Chief Inspector Gamache book less than a year ago. I am currently reading The Long Way Home. I haven't been so involved in a series like this in a really long while. I love all the characters, and definitely have some favorites. Also, I think I have a thing for Jean-Guy.
Hi Randi, It's lovely to meet another Three Pines fan! I love Jean-Guy like a nephew - he definitely has a fascinating arc of character through the books but Armand is the man for me ;)
Hi, my name is Susy. I was introduced to Ms. Penny’s books a little over a year ago. I just finished How The Light Gets In. Oh my, I was good til the last third of the book and then finished in one sitting. Her books are simply amazing! I try to read a few other books in between so hers last longer, but it is very hard to resist. But I did reread Still Life and enjoyed it just as much the 2nd time.
Reenie wrote: "Hello, my name is Reenie and I've just discovered the wonderful world of The Three Pines, thank you very much to my local library, and of course Louise Penny. I hoping to find some other lovers o..." Hello, my name is SD. I too have just discovered Louise Penny's "Three Pines" world. And though I'm not Canadian, I think she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her poetic style of writing.
Reenie wrote: "Paula, what a wonderful way to describe finding these books! I think the Three Pines is just as magical as Narnia, in its own special way."I finished How the Light Gets In last night and when I woke up this morning, this thought popped into my head: These books are like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Three Pines is like the Shire. There are small stories but the larger one has to do with the striving of good to overcome evil and the people who believe it is possible and do great things to make it so. So, Narnia- yes. I see that!
My name is Alison! I reread the first 2 books in this series & just finished the third. Im planning on reading the whole series. Im absolutely in love with it and am devastated Three Pines isn’t real! I have 2 cats, studying to be a PA, read to escape, and consider myself an artist 😊
I wish Three Pines really existed also. Still, it is supposedly based on a real area in Canada and I have it on my bucket list to visit!
I found the website for it! I sent it to my boyfriend and am gonna make him go with me!
Three Pines is partially in Knowlton. There's a Bistro in the downtown area right on the corner and a bookstore down the road. Someone has actually put up a Three Pines cutout on the lawn across from the bookstore, the one where Louise Penny did her last book signing. You get the feeling of being in Three Pines when you're there and the business owners are benefiting. Check it out, everyone!
Susan, I found the movie online at Acorn TV, but you must have a subscription. It's not expensive and they offer a lot of British shows, many of which have appeared on public television in the U.S.