George Nicoleau is 83, widowed, and subject to some health issues, but he and his slightly younger neighbor Charles have planned an exciting journey, driving (not cycling) the route of the Tour de France. The two have dreamed and planned for months, but just when they are about to set off complications arise when George's granddaughter Adele calls, saying that her mother (George's over-protective daughter, who is incommunicado in Peru) has insisted she check on George frequently.
Since George will not be home, this unlooked for complication could derail the trip. The problem is resolved with the help of Charles' son-in-law. The calls are diverted from the landline to a cell phone much to the astonishment of both George and Charles, and the two take off as planned.
For both men, this is a trip of a lifetime for many reasons. Neither of them have traveled much, both are elderly, and neither have much familiarity with technology. George must learn to text in order to communicate with Adele, and his experience in learning "the language" is both funny and endearing. His fear and frustration echo the same feelings that older people (including myself) often feel when confronted with new technology, but when he finally "gets" it, George is captivated with his new form of communication.
A gentle story that deals with aging, relationships, and the willingness to take risks regardless of one's age, George's Grand Tour is itself a tour de force-- in a very tender and refreshing way. Vermalle's characters are charming and genuine, and her obvious delight in George and his grand tour is half the fun.
Winner of the Prix Nouveau Talent and The Prix Chronos
My thanks to Meryl Zegarek and Rachel Hundert for this lovely little book.
Contemporary Fiction. 2009; English trans. 2015. 224 pages.
Sounds good, will add it to my Amazon Wish List.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it!
DeleteOh this sounds heartwarming! Will have to add it to my radar.
ReplyDeleteA tender little book that addresses aging and relationships, it manages to be both light-hearted and poignant at the same time. It was a pleasure!
DeleteThis appeared in my mailbox too and I have been debating about reading it. It sounds charming but I have been worried it is a bit too sweet. Perhaps I will give it try after all
ReplyDeleteI didn't find it too sweet, maudlin, or manipulative. Those are qualities that tend to annoy me, but again, everyone's opinion about what is "too" varies. I disliked Tuesdays with Morrie for those reasons, but I've never found anyone else who felt that way. :\
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