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“Four Letters of Love” by Niall Williams

by | Apr 18, 2023 | , ,

I can’t believe I have only just discovered Niall Williams and feel I should apologize for picking yet another Irish author but I simply cannot help myself. This debut novel was first published in 1997. The writing is beautiful, and the story mind-blowing. And what’s more I have just learnt that it is being made into a movie this year! The setting is Southern Ireland and the story centers on two young characters Nicholas Coughlan and Isabel Gore who live on opposite sides of the country. The plot twists are totally unpredictable, both heartbreaking and heartwarming right to the very end. If I say anymore I will get carried away and ruin your enjoyment. I LOVED this book!

Here’s a couple of other books by Niall Williams that you can borrow from MCFL:

‘The Red Notebook’ by Antoine Laurain

by | Mar 24, 2021 | , ,

I suddenly remembered this wonderful little mystery and love story (not mushy!) while looking through my bookshelves. It’s a quick read but uplifting, and beautifully written. Laurent is a middle-aged bookseller in Paris who finds an abandoned handbag on the street one morning on his way to get coffee. There is nothing inside to say who it belongs to but a red notebook and some photographs. He becomes fascinated by this mysterious woman and so begins the search. His girlfriend is not surprisingly hurt, while his teenage daughter positively encourages him. If you are looking for something light and entertaining this is it!