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Atardecer En París (2012)

by Nicolas Barreau(Favorite Author)

3.63 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Espasa

review 1: The Secret Paris Cinema Club is the first novel that I have read by Nicolas Barreau and it was very enjoyable, an easy read with just the right pace that gave me a warm feeling inside. It is a short book and I read it in a couple of hours but having said that the author certainly manages to pack in plenty of twists in what is ultimately a gorgeous love story. The cover is eye catching and the title memorable and with a wonderful cast of characters this is must read for anyone who enjoys romance with an added hint of mystery.Alain Bonnard is now the owner of a small, timeless cinema called Cinema Paradis in the romantic city of Paris. Having inherited the cinema from his uncle, Alain is determined to uphold the traditions that have kept the business going for so many years.... more No buckets of popcorn, soft drinks or even Hollywood blockbusters can be found in this cinema. Instead Alain shows films that unite people and restore our faith in love. The cinema may not be making huge amounts of money but it is Alain’s main passion and love and he wouldn’t run it any other way. Holding special viewings on Wednesday nights he notices a woman in a red coat who attends regularly. She is always on her own and occupies the same seat every week. After endless consideration and some consultations with his friend Robert, Alain plucks up the courage to talk to the woman named Melanie and before he knows it hours have passed and Alain has fallen head over heels in love. They promise to meet the following Wednesday but Melanie never shows up. So begins Alain’s quest to discover what has happened to his true love.It was a refreshing change to read a love story from the male perspective as the classic boy meets girl, they fall in love, spilt up over something silly and then get back together storyline has been done far too often. I was slightly optimistic that having chatted to a woman for a couple of hours Alain could have fallen so deeply for Melanie but the author writes so convincingly about love and Alain’s search that any doubts I had soon quickly disappeared. At times Alain did seem slightly manic and maybe a bit too obsessed in his search but his friend Robert (a university professor) soon reined him in with his no nonsense, logical, say what you feel attitude. As Alain continues his mission to find Melanie a chance encounter with a film director and a starlet begins to change the fortunes of the cinema. This was one of the many side stories which added positively to the overall story. There were several points where I felt I knew the reason for the sudden disappearance of Melanie but I was proved wrong. I like this aspect of a book where the author has us believing one thing when in fact in this case Nicolas Barreau was leading us completely up the wrong path.The setting of Paris was wonderful, having never been there myself I felt I could visualise the famous landmarks, streets and restaurants as the author had such a wonderful way with words and descriptions. There were numerous minor characters introduced throughout the novel (too many to mention here ) but at no point did I feel as a reader I was becoming overloaded with information. All the little stories of these characters only added to the magic and romance pouring from nearly every page. Nicolas Barreau takes the reader on a wonderful journey full of romance and beauty. The story will reaffirm that love at first sight can happen and how fate seems to have a role to play .If a couple are meant to be together nothing will stop them overcoming every obstacle. Pick up this book now and be prepared to transport yourself to the wonderful city of Paris and fall in love with the story of Alain. Hopefully one day we may see this story on the big screen in a cinema similar to that owned by Alain. Many thanks to the publisher for sending me this in return for an honest review.
review 2: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.Alain Bonnard owns a small independent cinema in the magical city of Paris. He grew up there,inspired by his Uncle who owned the cinema, his love of film grew. When his Uncle died he was left the cinema. Quitting his job he has poured his heart and soul into refurbishing the place, keeping it as traditional as possible. Amongst all the changes introduced is the late Wednesday showing of old films. Alain soon comes to recognise his regulars, including the woman in the red coat. After seeing her week after week Alain finally asks the woman in the red coat out for a drink. But soon after their first date she vanishes. Alain sets off on a quest to find his true love, taking a remarkable trip along the way.From the beginning this book gives you a warm glow. The back of the book says 'Curl up and enter the nostalgic world of cinema: a Parisian Notting Hill with all the charm of Chocolat'. And it's true. This is just the type of book you can curl up with. The story line, with it's meandering Paris scenes, quirky characters and tales involving Hollywood stars and acerbic astrophysicists is has a cinematic quality. I would liken it to the written version of Amelie, quirky, slightly avant garde and charming.I loved the setting of the novel. I could almost see myself meandering along the streets of Paris or down by the Seine or sitting in one of the street cafes as Alain walked by. It added to the charm of the story and indeed I don't think the story would have been the same had it been set anywhere else.The characters were all well round. I particularly liked Robert, Alain's plain talking, lady killing friend, who told things as he saw them. Alain at times sometimes seemed a little manic bordering on the obsessive. Luckily Nicolas Barreau, a pseudonym by the way, manages to reign him him and retains enough charm and sense to stop him becoming scarily obsessed.Yes, some bits are a little far-fetched, but ultimately this is a gentle paced, charming, enjoyable read. I'll be looking out for more work by Nicolas Barreau, and his alter-ego if I ever find out who they are! less

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