Cecile: A Novel [Hardcover]

Janine Boissard (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With this final installment in the life of the Moreau family (Christmas Lessons, A Time to Choose) a sad event becomes a source of growth for all. Particularly for Cecile, the youngest of Dr. Moreau's four lively daughters, affectionately nicknamed "The Pest," her father's sudden death provokes grief heavily laced with guilt. She fears that her penchant for becoming involved in situations from which her father was forced to rescue her caused the strain on his heart. As Cecile adjusts to living alone with her mother in their much-loved, shabby house outside Paris, the nearby close-knit family of sisters, their husbands and children fill the gap left by Dr. Moreau's death. Cecile's 18-year-old worldly wisdom and ebullience are captured in a lively translation that brings this attractive family saga to a satisfying conclusion.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA In this coming-of-age novel, 18-year-old Cecile, youngest of 4 sisters, is impatient with her nicknamethe Pestand her mundane life. Through her involvement with a self-destructive actor and a mysterious, caring stranger; one sister's marital problems and gifted four-year-old son; and the death of her father, Cecile comes to appreciate the stability of her home and the quiet strength of her family. The characters of her father, the sympathetic, adored Dr. Moreau, and a neighbor are particularly well-developed. Details of the countryside, food, and wine contribute to the French setting, which many YAs should find exotic. Fourth in a series about the Moreau family. Alice Conlon, University of Houston
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (T); 1st English-language ed edition (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316101036
• ISBN-13: 978-0316101035
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,173,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing finale to a wonderful series, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cecile (Mass Market Paperback)

It took me eight years to find the sequel to "A Time to Choose" and the final installment of the whole "Famille Moreau" series. As well, "A Time To Choose" is one of my all-time favorite books, one I reread each and every year. So, in all probablility, my expectations were far too high for this book. It may have been Mary Feeney's translation, but ultimately, the faults lie with Ms. Boissard herself.

Cecile Moreau, the youngest of the four Moreau daughters, has just turned eighteen. When last we saw her she was a preteen child, known by all as "The Pest". Though prone to making annoying comments, she was quite an interesting character in the previous books. So it was a real surprise when this incarnation of Cecile turned out to be so...ordinary. In the first part of the novel, she spends all her time following around this loser named Tanguay. It's obvious to the reader that he--a lazy actor-type--is no good for Cecile. But for someone known for her spunk, she is sorely lacking it at this point.

Even later, when she finally meets a man who respects her, the chemistry is lacking and there is no real reason for them to get together. He seems rather superfluous.

However, most shocking to me was Ms. Boissard's treatment of Cecile's older sister Pauline, heretofore the protagonist of the entire series. Now, she is married to Paul, but things disintegrate so rapidly and so unbelievably it is like "A Time to Choose" had never happened. Were these the characters I had cared about so much in the previous book? I didn't think so. I couldn't believe that Ms. Boissard could have forgotten that Pauline and Paul had weathered all of their problems and flaws together; to suddenly dismiss the progress was a real blow.

Ultimately, this series ends on a slightly sour note.