In the Café of Lost Youth | 
pick3 narrators see cafe life through a enigmatic patron Louki, the 4th narrator is Louki herself . Full of mystery & mood , a beautiful portrait of Paris , of how people from all walks of life interact in the cafe. A love story to one‘s past , interwoven with the inevitability of loss & change. I wanted to stay in that world. 1st book read for #14books14weeks
Hope they are all this good!
pickWhat a lovely, gently told story this is. 4 voices in 4 sections give differing perspectives on a time in Paris, a time of youth for 3 of them. I was intrigued; it all seemed so light. Upon reaching the end, I was compelled to return to earlier parts. My understanding found its way, yet the mystery endured: “When we really love someone, we‘ve got to accept their role in the mystery.†Youth & a woman named Louki reside there: it‘s worth a visit.
pickThe setting is Paris 1950s. A place where writers and artists converged in cafes and bars. This book brings together narratives of four people, one of which is the heroine herself. Through their narratives, we are immersed in the Parisian atmosphere. There‘re constant references to streets, boulevards, and buildings names, which can be tiresome, but maybe that‘s the purpose, to show the city itself is a character in the book. The writing..⬇ï¸
pickBeautiful. A French author, nonetheless. I love the title and could envision myself frequenting such a place. And, I love nyrb Classics.
pickA wrenching and profoundly readable novella about longing and lost time, space, and experiences. I‘m sure I‘ll come back to this book again and again, if I can bear it
pickRead this on the train from New York to Boston. A short, mysterious book, more shadow than light. Modiano is a master storyteller, expertly drawing a portrait of a waiflike figure through four different perspectives. Enigmatic and absorbing. Plus, you know, Paris.
pick3âï¸ One cafe, four narrators, the past and the present. Reading this novel is like watching a movie in sepia color. Everything floats with melancholy 😌 A perfect book for a rainy day 🌧 #nyrb #nyrbclassics
I opened the book and this.... 😻 I think I‘ll love this tiny book
From my #nyrb #tbr stack... Louki seems to attract many admirers with her #angeleyes and this novel is told from their perspectives as well as hers. Modiano depicts Paris in the 1950‘s and the secret world of “writers, criminals, drinkers, and driftersâ€... a perfect combination 😉
#abbainaugust
As usual when reading a translation, I wish I had the skill to read the original work. Then I wouldn't be wondering what it is about the authors writing style, or language of writing (in this case French), that made the translator choose the highly unusual construction "I stood standing there". ?
Just over an hour to go. I'm feeling refreshed after my nap and coffee (and Sherlock). Time for something different. (And short.) #Readathon
so-soNot certain about this one. Which may be the point. It's a beautifully written book. The concept of briefly writing about the same character through four narrators is interesting. Modiano does well in giving the point of view narrators distinctive voices. There's no distinct plot or story here. Maybe it's the setting, Paris in the 50s, but it reminded me of the feel of French New Wave cinema. If you want to explore style, you'll enjoy this.
In most books, there's at least one passage that speaks directly to me. Found the one in this book.
pickPatrick Modiano continues to impress me. He knows how to capture loneliness and write about memories
"Nuestro encuentro, cuando lo pienso ahora, me parece el encuentro de dos personas que no tenÃan raÃces en la vida. Creo que los dos estábamos solos en el mundo."
pickThe bookclub at my bookshop read this one this month and I loved it!! I'm so glad we picked it, I can't wait to read more of his books.
Looking forward to my latest library haul and the last books of my 100 book Goodreads reading challenge! I'm new to Modiano, but after the first few pages I think I'm hooked.
"For me, Autumn has never been a sad season. The dying leaves and the days that grow shorter and shorter have never evoked the end of something for me but instead brought with them anticipation for the future."
pickReally liked this one. A very atmospheric look at a women told through men who barely knew her, as well as one chapter told through her view point.
pickQuiet and almost plotless novel that would have been a Truffaut film had it existed when he was making movies. Didn't quite blow my hair back but I really liked how Modiano structured the story (also quite short).
