Book Review: Soft In The Head by Marie-Sabine Roger

Monday, June 13, 2016
Book Review: Soft In The Head by Marie-Sabine Roger
Another day, another book review and this one was very kindly sent for review by the super lovely people at Pushkin Press! I thought that I was more of a fantasy, mystery, magical realism and classic book reader but I actually think I'm more of an eclectic reader as I loved this book. So if like me you don't think a genre is particularly for you, just give it a go and you might be pleasantly surprised. 

His mother called him a worthless halfwit while his fellow drunks at the local bar ensure he's the butt of all their jokes. He spends his days whittling wood, counting pigeons and adding his own name to the bottom of the list on the town war memorial. So how could Germain possibly understand what a casual encounter on a park bench with eighty-five year old Margueritte could mean? In this touchingly comic tale of an unusual friendship, that first conversation opens a door into a world Germain could never have imagined-the world of books and ideas-and gives both him and Margueritte a chance at a happiness they thought had passed them by.

*Soft In The Head (£8.99) is Marie-Sabine Roger's first adult novel and the award winning translator is Frank Wynne. The book is 224 pages, it's published by Pushkin Press and it was adapted into the film, My Afternoons with Margueritte in 2010 which I'll definitely have to watch! 

The book follows Germain, a man who's life hasn't been a walk in the park...well a walk in the park with diversions, potholes, pigeons and a load of ungrateful and rude people but one day he comes across an elderly woman who changes his lives for the better. I loved the relationship between the somewhat naive and single minded Germain and the well read, sweet and intelligent Margueritte; their relationship is an unlikely one but it leads to a mutually loving and endearing friendship that demonstrates how books can bring people together and that you never know how new relationships could affect your life. The writing is quick and easy to read but it has a directness that I think shows the directness of Germain and I think it also shows life in a unguarded and raw form rather than sugar coating the more difficult and ugly parts of Germain's life. I read the book in a  day as it's such a quick read but the story will stay with me for much, much longer. I adored the ending, it was so incredibly sweet and I wish I could gush about it but I obviously don't want to give anything away. 

Overall, I love the cover and the writing style as well as the storyline, it's such a heartwarming and endearing story of the power of books, friendship and how you never know what life if going to throw at you, it might be the best thing that has happened. The book will be released on the 23rd June and I can't recommend it enough! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

Will you be picking up this book? What are you currently reading? 

8 comments

  1. I love the sound of this book, I love the uncertainties in life and this book seems like it touches bases with the reality of life :)

    Serene | I Am Serene L

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  2. I watched my afternoon with Marguerite and I had no clue it was adapted from this book. I liked the film, so I might check it out! x

    Ela BellaWorld

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  3. I think this is probably one of the few books I probably won't add to my list. But it is long enough as it is. :)
    Angie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

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  4. This sounds like such a good book, and the cover is so pretty! Love your blog, by the way. :)

    http://pinklemonadeandpaperbacks.blogspot.co.uk/

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